The best wrongful termination lawyers can be hard to find. If you’ve been wrongfully terminated in California and want to seek legal advice, finding the right employment attorney to represent your case can make a huge difference in the outcome. However, the process of selecting a wrongful termination attorney can be daunting if you’ve never had to deal with a wrongful termination case before.
Each employment lawyer at Lawyers for Justice, PC is very experienced in state and federal laws and can help you get what you deserve in the workplace. Here’s what you should know.
Understanding Wrongful Termination in California
Before diving into how to choose a lawyer, you have to understand what constitutes wrongful termination. California is an at-will employment state, so employers can generally terminate employees for any reason or no reason at all, as long as the reason is not illegal. Wrongful termination occurs when an employee is wrongfully fired for reasons that violate state or federal law.
Common examples of wrongful termination include:
- Employment Discrimination: Being fired due to race, gender, religion, age, disability, or other protected class.
- Retaliation: Being terminated for reporting illegal activity, harassment, or unsafe work conditions.
- Violation of Employment Contracts: When an employer breaches a written or implied employment contract that guarantees certain job security.
So, how do you find the best law firm near you to help? Here’s what to look for:
1. Experience in Employment Law
When selecting an attorney for a wrongful termination claim, it’s crucial to choose someone who specializes in employment law, specifically wrongful termination cases. Employment law is a specialized area with its own unique set of regulations, and wrongful termination claims require specific legal knowledge. Lawyers for Justice, PC focuses on the nuances of local and state labor regulations and can help you best navigate a wrongful termination case in California.
Look for attorneys with several years of experience handling cases similar to yours, especially those with a successful track record of representing clients in wrongful termination disputes. Many attorneys will list their areas of specialization on their websites or legal profiles, so start by checking these resources. Lawyers for Justice, PC has recovered over $1 million for California workers.
2. Reputation and Reviews
One of the most reliable ways to gauge the competence of an attorney is through client reviews and peer recognition. Additionally, awards or recognitions from legal organizations can indicate that the lawyer is respected in their field. Look for distinctions such as “Super Lawyer” rankings, as these can provide a sense of the attorney’s standing among their peers.
3. Success Rate and Track Record
During your free consultation, ask about the attorney’s success rate with wrongful termination cases. Although every case is different, a lawyer with a high success rate is likely to be skilled in arguing wrongful termination claims. Ask about their experience and how often they’ve won or settled cases in their clients’ favor.
During your consultation, you can also ask about their strategy. An attorney with a strong understanding of wrongful termination cases will likely have a detailed plan for how they’ll approach your case, including how they’ll gather evidence, present your claim, and negotiate with the employer.
4. Understanding of California Law
Employment laws can differ greatly from state to state, so it’s essential to choose a lawyer who is well-versed in California employment law. California has some of the most employee-friendly laws in the nation, particularly around wrongful termination, discrimination, and retaliation claims.
Make sure that the lawyer you choose understands key laws like:
- The California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), which provides protections against discrimination and retaliation.
- California’s Labor Code, which covers wage issues, retaliation claims, and whistleblower protections.
- Wrongful termination precedents specific to California, which could influence your case’s outcome.
An attorney with deep knowledge of these laws will know how to best position your case and may be able to leverage state-specific rules in your favor.
5. Communication and Accessibility
The legal process can be long and complex, so it’s crucial to have an attorney who is responsive and communicative throughout the process. Ask potential attorneys about their communication style during your initial consultation. Will you be able to contact them directly, or will you primarily deal with their office staff? How quickly do they typically respond to emails or phone calls?
You want an attorney who will keep you informed about your case’s progress, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance on next steps. Poor communication can lead to misunderstandings or even jeopardize your case.
6. Fees and Costs
Legal fees can be a major concern, especially if you’ve recently lost your job. Most employment lawyers, including Lawyers for Justice, PC, handle wrongful termination cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win your case or reach a settlement. This fee is usually a percentage of the settlement amount or awarded damages.
When discussing fees with an attorney, ask for a clear breakdown of how much they charge and any potential out-of-pocket costs you might incur, such as filing fees or expert witness fees. Make sure you understand their fee structure and are comfortable with it before moving forward.
7. Personal Fit and Trust
Finally, it’s important to choose a lawyer you feel comfortable working with. Wrongful termination cases can be emotionally taxing, and you’ll want an attorney who is not only skilled, but also empathetic to your situation. Take time during your consultation to gauge whether you trust the attorney and feel confident in their ability to handle your case.
