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03 Jul, 2017 by Chrissy
I was referred to Virginia after being terminated from a position of over 5 years with no notice. Friends had told me that Virginia had experience with this same employer in a different case, and there was a positive outcome. This job meant the world to me. I was a dedicated employee with national awards to back up my performance. However, I was experiencing sexist remarks for almost the entire duration of my tenure there. After a particularly loud and hostile confrontation, I finally told my supervisor that I was going to go against the advice of HR and final a formal grievance. I was fired 4 days later.
When I first met with Virginia I was a total wreck. I sobbed almost our entire meeting, and I wasn’t even sure myself of what I was looking for out of our initial meeting. She listened patiently, and at the end of my story she gave me a very honest account of what it would look like to pursue a lawsuit. She didn’t paint a rosy version of events, and she didn’t even commit to taking on the case. Instead, she told me what I would need to do to prepare, and gave me a choice.
Throughout the case I felt confident that I was in good hands. Virginia was always open to questions, trustworthy, and diligent in her preparation of evidence. I truly believe that her reputation of ironclad groundwork played an emotional role in the final decision of my past employer.
Virginia understood my needs from this endeavor where greater than the financial outcome. We have many healing (albeit concise) conversations about how these types of cases influence organizational behavior. In the end, I felt like I got to experience justice thanks to Virginia. I would recommend her to anyone.
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17 Apr, 2017 by Margaret
It is never a good way to start the New Year being terminated from your current position. Not only was I taken by surprise when the HR Director asked to speak with me early morning of Jan 10, 2017, she was the only person besides myself in the the meeting. I was given termination paperwork and told that I had 21 days to return it if I was going to receive any type of additional severance from the company. I was also told that I should be able to collect unemployment. Considering it was only myself and the HR Director in the meeting - it would come down to my word against hers if I was unable to collect unemployment or if there was an issue with the termination/severance paperwork. Virginia was able do an initial phone consult with me which put my mind at ease during this stressful time. She let me know what information and paperwork she needed from me to review my case and a fair estimate of the cost involved in the review. I put together all the necessary documentation and met with her at her Downtown Tacoma office. Meeting Virginia in person was one of the best things to come out of my employment being terminated from my previous employer in Fife. Virginia reviewed the paperwork and settlement agreement and set up a phone consult to let me know what she found. I was able to ask questions of her on the phone and was given step by step changes to the wording of the settlement agreement that she recommended. She explained some of the legal wording that was listed so that I would be able to understand what my previous employer was trying to impose on me. Talking to Virginia gave me the confidence to stand up to my previous employer and to ask for changes to be made to the settlement agreement that was mutually beneficial to both parties involved. If I had not contacted Virginia, I probably would have just signed the paperwork and took my chances. I am so glad that my previous employer made the necessary changes to the paperwork that Virginia recommended. I felt like I left the company on my terms, rather than theirs. I was able to collect unemployment as well. I have gone to work for another company and am grateful that Virginia was able to help out during the transition from unemployed to employed. I would recommend her to anyone looking for guidance/legal advise as a result of an employment termination. I will use Virginia's Legal services in the future if I find myself unemployed again or in a motor vehicle accident. She takes the time to communicate with you and follows-up in a timely manner. So many legal issues now a days are so time sensitive. I received e-mails from her over the weekend as well as in the evening. She genuinely cares about her clients.
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07 Apr, 2017 by Cynthia
After working in the workforce for decades and having numerous encounters with discrimination, I had never sought the advice of a lawyer. Rationale was that it was too hard to relive the incidents over and even harder to try to prove that the actions of your employer were discriminatory. The behavior of my current employer became so egregious and unprofessional I had to seek consultation on either to sue or plan an exit strategy. I called and left a message and Virginia called me back while in training out-of-state. She spoke to me multiple times and instructed me on what she needed to get started while still away from the office. I was impressed right away with her efficiency!
As instructed, I provided her with input. She reviewed my input and we setup a date to meet. Prior to meeting, she was honest and informed me right away that she was not inclined to take my case on. When we met she asked some pointed questions and allowed me to talk, while she attentively listened. She observed my body language and passion. She then assessed my current situation and cared enough to tell me about what she could see in me as an individual being that she had been in employment law for 28 years. She offered me alternatives (i.e., a referral for potential employment elsewhere and/or encouraged me to do more with my small business). In addition, she clarified that even though she was not willing to take on my potential case another lawyer may view my current situation differently. She informed me of the statutory limitations, if I wanted to pursue further.
Based on her feedback, it validated what I already knew, removing all emotions. Her neutral, but caring, review brought me peace that I had not experienced since my encounter with my employer two months prior and it resolved issues I had internally NOT dealt with for decades. I will always be thankful for her efficient, honest and forthright consultation. The universe gives you what your heart desires. For me, it was meeting and consulting with Virginia DeCosta.
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21 Feb, 2023 by Alicia
She is one of the fastest most efficient attorneys. She has helped me out on two complicated cases. Not only did she get them resolved, but she got them done quickly.
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20 Jun, 2019 by Anonymous
SaraEllen Hutchinson is an excellent lawyer in consumer protection. I was trying to handle a problem myself with one of the credit reporting agencies. It was going on for 7 months, and not only was I getting nowhere, it was actually getting worse. I was scared, angry, and completely locked out of my credit report, while ID thieves were in. I called SaraEllen's office on a Friday at 5:00 pm. She emailed me the same evening, and by Monday morning she was handling my case. She has a strong working relationship with other lawyers, and within 2 months she had everything corrected. She represented me and handled everything with professionalism, and her knowledge of the credit protection laws. I am so happy with the outcome, and if I ever need need help in this area of law again, I won't hesitate hiring her!
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07 Jan, 2017 by Candicejade tajalle-crisostomo
My attorney SaraEllen, has given me the opportunity to have a fresh start in building a career for myself. SaraEllen has helped me get through a very emotional and terrifying experience with debt collection at the age of 20. She has been motivated and strong willed through out my whole case and also helping me dispute other problems that I wasn't even sure was possible without having to just bite the bullet and take it as it came at me. She was very knowledgable and taught me how to stand up for myself in situations that I knew nothing about. SaraEllen is a person who I would definitely recommend to anyone who is in need of help with any circumstances similar to mine.
Thank you so much, SaraEllen you are the absolute BEST!
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16 Nov, 2014 by Shadrach
Andrea worked on a contract dispute case for my company. She was thorough and communicated in business and legal terms that were easily understandable. She handled the case effectively and was well prepared for legal filings and punctual for all meetings and proceedings. The matter was resolved quickly due to Andrea's honest and straightforward approach, I highly recommend working with her.
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15 Sep, 2024 by Ray blumhoff
We are extremely satisfied with the work our attorney, John Ladenburg,Jr. did in recovering damages for us from a national insurance company. He was highly recommended to us and we, in turn, recommend him to anyone having difficulty with big insurance companies. Great job! Excellent outcome!!
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04 Sep, 2024 by Victoria hill
Ladenburg law helped me solve my auto claim quickly and professionally. They took great care to ensure my needs were met, and that I was getting the proper care for my injuries. For responsive, caring and thoughtful service, Ladenburg Law is the way to go!
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21 Aug, 2024 by Marianne b.
If you’ve ever had the frustrating experience of trying to deal with an insurance company that refused to negotiate, you’ll know what a relief it was to turn everything over to John Ladenburg at Ladenburg Law Offices. Mr. Landenburg did an awesome job of winning a very satisfactory settlement from a company that had ignored our concerns. Mr. Ladenburg’s experience, expertise, and determination to win a fair settlement was evident. We are so grateful to him and his very supportive staff for such a positive outcome.
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02 Aug, 2024 by Martin wilson
Eric is a fantastic lawyer and help me figure out how to negotiate a difficult situation. Highly recommend him and his team.
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10 May, 2024 by Rose rose
I am grateful James took my case and brought it to his team.
Janelle is a brilliant tactician with impressive law expertise and great negotiation skills. She is so sharp, kind, easy to work with, and awesome in general. Her confidence is inspiring and even though it was a lawsuit, she helped me have a positive experience. Every step of the way I felt lucky to have her on my side.
Desiree made communication easy and professional and I always felt they had all the ducks in a row.
Overall I would highly recommend this team. They were great to work with.
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12 Jan, 2024 by Kristi smith
Fantastic legal team! Smart, strategic, skilled and supportive. From the beginning James and Eric looked out for my best interests and were unwavering in fighting for me to get the best result from a terrible situation. I feel so fortunate to have had them on my side. I give them my highest recommendation!
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19 Sep, 2024 by Paul peterhans
When I think of my time with Cindy Wysocki, Esq., tears of deep gratitude literally come to my eyes as I recall her strength and gentleness, her humor and sharp critical thinking, her willingness to get into the ultimate fighting cage we call the judicial system and her reluctance to throw a punch, and her commitment to fairness and open-hearted compassion. To the lawyer or firm across the virtual table, Cindy must seem formidable and relentless. To me as her client-friend, she was comforting, encouraging, and grounding. I never had to yield my voice or stuff down my questions. AND, Cindy held my concerns and fears, my heightened emotions and (sometimes) clear intuitive insights respectfully while guiding them in positive, productive ways. And best of all, Cindy knew me well enough at the end of a grueling process to be able to then assist and guide me in my needs to safeguard my estate and financial assets to be sure to leave them secure for the ones I love the most. Above all, I am forever grateful to Cindy for accompanying me as a caring fellow human being during one of the most devastating times of my personal life journey. She stayed by my side through unprecedented conditions, with unconditional care and concern, as one of the few who did in my life. Cindy is a legal Bodhisattva!!
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13 Sep, 2024 by Meg gluckman
I love sending my clients to Cindy! I know she cares deeply about helping them navigate divorce in a way that will leave everyone feeling whole and hopeful about the future. Her focus on creating durable parenting plans that center kids, while appreciating the uniqueness of the each family, makes referring her to parents a no-brainer for me.
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31 Aug, 2024 by Juliana schroeder
Cheryl helped me with a military divorce issue.
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21 Aug, 2024 by J b
I would recommend these lawyers to anyone needing Personal Injury litigation. Allen McKenzie is a great attorney and did his due diligence in presenting our successful counter claim. He found paperwork to prove our case that I was surprised he was able to obtain. Again, Mr McKenzie did a great job litigating my case!
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21 Aug, 2024 by A00141799
I was represented by Mr. Richard Wooster of Kram & Wooster for a civil case involving a wrongful termination from 2015 to settlement in 2018. After a short consultation Mr. Wooster took me on as a client. From the beginning Mr. Wooster listened to me as I explain what I experienced with my employer and quickly identified a number of occasions where my rights had been ignored or deliberately violated. He then went on the attack on my behalf. First filing a complaint with the EEOC that a law suit in federal court.
As my case proceed during this process we met regularly in person and by phone and I was always kept informed with all matter regarding the status of my case and what to expect next. Whenever I had a question or became anxious he would talk me through my options and assure me the we were in control of the process. He went to great lengths to explain important legal terms and procedures to me and my family so that we could remain calm and confident throughout the process. He coached and prepared me for my deposition and for trail. However, he was able to obtain a generous settlement for me and avoid trail.
Mr. Wooster knows how to use the law to his clients advantage. He was not intimidated by judges or the big dollar corporate attorneys that my employer threw at us and never let anyone take advantage of me. His experience and understanding of the legal process meant nothing caught us by surprised or unprepared.
He kept all financial matters and transactions involving my case open and transparent. I received regular invoices detailing cost, fees etc and explanations for them. All fees, and expense were discussed and determined by me to be fair and reasonable.
I could not have been more satisfied with my experience at Kram & Wooster. When they represent you they are completely on your side. Mr. Wooster managed every aspect of my case with great professionalism, confidence and poise. The entire staff at Kram & Wooster treated me and my family with dignity and great concern. I'd give them 10 STARS if I could. The outcome they helped me obtain really changed my life.
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21 Aug, 2024 by Diana parra
Abogados con experiencia en discriminación, empleo, asuntos laborales y derecho familiar, etc. Saben de todo y uno de ellos habla español y tiene experiencia en casos de inmigración!
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11 Oct, 2023 by Crystal engelhart malang
17 Sep, 2023 by Shari o'donnell
Got same form letter that I got last time I called over a year ago. Uncaring....all talk. Pass.
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25 May, 2023 by Tom baltic (rich jobe)
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FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Discrimination Lawyer Can Do for You
A discrimination lawyer specializes in handling cases where individuals or groups face unfair treatment based on protected characteristics, such as race, gender, age, religion, national origin, disability, or sexual orientation. These lawyers assist clients in filing discrimination claims, representing them in legal proceedings, and ensuring that their rights under federal, state, and local laws are upheld. Discrimination cases may arise in employment, housing, education, public accommodations, or other settings.
Whether you’ve been discriminated against at work, denied housing, or treated unfairly in other areas of life, a discrimination lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and seek compensation or corrective action.
When Should I Hire a Discrimination Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a discrimination lawyer in several situations where unfair treatment occurs based on protected characteristics. Common scenarios include:
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Employment Discrimination:
- Workplace discrimination: If you’ve been treated unfairly at work because of your race, gender, disability, religion, age, sexual orientation, or another protected status, a lawyer can help you file a claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or a similar state agency.
- Wrongful termination: If you were fired due to discrimination or retaliation for reporting discriminatory behavior, a lawyer can assist with filing a lawsuit and seeking compensation for lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages.
- Failure to promote: If you’ve been denied a promotion or opportunities due to discriminatory practices, a lawyer can investigate the claim and represent you in legal actions against your employer.
- Harassment: If you’ve experienced workplace harassment, such as sexual harassment or a hostile work environment based on your race, gender, or other characteristics, a lawyer can help you pursue legal remedies.
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Housing Discrimination:
- Denial of housing: If you’ve been denied housing due to your race, disability, family status, or other protected factors, a lawyer can help you file a complaint with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) or sue the landlord or property manager for violating the Fair Housing Act.
- Unfair rental practices: If a landlord or property manager treats you unfairly based on discriminatory factors (e.g., refusing reasonable accommodations for a disability), a lawyer can help you enforce your rights.
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Education Discrimination:
- Discrimination in schools: If you or your child has faced discrimination in an educational setting based on race, disability, gender, or religion, a lawyer can help you file complaints under laws like Title VI, Title IX, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
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Public Accommodations:
- Denial of services: If a business or public service has discriminated against you based on race, gender, disability, or other protected characteristics, a lawyer can assist you in filing a complaint or lawsuit under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other anti-discrimination laws.
Hiring a discrimination lawyer early can help protect your rights and ensure that your claim is filed within legal deadlines.
What Does a Discrimination Lawyer Do?
A discrimination lawyer provides a range of legal services to help individuals and groups fight against discriminatory practices. Their responsibilities often include:
- Filing discrimination claims: A lawyer can help you file a complaint with government agencies, such as the EEOC, HUD, or your state’s human rights commission. They ensure that your claim is properly documented and filed within required time limits.
- Investigating discrimination claims: Discrimination lawyers gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review documents to build a strong case for proving discriminatory practices.
- Negotiating settlements: In many cases, a lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the employer, landlord, or other party involved in the discrimination case, seeking compensation or corrective action without going to trial.
- Representing clients in court: If your case goes to court, a lawyer will represent you during hearings, present evidence, and argue your case before a judge or jury.
- Handling retaliation claims: If you face retaliation for filing a discrimination complaint or reporting discriminatory practices, a lawyer can help you pursue a retaliation claim.
- Advising on legal rights: A discrimination lawyer explains your legal rights under federal and state anti-discrimination laws, such as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, the ADA, the Fair Housing Act, and others.
How Are Discrimination Lawyers Paid?
Discrimination lawyers typically charge for their services based on the complexity of the case and the expected duration of the legal process. Common payment structures include:
- Contingency fee: Many discrimination lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they win or settle the case. Their fee is usually a percentage of the settlement or court award, typically ranging from 25% to 40%.
- Hourly rate: For cases that don’t involve a contingency fee arrangement, some lawyers charge by the hour. Hourly rates for discrimination lawyers generally range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on the lawyer’s experience and the case’s complexity.
- Flat fee: For simpler legal tasks, such as drafting a discrimination complaint or providing legal advice, some lawyers may charge a flat fee.
- Pro bono or reduced fees: Some discrimination lawyers offer pro bono (free) or reduced-fee services, especially in cases involving low-income clients or significant civil rights issues.
It’s important to discuss fee arrangements during your initial consultation to ensure that you understand the total cost of legal services and how payment will be handled.
How Much Does a Discrimination Lawyer Cost?
The cost of hiring a discrimination lawyer depends on factors like the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the potential for a settlement or trial. General cost estimates include:
- Contingency fees: If the lawyer works on a contingency basis, their fee will typically range from 25% to 40% of any settlement or court award. For example, if you win a settlement of $50,000 and the lawyer’s fee is 30%, they would receive $15,000, and you would keep the remaining $35,000.
- Hourly rates: Discrimination lawyers who charge by the hour typically bill between $200 and $600 per hour. For example, a case that takes 20 hours of legal work at $300 per hour would cost $6,000 in legal fees.
- Flat fees: Some legal services, such as filing a discrimination complaint or providing a legal consultation, may be available for a flat fee ranging from $500 to $2,500, depending on the complexity of the task.
- Pro bono or sliding scale fees: In some cases, particularly for low-income individuals, lawyers may offer reduced fees or work pro bono.
Always ask for a detailed estimate of costs during your consultation, and clarify whether the lawyer offers flexible payment options.
Top Questions to Ask a Discrimination Lawyer
Before hiring a discrimination lawyer, it’s important to ask key questions to ensure they have the experience and qualifications to handle your case. Key questions to ask include:
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What experience do you have with discrimination cases?
Ensure that the lawyer has handled discrimination cases similar to yours, whether it involves employment, housing, or public accommodation discrimination. -
How do you charge for your services?
Clarify whether the lawyer charges a contingency fee, hourly rate, or flat fee, and ask for a detailed breakdown of costs. -
What are my chances of success?
Ask the lawyer for an honest assessment of your case, including potential challenges and the likelihood of success. -
How long will the process take?
Discrimination cases can take time to resolve, so ask the lawyer how long they expect the process to take, from filing a complaint to reaching a settlement or going to trial. -
Will I need to go to court?
Ask whether your case is likely to settle out of court or if a trial may be necessary. If a trial is possible, ask what steps the lawyer will take to prepare. -
What damages or remedies can I seek?
Ask about the types of compensation or corrective action you can pursue, such as back pay, emotional distress damages, job reinstatement, or policy changes. -
What steps should I take to protect my rights?
Ask for advice on how to document evidence, handle workplace or housing interactions, and avoid retaliation while your case is pending.
How to Check the Credibility of a Discrimination Lawyer
To ensure you are hiring a reputable discrimination lawyer, take the following steps to verify their credentials and track record:
- Check their bar status: Verify that the lawyer is licensed to practice law and in good standing with the state bar association. You can check this on your state bar’s website.
- Look for discrimination case experience: Review the lawyer’s website or profile to ensure they specialize in employment law, civil rights, or discrimination cases and have successfully handled similar cases in the past.
- Read client reviews and testimonials: Look for client reviews on platforms like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google to see what previous clients have said about their experience with the lawyer.
- Ask for references: A reputable lawyer should be able to provide references from past clients who have worked with them on discrimination matters.
- Check for certifications or memberships: Look for certifications or memberships in civil rights organizations or employment law associations, such as the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA).
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To get the most out of your first consultation with a discrimination lawyer, it’s important to come prepared with relevant documents and information. Here’s what you should bring:
- Detailed account of the discrimination: Provide a clear description of the discriminatory actions, including dates, locations, and individuals involved. Document specific incidents and any witnesses who can support your claim.
- Workplace or housing records: Bring copies of relevant employment or housing documents, such as job performance evaluations, rental agreements, emails, or written correspondence related to the discrimination.
- Company or organization policies: If the discrimination occurred in the workplace or housing, bring copies of company policies, employee handbooks, or housing agreements that outline anti-discrimination policies.
- Evidence of damages: Provide evidence of any financial losses, such as lost wages, job termination, or increased rent, as well as emotional or psychological distress caused by the discrimination.
- Previous complaints or actions: If you’ve filed previous complaints or taken any action related to the discrimination, such as reporting the issue to HR or filing a complaint with a government agency, bring copies of those documents.
- Questions about the process: Prepare a list of questions about your legal options, potential outcomes, and the lawyer’s approach to handling your case.
By preparing thoroughly for your consultation, you can help the lawyer assess your situation more effectively and provide the best possible legal advice for pursuing your discrimination claim.
