Step-by-Step Process for Finding Employment Attorneys

Initial Research and Attorney Identification

Bar Association Resources: - State bar association lawyer referral services - Employment law section attorney directories - Continuing legal education program speaker lists - Bar journal articles by employment law specialists - Local bar association employment law committees Professional Organizations: - National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA): Primary organization for plaintiff employment attorneys - American Bar Association Labor and Employment Section: Both plaintiff and defense attorneys - State employment lawyers associations: Local networks of employment specialists - Trial lawyers associations: Attorneys experienced in employment litigation Online Research Resources: - Martindale-Hubbell attorney directory with peer ratings - Avvo attorney profiles with client reviews - Super Lawyers employment law specialist listings - Google and online review research - Law firm websites with attorney biographies and case results Referral Sources: - Other attorneys you know or have used previously - Accountants, financial advisors, and other professionals - Union representatives and employee advocacy organizations - Other harassment victims who had positive attorney experiences - Professional colleagues and industry contacts

Attorney Screening and Evaluation Process

Initial Consultation Preparation: - Organize all documentation chronologically - Prepare concise summary of harassment incidents and impact - List questions about legal process and attorney experience - Research attorney background and case experience - Prepare information about your financial situation and goals Evaluation Criteria for Employment Attorneys: Experience and Specialization: - Years of practice in employment law specifically - Percentage of practice devoted to employment cases - Experience with harassment cases similar to yours - Track record of successful outcomes in employment litigation - Knowledge of relevant federal and state employment laws Case Results and Reputation: - Recent settlements and jury verdicts in employment cases - Peer recognition and professional ratings - Client testimonials and references - Disciplinary record and bar standing - Reputation among judges and opposing counsel Communication and Compatibility: - Clear explanation of legal process and strategy - Responsive communication and availability - Compatible communication style and approach - Understanding of your industry and workplace dynamics - Comfort level and trust in attorney's abilities

Attorney Fee Structures and Arrangements

Contingency Fee Arrangements: - Standard rates: Typically 33-40% of recovery - Sliding scale fees: Lower percentages for larger recoveries - Enhanced fees: Higher percentages for complex or risky cases - Expense arrangements: Who pays costs if case is unsuccessful - Fee negotiation: Discussing fee reduction based on case strength Hourly Fee Structures: - Hourly rates: Typically $200-600+ depending on location and experience - Retainer requirements: Upfront payment for initial work - Billing practices: How time is tracked and billed - Cost estimates: Attorney's assessment of likely total costs - Payment plans: Options for spreading legal costs over time Hybrid and Alternative Fee Arrangements: - Partial contingency: Reduced hourly rate plus contingency percentage - Success bonuses: Additional fees for achieving specific outcomes - Capped fee arrangements: Maximum fee regardless of time spent - Legal expense insurance: Coverage for employment law cases - Pro bono representation: Free legal services for qualifying cases

Sample Questions for Attorney Consultations

Experience and Qualifications Questions: - How many employment law cases do you handle per year? - What percentage of your cases involve workplace harassment? - Have you handled cases similar to mine in terms of industry and harassment type? - What is your success rate in employment cases? - Do you have experience with [specific employer or industry]? Case Strategy and Process Questions: - What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of my case? - What legal theories would you pursue on my behalf? - How long do you expect my case to take? - What challenges do you anticipate in my case? - What would you do differently than what I've done so far? Fee and Cost Questions: - What fee arrangement do you recommend for my case? - What costs should I expect beyond attorney fees? - How do you handle expenses if the case is unsuccessful? - Are there any circumstances that would increase your fees? - Do you offer payment plans or alternative fee arrangements? Communication and Process Questions: - How often will you update me on case progress? - What is your typical response time for client communications? - Will other attorneys or staff work on my case? - What do you expect from me during the legal process? - How do you handle disagreements about case strategy?