
Losing your job is hard enough in the current economy. When you know for a fact that you were fired for no good reason, though, it makes this situation even more difficult.
You might have been counting on long-term employment with your former company. Perhaps you dreamed of working your way up the ranks and becoming a leader within the organization. Maybe you felt truly passionate about your work, and you cannot see yourself doing anything else. Perhaps you were simply counting on your income to put food on the table for your family, and you are struggling to find meaningful, well-paying employment after your termination.
Whatever the case may be, you are perfectly justified in taking legal action for wrongful termination in California. The Golden State protects workers more than most other states, and you can hold your employer accountable for terminating your employment for illegal reasons.
How exactly do you find a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles? How do you know whether you have found a legal professional on whom you can depend?
Choose a Lawyer with Experience
It is important to choose a lawyer who actually has experience handling wrongful termination cases. Many lawyers may offer to assist you with these issues despite never dealing with a similar case in the past. If you choose to work with an attorney who does not have the necessary experience, you may stumble into all kinds of common pitfalls. Work with a lawyer who has seen it all before and knows how to overcome various potential hurdles. Ask a potential attorney how many wrongful termination cases they have dealt with in the past, and how much their clients have won in those settlements.
If your lawyer is not experienced with California’s wrongful termination laws, they may lead you in the wrong direction without realizing it. They may even tell you that you do not have a case when really you are perfectly justified in taking legal action. For example, California recognizes several “protected classes” that are not recognized in many other states. These include:
- Race
- Color
- Religion
- Gender
- Sexual orientation
- Marital status
- Medical conditions
- Veteran status
- Nationality
- Ancestry
- Disability
- Pregnant individuals
- Age
If you are fired in California specifically because you fall into any of these protected classes, you can file a wrongful termination lawsuit against your employer. Note that these same protected classes do not exist in many other states. For example, a total of 27 states do not recognize sexual orientation as a protected class in matters related to employment.
Choose a Lawyer With the Right Qualifications
It is important to work with a lawyer who has the right qualifications. All lawyers in California must complete three or four years of study at a law school accredited by the American Bar Association. They must also complete the California State Bar Exam and the Multistate Professional Responsibility Examination and apply for a background check to determine their moral character. You might also want to ask where your lawyer studied law and whether they graduated with any honors.
Choose a Lawyer Who is Communicative
The best lawyers are quite communicative with their clients. Although you cannot expect your lawyer to respond to your text messages and emails instantly, they should at least return your calls and provide you with updates regarding your case. If you are working with a lawyer who never gets back to you, and you have no idea how your case is going, it might be best to choose a different legal professional.
Choose a Lawyer Who You Can Trust
Perhaps the greatest thing to consider is whether you can actually see yourself working with your lawyer over a long period of time. In other words, you need to choose a wrongful termination lawyer you can trust. The only way to get a feel for your lawyer’s personality is to book a consultation with them. If you prefer to meet virtually, it may be possible to book a virtual meeting instead.
During this initial consultation, you can ask your lawyer a range of questions about your unique situation. It might be best to come prepared with a list of questions. Your attorney can explain any concepts that might be confusing, including the overall process of how to file a wrongful termination lawsuit. From there, you can decide for yourself whether you would like to work with your lawyer over the long term. Your wrongful termination lawsuit may be resolved with a settlement. However, there is always the possibility that your case will go to court – and this may mean working with your lawyer for many months or even years. This is why it is so important to choose a lawyer you can see yourself working with long-term.
Where Can I Find a Wrongful Termination Attorney in Los Angeles?
If you have been searching for a wrongful termination attorney in Los Angeles, look no further than the Fraigun Law Group. Over the years, we have helped numerous employees in Florida, including those who have been wrongfully terminated. As a California worker, you play a vital role in our economy, and you deserve protection from employers who violate your rights. Being aware of your rights is one thing, but fighting for them effectively is another thing altogether. Book your consultation today to stand up for yourself and hold your employer accountable.
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