What to Expect When Hiring an Employment Attorney in New York
What an Employment Attorney Does
An employment attorney specializing in plaintiff representation serves as your advocate when workplace issues arise. They help employees navigate complex legal situations including wrongful termination, workplace discrimination, sexual harassment, wage theft, retaliation, and Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) violations. Your attorney will evaluate your case, explain your rights, negotiate with employers and their counsel, prepare necessary legal documents, and represent you in court or administrative hearings if needed.
What Employment Litigation Involves
Employment litigation typically begins with an initial evaluation of your situation. If your attorney determines you have a viable case, they may attempt to resolve the matter through negotiation or mediation before filing formal complaints. The process may include:
- Filing complaints with relevant agencies like the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) or New York State Division of Human Rights
- Engaging in discovery to gather evidence, including depositions and document requests
- Negotiating potential settlements
- Preparing for and conducting trial if settlement isn’t achievable
- Handling any appeals if necessary
New York offers robust protections for employees beyond federal safeguards, making it essential to work with an attorney familiar with state-specific employment laws.
Costs of Employment Representation in New York
Most employee-side employment attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only collect payment if you win your case or secure a settlement. Typical contingency fees range from 1/3 to 40% of your recovery. Some cases may involve a hybrid arrangement with reduced hourly rates plus a smaller contingency percentage. During your consultation, we’ll discuss our fee structure transparently so you understand exactly what to expect.
Selecting the Right Employment Attorney
Finding the right employment attorney requires careful consideration:
- Experience: Look for attorneys who specifically focus on employee-side employment law and have extensive experience with cases similar to yours
- Track record: Research their success rate with settlements and trial verdicts
- Communication style: Choose someone who explains complex legal concepts clearly and keeps you informed
- Resources: Ensure they have the necessary resources to take on powerful employers and their legal teams
- Manageable caseload: Select an attorney who can dedicate sufficient attention to your case to maximize results, rather than a “mill” operation that processes high volumes of cases with minimal individualized attention
- Personal connection: Select an attorney who understands your situation and demonstrates genuine commitment to your case
What to Bring to an Employment Law Consultation
Come prepared to your consultation with:
- Employment documents (offer letter, employment contract, personnel policies, employee handbook)
- Pay stubs and records of hours worked
- Performance reviews and disciplinary records
- Documentation of the issues you’re experiencing (emails, texts, written warnings, etc.)
- Timeline of relevant events
- Names and contact information for potential witnesses
- Any communications with HR or management about your concerns
- Records of any reporting to government agencies
The more organized and comprehensive your documentation, the better we can evaluate your case.
Move Forward with Support from Dolce Law PLLC
Workplace injustice can be devastating, affecting not just your income but your professional reputation and personal wellbeing. At Dolce Law PLLC, we understand the courage it takes to stand up against employment violations. We are fighting exclusively for employee rights in New York.
We pride ourselves on providing personalized attention to each client while leveraging our extensive knowledge of New York and federal employment laws. Contact us today for a confidential case evaluation to discuss your workplace situation and explore your legal options.
