Most people seek the help and guidance of an employment lawyer when they have concerns about actions taken by their employer. These include several wide-reaching issues including nonpayment of wages including overtime, inequitable salaries, termination, discriminatory comments, demotion, harassment – and the list goes on.

Even though there are an array of issues, most people seeking the help of a lawyer have one thing in common – they don’t know what to expect when they speak with a lawyer. They usually wonder if they have grounds to make a legal claim and, if they do, what options they have.

You should read the information below to help understand what to expect during a consultation.

Should You Talk to Your Employer if You Are Still Employed?

Are you experiencing ongoing harassment in the workplace? If so, one of the first things to consider is if you have gone to your employer with this grievance.

You may have experienced a negative performance review and are unsure what to do. Sometimes, in these cases, speaking with your direct supervisor or someone from Human Resources can be helpful. However, it is also often scary, especially if it is your supervisor who has created the problem.

In these situations, a lawyer can provide you with information about what to say and what not to say, and give you advice if you notice any “red flags” during your meeting.

What if You Have Recently been Terminated from Your Job?

Sometimes you receive a severance package when your employer terminates your employment. If you do, you may wonder if you should sign the severance agreement. Most severance packages have a deadline for when you must sign. A lawyer can help you figure out if signing makes legal and financial sense, or if you should reject it or attempt to negotiate a better deal.

If you decide you don’t want to sign the severance package, there are a few things that may happen. These include:

• Direct Negotiations: Your attorney works with in-house counsel or your employer’s outside lawyer to negotiate a better deal.
• Private Mediation: If you and your employer cannot find the middle ground when negotiating or if direct negotiations are unsuccessful, a mediator can be hired to help resolve the dispute. A mediator is an uninvolved third party who listens to each side. This process is often recommended because of how successful it can be.
• Arbitration or Litigation: If mediation is unsuccessful, you can file a formal legal claim against your employer.

Keep in mind, though, litigation for employment cases is often complex and lengthy. This means it requires more of a detailed explanation, which is something the best wage and overtime attorneys can help with. Also, many employment cases are settled before going to trial. Unfortunately, this entire process can last for up to two years, or more.

The best thing you can do if you find yourself in this situation is to hire an employment lawyer with experience with these types of cases. Your employment lawyer can help you figure out what path is right for you and your needs. Contact Rowdy Meeks Legal Group for help today.