What Questions Should You Ask Potential Employment Attorneys?

No matter what is prompting you to seek the help of an attorney, choosing the right one is a crucial decision. Most people just choose a lawyer that is either friend, family, or friend of family. But what if you want to consider someone outside of your circle? What questions would you ask potential employment attorneys to determine which of them was your best option?

The Best Questions to Ask Potential Employment Attorneys

• Have you handled a case like this before? – It’s important to get a good idea of the idea of cases an attorney generally handles. You want to be sure that an attorney’s area of focus is in line with your case. It’s also a great idea here to follow up with asking about his track record in similar cases.
• What will the fees be for representation? – This is an obvious question, but it is important nonetheless. It’s good to ask what expenses will be billed to you for his or her services. Ask this early on, as you’ll want to know if you can afford them. A good follow-up question is to ask about payment options and “hidden” expenses.
• What is the likely outcome of my case? – For one, it’s good to know going into a case what your chances are of winning it are. Here, however, what you’re really looking for in the answer is honesty. No lawyer should tell you that you are guaranteed to win your case, but they should be able to tell you your general odds.

When looking for an employment lawyer, you should focus on his or her fee structure, experience, and skill-level in your case’s area, among other qualities. These questions should help you determine if a lawyer meets your standards in these areas. Think of them as a starting point from which you can craft your own questions to navigate the conversation where you see fit.

Dan A. Atkerson is a Dallas employment lawyer who fights passionately on behalf of victims of sexual harassment, discrimination and other forms of workplace injustice.