When it comes to employment law, you want to make sure that you have the best legal representation possible. This is especially true if you are facing a dispute with your employer or want to ensure your organisation doesn’t fall foul of the law.
However, with so many employment lawyers to choose from, it can be overwhelming to know where to start. That’s why we have put together a guide of the top 6 tips to keep in mind when choosing an employment lawyer.
1. Do Your Research
Before you hire an employment lawyer, it’s important to do your research. You want to make sure that you are choosing a lawyer who has vast experience in employment law and a positive reputation.
You can start your research by looking up lawyers online and reading reviews from past clients on platforms such as Google, Trustpilot and Review Solicitors. You can also check to see if the lawyer is a member of any professional bodies, such as the Employment Lawyers Association.
Doing the above is a good start as this will help to ensure you’re on the right track in hiring a credible lawyer who comes with a proven track record.
2. Ask for Referrals
Another good way to find an employment lawyer is to ask for referrals from friends, family, or colleagues who have had positive experiences with a lawyer. Referrals can be a great way to find a lawyer who has a good track record and who you can trust.
However, if you’re unable to find a referral from someone you know, you can always contact the law society, which will typically list the law firms or individual lawyers who are registered on their system.
3. Consider Their Specialty
Employment law is a broad area of law, covering many individual areas such as employment disputes, settlement agreements and unfair dismissal claims. As such, you want to make sure that the lawyer you are considering has experience in the specific area of law that you need help with.
For example, if you are facing discrimination in the workplace, you want to find a lawyer who has experience in discrimination law and has the right expertise to assist you in this area of law.
4. Check Their Availability
When choosing an employment lawyer, you want to make sure that they are available to work on your case. You don’t want to choose a lawyer who is too busy to give your case the attention it deserves.
You should ask the lawyer about their availability and how quickly they can get started on your case. Additionally, ask for timescales on how long your case is likely to take to reach a resolution, as this will help to manage your personal situation. You should also ask about their communication style and how often they will update you on the progress of your case.
5. Get a Feel for Their Personality
When it comes to legal matters, it’s important to find a lawyer who you feel comfortable working with. You want to make sure that you can trust your lawyer and that they will be supportive throughout the legal process.
You should schedule a consultation with the lawyer before hiring them to get a feel for their personality and style of communication. Many firms offer video-based consultations via Teams or Zoom, allowing matters to be dealt with remotely. However, if you feel more comfortable with a face-to-face meeting, this should also be possible with the lawyer you’re in contact with.
6. Compare Fees & Services Offered
Finally, you should compare the fees and services offered by different employment lawyers. You want to find a lawyer who offers a fair price for their services and who is able to achieve the desired result based on your case.
Typically, the costs will be on a fixed-rate arrangement or hourly rate, where the latter can quite easily reach £500+ per hour if you’re seeking to instruct a lawyer from a magic circle firm.
Conclusion
Choosing an employment lawyer can be a daunting task. However, by following these 6 tips, you can feel more confident in your decision.
Remember to do your research, ask for referrals, consider their specialty, check their availability, get a feel for their personality, and compare fees and services offered. With the right employment lawyer by your side, you can navigate the legal process with ease and get the justice that you deserve.
