When You Need an Employment Lawyer

When to Hire an Employment Lawyer

1. You Were Fired for an Illegal Reason

Discrimination
Retaliation
Whistleblowing
Refusing illegal activity
Filing workers' comp claim
Taking FMLA leave

2. You Experienced Discrimination

Based on protected characteristics: race, sex, age, disability, religion, etc.

3. You Were Sexually Harassed

Quid pro quo
Hostile work environment
Co-worker or supervisor harassment

4. You Weren't Paid Correctly

Unpaid overtime
Below minimum wage
Misclassified as contractor
Off-the-clock work
Unpaid commissions

5. You Were Retaliated Against

For:

Filing complaints
Reporting illegal activity
Requesting accommodations
Taking protected leave
Filing workers' comp

6. You Were Denied Reasonable Accommodations

For disability or religious needs.

7. Your Employer Violated FMLA

Denied leave
Punished you for taking leave
Failed to reinstate you

8. You're Being Pressured to Sign Agreements

Severance with releases
Non-competes
Arbitration agreements
Settlement papers

9. You're Negotiating Severance

Even routine severance benefits from review.

10. You're a Whistleblower

Special protections apply.

Red Flags Requiring Immediate Help

You were fired suddenly without warning
You're being asked to sign documents quickly
You're being told to "leave with dignity"
You're being threatened
Your employer is behaving suspiciously
You're being told the firing is "for cause"
You're being walked out

What to Document

All dates of incidents
Names of witnesses
Communications (emails, texts)
Performance reviews
Comparisons to similarly situated employees
Company policies
Your responses
Discriminatory comments
Pay records
Time records

Preserve Evidence Before Leaving

If still employed:

Save copies of important documents
Forward emails to personal account (if allowed)
Document conversations
Keep performance reviews
Note witnesses

Be careful: Some employers prosecute for "stealing" company information. Stick to documents you legitimately have access to.

How Quickly to Act

Immediately if fired
Within days if discrimination occurred
Before signing severance
Before EEOC deadline
Before statute of limitations

A free consultation can clarify your rights and options. Most employment lawyers offer free initial reviews.