What to Expect During Your Consultation with an Employment Lawyer

Whether you’re faced with an unexpected period of unemployment, have suffered from workplace discrimination, or believe that another workers rights violation has been committed, it may be a good idea to seek the guidance of a qualified employment lawyer. Scheduling a free consultation with a labor lawyer is a smart first step toward safeguarding your rights and collecting the maximum amount of benefits available to you.
During this initial consultation, your employment attorney will:

  • Discuss your individual situation and determine what grounds you may have for seeking unemployment compensation
  • Inform you of the rights to which you may be entitled under Florida employment laws
  • Give you their professional opinion as to whether your case will be successful
  • Provide an estimate of any legal fees you might have to pay
  • Determine whether he or she can offer effective representation

What should you bring to the consultation?
To ensure a successful meeting with your labor and employment lawyer, it’s a good idea to do your research and come prepared with all of the necessary information and documentation. Below are some of the most important things to bring with you:

  • Timeline of events: This document should list the entire chronology of events pertaining to your employment issue. Be sure to include as many specifics as possible, such as dates, times, names, and job titles.
  • Contract of employment: If your employer provided you with a formal offer letter or employment contract, you should furnish it to your employment lawyer during your consultation. Conversely, if you’ve recently been fired from your job and received a severance payment agreement, be sure to bring that as well.
  • Employee handbook: This can contain a large amount of helpful information for your labor attorney, including rules, regulations, and employment policies that may pertain to your case. Also bring along any handouts or packets distributed by your Human Resources department or printouts of online policies, if applicable.
  • Related documentation: Be sure to bring any documents that may corroborate your claim, such as emails, handwritten notes, or memos. If you’re pursuing an unfair dismissal case or seeking unemployment compensation, you should also bring any documents that show a reduction in income, work hours, commissions, or bonuses.

Perhaps most importantly, be sure to arrive at your consultation with an open mind. Although your case may seem “open and shut” to you, your labor attorney may have insights into options and nuances you haven’t considered.
Regardless of the employment issue you’re facing, it’s a good idea to schedule a free consultation with a Florida labor and employment attorney who has your best interests in mind.