Discrimination at workplace, in any form or manner, must not be tolerated. There are various types of employment discrimination. From race and national origin, to gender, disability, pregnancy, and sexual orientation, the list is long. The most common type of discrimination comes in the form of retaliatory action. For example, you complained about a senior, who was passing lewd remarks at you, and in return, you were not given a promotion opportunity that you truly deserved. In such circumstances, talking to a known and skilled employment discrimination lawyer in Austin can be handy. Here is a quick guide on how to hire one.
Ask around
References are really handy when it comes to employment lawyers, because you need someone who has experience with cases similar to yours. Talk to your friends, colleagues, and family members to know about lawyers they may have worked with. Alternatively, check for known lawyers in your area. Remember that you need an attorney, who is board-certified in Labor and Employment by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.
Meet your lawyer in person
Once you have found a good employment lawyer, the next step is to ask for an appointment. The first meeting with a lawyer is typically complementary, so you should consider seeing the employment lawyer anyway. Here are some of the basic questions you must ask –
- What do you think of this case?
- How long have you been practicing as an employment lawyer?
- Do you just work for employees and executives? Or do you represent companies too?
- Will you handle this case personally?
- How can I get updates on my case?
An experienced employment lawyer would be able to give you a fair idea of the possible outcomes, but before anything else, they will check if you have a case in the first place.
Discussing the costs
Filing an employment discrimination lawsuit may be more complicated than you think. There could be court costs and other litigation expenses, for which you may have to pay upfront. As for the fee of the employment lawyer, it depends on the facts and nature of the case. For selected lawsuits, an employment lawyer may work on a contingency basis, where they only get paid if there is any recovery.
If you want to know more, ask the lawyer how much you can expect in compensation (if at all), and how long the case may continue.
