Finding the best lawyer for your case is similar to making any other major decision; you need to carefully consider your options. Search for lawyer specializing in discrimination on Discrimination.com, ask friends for recommendations or check out some other websites. Make a list of several in your geographic area that appeal to you. Then, call or email each lawyer on your list, tell them a little about your case and get their feedback. Some lawyers may prefer to meet in person rather than discuss your situation over the phone or via email. If this is the case, find out if there is a consultation fee. Very often, lawyers will not charge for the initial consultation. Keep in mind, that a consultation or email sent to an attorney does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Some of the things you may want to ask a lawyer:
How much experience do you have handling discrimination complaints?
How recently have you handled cases like mine?
How were they resolved? (Went to trial, settled out of court, etc.)
What were the results? (Did you win the case? Did you lose?)
What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
If you end up meeting the lawyer in person for a consultation, you shouldn’t expect it to last any longer than about a half-hour. Takes notes during each consultation and also consider your level of comfortability with each attorney.
How should I prepare for a meeting or consultation with the lawyer?
Before the meeting, make notes about your legal situation so you can easily go over the important points with the lawyer. Bring the names, addresses and telephone numbers of everyone connected with your case (including witnesses), a chronology of events, as well as all papers involved in your case. Some lawyers may ask to see the papers before the meeting. If so, fax or mail everything the lawyer requests as quickly as possible so he/she has enough time to go over it all before meeting with you.
How much will it cost?
It depends. Lawyers consider several factors when setting their fees. For example, some lawyers who are well-reputed in discrimination cases may charge more than ones who are not. You may not mind paying a higher fee if you feel the lawyer’s special expertise and skill will yield better and faster results.
Lawyers also factor in how complicated your case is and the amount of time it will take. Even though the trial itself may only take a day or so, researching the law, finding and interviewing witnesses, as well as preparing documents and arguments for the trial can take days, weeks or even longer. Sometimes unexpected developments take place that make your case even more complicated, which could result in higher fees.
You may be charged a hourly fee, which can range from $150-$500 an hour or more, a contingency fee where you will pay the lawyer a certain percentage of the money you receive if you win the case or if you settle it out of court, or a combination of the two. Either way, you’ll still need to pay the expenses and fees associated with the case, which can include the following:
Charges for deposition recording and transcripts;
Per page or flat fee for word processing, copying and faxes;
Expert and/or consultant fees for any time hired professionals spend evaluating your case and testifying in court;
Court filing fees;
Postage, courier and messenger costs for mailing, shipping or personally delivering documents to you or others involved in your case;
Process server fees charged by people who locate witnesses and other parties involved in the case and deliver legal papers to them;
Travel expenses for the lawyer while working on your behalf, which can include gasoline, mileage, parking fees, meals, airfare and lodging;
Witness fees and travel expenses for people who testify at depositions and trials.
Some other fee-related questions you may want to ask include:
How will the lawyer bill for his or her time?
Who else will be working on the case—associate lawyer, legal assistant, or paralegal? At what rates will that time be billed?
Is there anything that can be done to reduce fees and costs?
What is the lawyer’s estimate of the total charges?
Will bills be sent monthly?
Most lawyers will spell everything out for you as part the retainer agreement. You should review this document carefully and feel free to ask your new lawyer about anything that remains unclear or concerns you.
Some other suggestions as you hire a discrimination lawyer…
Be sure that you and your lawyer have the same goals, and that your expectations remain realistic. Lawyers can’t promise success and you shouldn’t ask them to do so.
Be sure you understand and are comfortable with the lawyer’s working style. You will be working with him or her very closely until your case concludes and will likely be dealing with emotionally-charged issues.
Be sure that you have a clear picture of approximately how long your case will take, when you can expect significant developments, as well as when and how often the lawyer intends to contact you with updates.
Be sure that you provide the lawyer with all the information and documents necessary to understand and properly prepare your case.
Be sure you provide information about any new developments that take place on your case, even if you think it could be harmful to your case or you think it’s unimportant. Lawyers hate surprises and you will ultimately hurt your chances of winning.
Be sure you understand and agree with the lawyer’s billing practices including what type of fee you will be paying and what additional costs you should anticipate paying.
Be sure to contact your lawyer promptly if have questions or concerns about your legal matter, listen to the responses, and if necessary act upon them. It will help your lawyer better prepare your case and possibly yield better and faster results.