No matter what side you end up on in a legal dispute at work, whether you're the employer or the employee, one of the most important decisions you'll need to make is choosing the right labor and employment attorney to help you solve your problem. Like choosing a doctor or an accountant, the attorney you pick should be one whom you feel comfortable working with and whom you trust to handle your case. To begin the process of looking for an attorney, you might ask for recommendations from friends or family or talk to an attorney referral center. Be sure to obtain the credentials of several attorneys so you can compare expertise and experience. You'll also want to discuss fees candidly with each lawyer you speak to. The last thing you want to do is end up spending $500 (five hundred dollars) in legal fees and court costs to recover only $100 (one hundred dollars) in back pay. Also, be sure to be as thorough and accurate as possible when presenting the facts of your case to an attorney. The more information you can provide an attorney, the better he or she can assess your situation. After reviewing your case, each attorney, in turn, should give you an idea of whether you have a good claim and what you should do next in terms of litigation or mediation. Ultimately, the attorney you end up choosing should be one you can afford, who is experienced, competent, and willing to work with you. Keep in mind that the sooner you contact an employment law attorney regarding a legal dispute at work, the more options you may have.
