5 Things an Employment Lawyer Can Do (That You Probably Can't)

Employers often prey on the naivete of employees when shorting them on pay, refusing benefits, or even firing them. An employment attorney can make sure that you're protected from any legal shenanigans your employer tries to pull, as well as clue you in to rights you didn't know you had.

Check out these five things an employment attorney can help you with, that you probably can't do on your own:

1. Evaluate Your Employment Contract.

You may be just starting a new job, all fresh-faced and optimistic about your new employer, or you may be renegotiating your employment contract for the umpteenth time. Either way, it will pay huge legal dividends to have your employment attorney look over your employer's proposed contract. Your lawyer can spot things like noncompete clauses and arbitration agreements that you may want to reconsider.

2. Timely File Your EEOC Discrimination Complaint.

If you do have a discrimination claim against your employer, you need to file an EEOC workplace discrimination complaint within 180 days. Yes, it is possible to do this yourself, but your attorney can guide you on what details and allegations you should include, as well as take the stress out of worrying whether it's filled out properly. If you don't properly file on time, you may be barred from suing your employer entirely.

3. Represent You in Court/Arbitration/Mediation.

Your employment case might end up going before a jury, but it also might end up in arbitration or mediation for a good while. You may think that representing yourself will save you money, but if you need represent yourself in court every time your case has a status hearing or meeting with special masters, you'll wish you hadn't.

4. Negotiate a Settlement With Your Employer.

There may already be so much bad blood between you and your employer that speaking with the company's attorney may be an emotion-filled event. Allow your employment attorney to dispassionately negotiate a settlement with your employer, and avoid giving yourself an aneurism.

5. Tell You If You Have a Case Worth Pursuing.

You may feel like your firing was completely unwarranted, but do you really want to waste time and money only to be embarrassed in court when a judge rules it was legal? Even if you don't have winning legal claim, your employment attorney can tell you what your options are.

Don't be caught unawares with your legal rights at work, consult an experienced employment attorney today.

Related Resources:

• 5 Inappropriate Sexual Behaviors Not to Tolerate From Supervisors (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Can Your Boss Make You Work on a Holiday? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Top 5 Legal Tips for Waiters, Waitresses (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)
• Is the Noncompete Clause in Your Work Contract Legal? (FindLaw's Law and Daily Life)