Lawyers map
>113
experienced lawyers
Filter by
03 Mar, 2024 by Amy
I had a fabulous experience working with Maduegbuna Cooper LLP. As a fellow attorney, I appreciated their professionalism and dedication to my case. In particular, Sam Maduegbuna impressed me with his understanding of the employment law issues, along with his practical skills while taking depositions. I would 100% recommend Maduegbuna Cooper LLP to anyone in need of employment attorneys.
Read more
27 Oct, 2023 by Natan
Incredible experience with Sam and his team. They were fantastic in areas of discovery, service and ultimately, delivering on their promise for a positive result. Highly recommend!!!
Read more
01 Aug, 2023 by Alyssa estreen
I retained Moore Kuehn for a shareholder derivative case after my company stock lost substantial value. Justin Kuehn explained the shareholder derivative process up front and filed our case right away. They kept me updated with the case status and got me an incentive fee. Great firm for a shareholder derivative case!
Read more
01 Mar, 2024 by Zagora1997
I have had nothing but positive experiences with Susan. Not only does she have excellent communication skill and its easy to get in touch with her but she also goes above and beyond to make sure all my questions and concerns are answered. She has walked me through the process of my case and always made sure I understood what was going on and that I was comfortable with every step we took. After being wrongly terminated from my job, I contacted Susan through this website and she got right to work making sure I understood my rights and the steps we were going to take. She was always available for any concerns I had, and always answered my emails and messages even though it was the weekend. Susan is highly competent as a lawyer and I would highly recommend her as an attorney because she goes above and beyond to make sure you get the justice you need.
I have also had the pleasure to know Mr. Charles CARANICAS who has been a great support system in my case. During my meetings with Susan, he was also there to make sure I understood what was going on. He always brought in new contact and information to help with my case. He also called me in behalf of his wife to go through a contract agreement step-by-step and made sure I understood the clause and was comfortable with it. Working with Susan and Mr. Charles put you in good hands because they acknowledge whatever you have to say and you never feel that any of your concerns are ignored no matter how small. I would highly recommend him as an attorney.
Read more
01 Aug, 2023 by Alyssa estreen
I retained Moore Kuehn for a shareholder derivative case after my company stock lost substantial value. Justin Kuehn explained the shareholder derivative process up front and filed our case right away. They kept me updated with the case status and got me an incentive fee. Great firm for a shareholder derivative case!
Read more
20 Jul, 2023 by Scott edwards
Highly recommended. Moore Kuehn saved me countless hours of time, money and headache. Prompt responses and great legal advice. Kudos all around.
Read more
07 Oct, 2024 by Fro pav
Maria Markou is the best lawyer not only for her strong legal ability and high ethical standards but also because she is a winner. She is the most loyal, dedicated, reliable and trustworthy person I have ever met. I feel so lucky to be her client. Thank you Maria for working extra hard in order to ensure our success, for your overall and continuous support and for always being there for us to talk and help us through all the challenges that come along in our life. You always go above and beyond and that is what makes your law firm services ideal and separates you from the rest.
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Patricia pelaez
Mrs. Maria Markou and her team helped me obtain my citizenship. Works very professional, responsive and is extremely experienced. Highly recommend!
Read more
01 Oct, 2024 by Georgia koedrou
MARIA MARKOU is the best. She has helped me many times and always successfully. She really cares and is there any time you need her .. MARIA MARKOU human true professional.. I love MARIA MARKOU
Read more
08 Sep, 2024 by Austin
My experience with Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik, PLLC was breathtaking. I was run over by a car in Harlem while crossing a crosswalk with the right of way. The guy driving was 100% at fault. The state bar of NY enthusiastically recommend I set up a consultation with them. So I had a 5 minute call with his paralegal, Joanne O’Connell, it was nice. She wanted me to send my neurologist medical records to review and the detailed police report. Made it happen. Then, all communication ceased. No email was replied to thereafter. The only reason I can come up with is that Kramer, Dunleavy & Ratchik genuinely believe there is no merit in finding justice for pedestrians who wrongfully get run over by a car in the state of New York left with long-term injuries.
So I found an actual attorney who got to work, now everything is good.
This concludes my final thoughts on KD&R for now. I’m extremely honored to have been in Joanne’s presence. She and KD&R are extraordinary human beings - but has no follow through and all that talk lead to nothing.
I think they’re great. Keep up the work.
Read more
07 Aug, 2024 by Enoch
I recently worked with Kerner & Kerner Law Firm on a personal injury case after a car accident. After my accident, I was overwhelmed with medical bills and insurance claims. Lawyer Kenneth and his team were incredibly supportive and guided me through every step. The team was always available to answer my questions, and they kept me updated throughout the process. Their expertise and dedication resulted in a favorable settlement. I appreciated how Lawyer Kenneth explained complex legal terms in a way I could understand and made me feel confident in our case. Thanks to their hard work, I received a settlement that covered my medical expenses and more. I highly recommend Kerner & Kerner Law Firm to anyone in need of a dedicated and knowledgeable accident law firm.”
Read more
04 Jun, 2024 by Rafiq kathwari
After I tripped on an uneven sidewalk on Manhattan’s Upper West Side, my neighbor, a longstanding friend, introduced me to attorney Jonathan Ratchik who took my case on as he and the doctors deemed my left foot was severely injured.
The landlord had failed to properly maintain the sidewalk in front of the brownstone he owned, posing a clear and present danger to pedestrians.
Mr. Ratchik knows his law. He is patient and thorough. He guided me well, coached me thoroughly on the procedures, and allowed me to make decisions about medical treatment and the course of our legal action which took nearly three years when the landlord’s insurance company offered a fair settlement which we accepted.
If you have a bad fall, call Jonathan Ratchik who will turn your bad fall into a good trip.
Rafique K
April 2024
Read more
03 Oct, 2024 by Chelsea winston
D'Emilia Law are the absolute best in the business. I can assure you that Kendra and Paul will fight for you tooth and nail. They're so many lawyers that are out there who simply will tell you anything just to get your money and once they get it, you'll feel as if you gotten ripped off. If you're reading this, I'm telling you that Kendra and Paul will make you feel like you have family looking out for you. I honestly consider them my family now. if I could give them a million stars, I would. D'Emilia Law are professional, accessible, affordable and are Great White Sharks in the court room. Take it from me' Hiring them will be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.
Read more
30 Sep, 2024 by Edward villalta
I am grateful to God for leading me to D'Emilia Law. I had to help a family member with a legal problem. I called the number after hours and Paul returned my call directly within minutes. Not only is this firm very professional, but Paul and his team have empathy. I knew after the first conversation within minutes that I was working with the right person. Excellent firm and I highly recommend their services. Thank you so much Paul.
Read more
27 Sep, 2024 by Maria yon
Highly recommend. Responds in a timely manner. Knowledgeable and personable guides you step by step thru the process of your case.
Read more
16 Aug, 2024 by Breanna
Megan and her team were amazing to work with. They addressed all of my questions/ concerns and maked sure I felt heard. My case took around 3 years, and when I was ready to give up the gave me the push and motivation I needed. I appreciate them for validating my feelings and pushing me to stand up for myself. Megan is extremely passionate and I'm grateful to have her in my corner. I can't thank her and her team enough.
Read more
16 Feb, 2024 by Kate
Ms Goddard held my former employer accountable for a fair and appropriate separation settlement. I would have never been able to apply the necessary legal pressure in order to reach this result. Ms Goddard was the consummate advocate and professional. She helped me articulate my case in an accurate, compelling but dispassionate way and masterfully managed the conversations and all legal interactions with the EEOC and my former employer. I would - and will - recommend her to anyone who needs a legal advocate in order in order to reach a fair and equitable agreement with a prospective, current, or previous employer.
Read more
30 Sep, 2023 by Bea
My case took over 3 years, but never once did I doubt that I was in good hands. Megan and her team were supportive from the very beginning... they took me on as a client after another male-led firm said I have a valid claim but it wasn't worth their time and pursuit. She understood why this was so important to me, as a reflection of my values and commitment to justice, and agreed to help me on this journey of accountability.
Although I worked with several attorneys on her team (who were all amazing!), eventually Megan personally managed my case to the end. She was very transparent about everything happening, allowed me to "be in the weeds" when I wanted to be, always shared the pros and cons of the decisions I considered, and was so responsive whenever I needed to connect. In addition to being a great advocate, she was such a wonderful listener (and yes, we had many late night calls filled with tears and fears).
Megan and her team are professional, well-versed and experienced in employment discrimination law, and they are fierce! Despite being a small firm, you never feel abandoned and instead, it feels like you have an entire army behind you, encouraging you, and fighting for you even when you aren't in the room. Overall, I highly recommend the services of Goddard Law PLLC.
Read more
25 Sep, 2024 by Tiffany
Vince introduces a tenacious approach to litigate your claims. Vince is a go getter and very well educated and effective to take claims all the way to trial. Vince also, is mindful of the effects these kinds of cases can have on an individual and approach clients with compassion and understanding. Expensive, yes; effective, absolutely.
Read more
05 Aug, 2022 by Anonymous
Vincent knows what’s he’s doing. He is also had the best price out of everyone I tried talking to. His office settled my case in less than a month! Don’t bother going anywhere else, it’ll be a waste of your time!
Read more
15 Jul, 2021 by Anonymous
Mr. White understood exactly the scope of work and was very supportive. I had contacted other firms and did not get the same level understanding.
Read more
5.0
20 Reviews
5.0
1 Reviews
01 Jan, 2020 by Alexander
I was referred to attorney Hardaway by a few MBA school classmates that had several good experiences working with attorney Hardaway. He was successful handling high stakes litigation and transactions. Johnathon is a genius, the most intelligent and strategic thinking person I have ever met. At our first meeting he listened patiently, thereafter he outlined a six-month plan to resolve how best to negotiate and sell my corporation and the commercial property it sits on at or above my desired price. Then he delivered methodically. When there were unforeseen problems he resolved them quickly. I recommend Johnathon Hardaway to anyone seeking a great business lawyer and strategic thinker.
Read more
03 Nov, 2019 by Chereen
Johnathon is simply the best! He is diligent, intelligent, and prompt. Every time I had to go to court, Johnathon was there by the time I arrived. I won my case! I am very satisfied and would highly recommend Johnathon.
Read more
21 Aug, 2019 by Leonard
I hired attorney Johnathon Hardaway to negotiate a $11 million restricted unit agreement. He did an excellent job. Thanks to his understanding of the law and "I am only asking for what is fair" negotiating style, I got a contract that far exceeded my expectations. He accurately anticipated the other sides moves. I recommend attorney Hardaway to anyone seeking an attorney.
Read more
11 Mar, 2023 by Katherine
Jonas did a great job of getting my Employment Agreement and General Release corrected to benefit my needs. He advised all the requirements that needed to be changed and got me a much better agreement. He got me everything that I needed.
I would highly recommend Jonas!
Read more
07 Dec, 2022 by Anonymous
Jonas helped me through a difficult transition in which I needed to leave a job before my contract ended. He was prompt in his communication and very generous with his input and advice. He made time before and afterwards to discuss further and has remained a dependable lawyer that I can count on when I have questions. I highly recommend Jonas and am grateful for his important services.
Read more
26 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Very result oriented lawyer. Jonas Urba spent a lot of time to get the root cause of my case, work hard throughout the process to get the best result possible for my case.
Read more
13 Aug, 2020 by Anonymous
He was super informative, patient, and speedy with my lawsuit. Would high recommend his services!
Read more
21 May, 2020 by Cns
Mr. Pappas did a great job representing me. He was prompt, knowledgeable and easy to work with. I never once felt pressured to do anything. He kept me informed and explained every detail.
Read more
10 Feb, 2019 by E.k.
I hired Mr. Pappas for my wages and tips case against my former employer. I worked for the company for 10+ yrs. I had no idea that I was being paid incorrectly and unfairly until a coworker read a similar case in an article. I researched and called Mr. Pappas for legal advice. He was friendly, polite, and heard my case start to finish. He told me indeed I was being underpaid and that I'm owed all lost wages+tips going back up to 6 years (NY state law). At the end I was able to recover my wages, tips, plus another $10,000 in fines. I was surprised how much I was able to receive even after I left my job...one thing that stood out was he always answered my emails and calls (which was a HUGE deal as I've dealt with lawyers in the past who never answer their phones!) I highly recommend Mr. Pappas, 5 stars all the way
Read more
23 Nov, 2022 by Freda
Matthew has been a great help to CLUSTER. He is an excellent addition to the ProBono volunteers and is greatly appreciated!
Read more
10 Nov, 2022 by Leo
Matt quickly and efficiently advised me in a time-sensitive manner on a non-compete and its interplay with a severance agreement as I was about to transition to a new company. He explained the different parts and how they affected my options going forward, and offered several paths that I could pursue. I was senior enough in the company to have restrictions on where I could go as there were questions about how the two companies competed in the same general segment. His letters were organized and easy to understand, handled the facts of the matter, advised on New York law, and most importantly were very practical in how to engage both employers. I was referred to Matt by a family member and would recommend anyone in the NY area needing advice on a non-compete or severance agreement to check with him.
Read more
13 Oct, 2022 by Anonymous
Matt was the perfect choice for me and my individual situation. He provided expert guidance and explained my options as well as his recommendations. In addition, he was incredibly timely in the resolution. Highly recommend.
Read more
21 Jan, 2024 by Debbie
I had a time-sensitive request, and Alex was available to speak with me within hours. His guidance was very clear and actionable. Thank you!
Read more
20 Nov, 2023 by Anonymous
I've hired Alex Granovsky and his colleague Laura Stuart a number of times to review severance agreements and job offers. Attorney Granovsky is professional, experienced, responsive and helpful. So is Attorney Stuart. This is a great law firm to work with. Thank you.
Read more
22 May, 2023 by Alex
Alex Granovsky responded quickly to my inquiry, explained my options and potential next steps. He is straight to the point, uses plain language and is very pragmatic in his approach. I'd work with him again any time.
Read more
23 Oct, 2018 by Leo
Orit was exactly what I needed in an attorney. She is smart, astute, professional, and accessible. She doesn’t speak over her clients heads, but at the same time, doesn’t speak down to you either. She is direct and sets reasonable expectations and walks her clients through the process without judgement. I found her style comforting without being patronizing. Based on my needs, she was able to customize her approach and positioned us to take advantage of the strengths of both my case and myself, without making me feel like the issue was mine alone. My case and the approach was somewhat unique , and not every lawyer would have guided me like she did. I would not only happily use her again, but would refer her to others. I find her welcoming to all groups of people, which is important in these types of situations. I respect her immensely as a legal talent, and find her personality engaging to the point where she would always have an invitation to Thanksgiving dinner! Thanks, Orit. I appreciate your efforts on my behalf. You made moving on to bigger and better things so much easier.
Read more
30 Jun, 2016 by Frank
Ms Goldring was very proactive and quick to respond to my questions. She guided me and warned me about rights and responsabilities.
She is very easy to work with, and with excellent communication. She looked after my best interest and got me a good settlement. I recommend Ms. Goldring 100% with labor disputes.
Read more
26 Jul, 2015 by Ed
I was blown away by my initial consultation with Orit Goldring. She has a very sharp mind, listens well and highly analytical. No hesitation recommending this A+ attorney to anyone.
Read more
30 May, 2021 by Anonymous
I spoke with three other employment lawyers before a friend recommended Scott to me. At the end of our first conversation I knew he was the one I wanted to represent me. He understood my unfortunate workplace situation immediately and explained to me, in layman's terms, the liabilities, claims, and possible directions to pursue. Throughout the process he was unwavering in his support, responsive, and clearly invested in my case. Even when things seemed to get complicated he dug in and fought for me. I'm happy to share that he was able to wrap up my case fairly quickly in a matter of months with a much more positive outcome than I anticipated. I highly recommend Scott for anyone who is experiencing troubling issues in the workplace.
Read more
05 Feb, 2020 by Anonymous
Scott is an extremely skilled, smart, and zealous advocate who fights for his clients and their best interests. He is highly committed to obtaining the optimal outcomes on cases, and that is evident through his professionalism, strong work ethic, knowledge of the law, and commitment to client services. From start to finish, Scott was very accessible and gave me the attention and focus that I felt my case deserved. I highly recommend Berenbaum and Menken Law Firm and Scott Simpson- an experienced attorney who truly cares about his clients.
Read more
24 Oct, 2019 by Anonymous
At a moment of my life when there was a lot of uncertainty, Scott stepped in and helped me navigate the situation. His counsel was spot on and he knew exactly how to work toward a positive outcome for me. Could not recommend him more.
Read more
11 Mar, 2024 by Steven geras
28 Dec, 2020 by Eic @amimagazine.org
21 Feb, 2018 by Stuart weichsel
Great attorneys..
Read more
14 Jan, 2018 by Anonymous
I was lucky enough to find Ms. Senol and her firm through Avvo. Since the fort meeting to the conclusion of the case, everything was handled with utmost details and professionalism. Needless to say, the outcome was as satisfactory as it would be under any nd all circumstances. I highly recommend Ms. Senol to anyone who needs an excellent attorney to represent them in any legal battle in the toughest Employment areas.
Read more
14 Dec, 2017 by Anonymous
I consulted with Ms. Senol on an employment matter last year. She was very helpful in explaining to me what my rights were and I was able to continue my job under much better conditions after I followed her advice. She knows the law and was patient in listening to me several times and answering all my questions. If I ever need a lawyer, I know who to call.
Read more
12 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
I give Gulsah Senol a 5/5 star rating. She was very professional and personable dealing with my case. With her hard work and dedication, she was able to attain the highest amount that my case was worth. I would recommend her to my family and friends.
Read more
10 Nov, 2017 by Shaniqua
I am very happy with the way everything turned out with Rob. He is very patient, and efficient. He keeps you up-to-date with everything, always there wen you call and returns calls back ASAP! Without a doubt, if he were running the whole show, he would get you what is needed quick with no problems. I definitely recommend him for any employment issues he covers. Rob is extremely kind and he does not let anything slip past him. He is always detailed and has everything for you, that may be needed for review or whatever you need to go forth in a case. I really do appreciate the work he did for me, the effort he made and succeeded with and most of all the time he has spent to help me. I really do appreciate getting to know him and seeing his work so I can tell people, "I know a very good lawyer for you, Ill give you his info" I HIGHLY, HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND ROB! THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING. I SINCERELY APPRENTICE YOU!
Read more
09 Nov, 2017 by Anonymous
Would highly, highly recommend. Very professional and attentive. Helped me achieve desired goal.
Read more
12 Sep, 2012 by Matthew
When we brought our case to Brian, we had no idea that we'd end up working with a such a spectacular Lawyer. From day one, Brian was on top of every aspect of our case. Some great qualities that stood out to us were his level of detailed knowledge on every aspect of our concerns, his friendly way of explaining how the law applies to a particular scenario and most of all, his timely communication.
Brian's responsiveness went above and beyond excellent. Every time one of us had a question and sent him an email, in a matter of minutes, we'd get a thorough response back. Even if it was late at night or on a weekend. This really showed the three of us that he cared about our comfort.
What was great was that he explained similar restaurant cases to us and as we were going through ours, we began to see how certain things related. We got a better understanding of how employment law works. It's nice to be a waiter and have a grasp of something so important.
Also, during the course of our case, we were never left in the dark. We were always kept informed of what was going on, or if anything changed. If we had a specific timeline of events and stages the case was going through, he made sure to let us know.
The most striking part of working with him was his want to help people that do not have the means or knowledge necessary to help themselves. Brian and the Firm (Fitapelli & Schaffer) clearly have the good will to stand up for the people that have the odds stacked up against them.
Thank you for being there for us!
Read more
12 Nov, 2015 by Bonny
Michael is the attorney you always want on your side. He is smart, straight forward, creative and get RESULTS. I cannot say enough good things about Michael. If you are lucky enough to work with him, be thankful. He is the best at what he does. I would not hesitate for a second to hire him again.
Read more
10 Sep, 2015 by Anonymous
William provided careful and crucial attention to assist my business in a complicated contractual matter. Working to clarify the issue, providing reliable insight and guidance that lead to the quick and resolution and positive outcome of a tricky situation. I am grateful for his insight and attention and will continue to use his services going forward.
Read more
31 Dec, 2018 by Anonymous
We were so pleased with the results of an attorney that displays dedication and commitment to his clients.
Read more
14 Aug, 2014 by Anonymous
Mr. Willaim Dubanevich, was recommended to me after I looked into several firms. He is definitely confident and handled cases like mine. I would get updates whenever I need them, either by e-mail or telephone. William, who was knowledgeable, straight forward, and honest. I felt taken care of and respected. I highly recommend Mr. Dubanevich, to anyone seeking an attorney.
Read more
19 Jul, 2017 by Anonymous
When I was going through a very difficult situation related to a longtime employment situation, Nick made the situation much more manageable. He and another lawyer at the firm really took the time to understand my case and were realistic about the possible outcomes. By setting the right expectations from the beginning and encouraging me to stand up for what I deserved, I ended up with a satisfactory outcome. I couldn't have done it without them.
Read more
22 Sep, 2019 by Anonymous
Adam Sackowitz did nothing short of save my life.
Adam released me from having to tackle an ugly situation anchored to the jumble of panicked thoughts that was my brain; walked me through all of my options and their implications; rationalized and affirmed my concerns while also creating their solutions; and worked with the utmost professionalism, efficiency, and effectiveness. I couldn't ever thank him enough.
While I hope folks don't have to go up against their employers, please know that with Adam in your corner, you would be in very good hands.
Read more
08 May, 2018 by Thomas c.
Their work is very thorough and they listen to your concerns I would use them again if the need arises. Thomas C.
Read more
05 Nov, 2012 by Anonymous
Rachel is very personable and has a great communication style. She responds promptly to emails and the few times I haven't been able to reach her directly by phone, she has responded within the same business day. She was also excellent at determining the best way to resolve my employment issue.
Read more
19 Jul, 2023 by Anonymous
Arick was incredibly patient and kind throughout my time working with him. He knows how to handle sensitive cases with care. He was never pushy and let me go at my own pace as I decided the best course of action for myself. When the time came, he was ready to go to bat for me.
Read more
04 Nov, 2023 by A p
01 Jul, 2020 by Yousuf istajab
I would highly recommend Jennifer Wollenberg, Neaha P. Raol and Charles C. Rush, working in Washington D.C. office. I am U.S Army soldier who got stuck in U.S. citizenship process. Jennifer and her entire team helped me out to obtain my citizenship even though USCIS appeared not to help obtaining my Citizenship. These professionals are highly experienced and helpful through out the process. I am so glad to found this kind of experienced lawyers to defend my case.
Read more
16 Apr, 2020 by Raymond gmat
5.0
11 Reviews
4.9
498 Reviews
10 Aug, 2024 by Cruz mendoza
10 Aug, 2024 by Charles surprise
I recently had the pleasure of working with this law firm, and I can't recommend them highly enough. Their team is incredibly attentive, consistently keeping me updated on the progress of my case. Whenever I called, I never felt rushed; they took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thoughtful advice tailored to my situation. If you're seeking compensation and want a firm that genuinely cares about its clients, look no further. They truly stand out in their commitment to client service!
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Derek “deerock” sample
Working with Abe has been fantastic! He consistently provides great answers and impressive advice, which is a rare find. Having Abe on the other end of the line is a significant win for my company. Thank you, Abe and your team, for ensuring everything runs smoothly for us.
Read more
5.0
10 Reviews
4.9
499 Reviews
10 Aug, 2024 by Cruz mendoza
10 Aug, 2024 by Charles surprise
I recently had the pleasure of working with this law firm, and I can't recommend them highly enough. Their team is incredibly attentive, consistently keeping me updated on the progress of my case. Whenever I called, I never felt rushed; they took the time to listen to my concerns and provided thoughtful advice tailored to my situation. If you're seeking compensation and want a firm that genuinely cares about its clients, look no further. They truly stand out in their commitment to client service!
Read more
06 Aug, 2024 by Derek “deerock” sample
Working with Abe has been fantastic! He consistently provides great answers and impressive advice, which is a rare find. Having Abe on the other end of the line is a significant win for my company. Thank you, Abe and your team, for ensuring everything runs smoothly for us.
Read more
Discover the ideal lawyer
You can search a lawyer by practice area, lawyer name, city, state, or ZIP code
FAQs
Questions? We have answers
What a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Can Do for You
A wrongful termination lawyer specializes in representing employees who have been illegally fired or laid off from their jobs. Wrongful termination occurs when an employer violates federal or state laws, employment agreements, or public policy when dismissing an employee. These lawyers help clients understand their rights, evaluate the legality of their termination, and pursue legal action to recover damages such as lost wages, benefits, and emotional distress.
If you believe you have been wrongfully terminated, a lawyer can guide you through the complex legal process, negotiate with your former employer, and advocate on your behalf to achieve a fair resolution.
When Should I Hire a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?
You should consider hiring a wrongful termination lawyer if you have been fired under circumstances that may violate the law. Common reasons include:
- Discrimination: If you were terminated based on your race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age (40 or older), disability, or genetic information, this may constitute illegal discrimination under federal laws like Title VII of the Civil Rights Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
- Retaliation: If you were fired for reporting illegal activities, discrimination, harassment, or for participating in an investigation or lawsuit against your employer, this may be illegal retaliation.
- Violation of Employment Contract: If you have an employment contract that outlines specific terms for termination and your employer breaches these terms, you may have a claim for wrongful termination.
- Public Policy Violations: If you were terminated for reasons that violate public policy, such as refusing to engage in illegal activities, taking time off for jury duty, or exercising your legal rights (e.g., taking family medical leave), a lawyer can help.
- Whistleblower Protection: If you were fired after reporting your employer's illegal activities to a government agency (whistleblowing), you may be protected under specific laws.
Hiring a lawyer promptly is crucial, as there are strict deadlines (statutes of limitations) for filing wrongful termination claims.
What Does a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Do?
A wrongful termination lawyer provides various services to help you pursue a claim against your former employer:
- Case Evaluation: Assess the facts of your termination to determine if your employer violated any laws or breached your employment contract.
- Legal Advice: Explain your rights under federal and state laws and advise on the best course of action.
- Filing Claims: Assist in filing a complaint with appropriate government agencies, such as the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or state labor departments, if required before suing.
- Negotiation: Engage in settlement discussions with your former employer to seek compensation without going to court.
- Litigation: Represent you in court if a lawsuit is necessary, presenting evidence, questioning witnesses, and making legal arguments to support your case.
- Documentation and Evidence Gathering: Help collect and organize necessary documents, such as employment contracts, company policies, performance reviews, emails, and witness statements.
- Protecting Against Retaliation: Advise you on how to handle any retaliation or further adverse actions from your former employer.
How Are Wrongful Termination Lawyers Paid?
Wrongful termination lawyers typically charge for their services in one of the following ways:
- Contingency Fee: Many work on a contingency basis, meaning they only get paid if you win or settle your case. Their fee is a percentage of the compensation you receive, usually ranging from 25% to 40%.
- Hourly Rate: Some lawyers charge an hourly rate, which can range from $200 to $600 or more, depending on experience and location.
- Retainer Fee: A retainer is an upfront payment against which the lawyer bills their hourly rate. Once the retainer is exhausted, you may need to replenish it.
- Flat Fee: For specific services, such as reviewing a severance agreement, a lawyer might charge a flat fee.
It's important to discuss payment arrangements during your initial consultation to understand how fees and expenses will be handled.
How Much Does a Wrongful Termination Lawyer Cost?
The cost varies based on the complexity of your case, the lawyer's experience, and the fee arrangement:
- Contingency Fees: If you win or settle, the lawyer's fee will be a percentage of the award. For example, if you settle for $100,000 and the contingency fee is 30%, the lawyer receives $30,000.
- Hourly Rates: Total costs depend on the number of hours worked. A straightforward case might require 20 hours ($4,000 to $12,000), while complex cases can exceed 100 hours.
- Additional Expenses: Be aware of other costs such as court filing fees, costs for depositions, expert witness fees, and administrative expenses, which may be billed separately.
Always request a written fee agreement detailing all potential costs.
Top Questions to Ask a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
-
What is your experience with wrongful termination cases similar to mine?
Ensure the lawyer has relevant experience and a successful track record. -
How do you charge for your services?
Understand the fee structure and any additional costs. -
What is the likely outcome of my case?
Get an honest assessment of your chances of success and potential compensation. -
What is the estimated timeline for resolving my case?
Know how long the process may take, from filing to settlement or trial. -
What steps will you take to build my case?
Understand the strategy and what will be required from you. -
Will my case go to trial, or can it be settled out of court?
Discuss the possibilities and implications of each option. -
How will you keep me informed about my case?
Ensure there will be regular updates and open communication.
How to Check the Credibility of a Wrongful Termination Lawyer
- Verify Their License: Check your state's bar association website to confirm the lawyer is licensed and in good standing.
- Review Their Experience: Look for lawyers who specialize in employment law and have specific experience with wrongful termination cases.
- Read Client Reviews: Websites like Avvo, Martindale-Hubbell, or Google Reviews can provide insights into the lawyer's reputation.
- Ask for References: Reputable lawyers should be willing to provide references from past clients.
- Professional Memberships: Membership in organizations like the National Employment Lawyers Association (NELA) indicates a focus on employment law.
- Disciplinary Record: Ensure the lawyer has no history of disciplinary actions or complaints.
What Should I Prepare for My First Consultation?
To make the most of your initial meeting:
- Employment Documents: Bring your employment contract, employee handbook, offer letters, termination letter, and any severance agreements.
- Performance Records: Include performance reviews, commendations, or any disciplinary actions.
- Correspondence: Provide emails, texts, or memos related to your termination or any incidents leading up to it.
- Witness Information: List names and contact information of colleagues who can support your claims.
- Timeline of Events: Prepare a detailed account of events, including dates and descriptions of incidents.
- Previous Complaints: If you filed complaints with HR or external agencies, bring copies.
- Questions: Write down any questions you have about your case or the legal process.
Being well-prepared helps the lawyer assess your situation effectively and advise you on the best course of action.
