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How do I Choose the Best Wrongful Dismissal Lawyer?

Jodee Redmond
Jodee Redmond

If you believe that you have lost your job without cause, you will want to consult with a wrongful dismissal lawyer. Choosing the right person to represent you is a very important matter, made up of two parts. Not only do you want to find an attorney who is experienced in wrongful termination matters, but you also need to choose someone you will feel comfortable with.

A wrongful dismissal lawyer is a legal professional who specializes in representing former employees who feel that they were unfairly terminated from their job. The attorney can advise his or her clients whether the local labor laws were breached by the employer's actions and what options the former employee has available. The attorney can also help his or her client by negotiating a settlement with the employer or representing the former employee in court, if necessary.

Businessman with a briefcase
Businessman with a briefcase

If you need to find an unfair dismissal attorney, you have some options. Clients located in the U.S. can contact the state Bar Association and ask for a referral. In Canada, the provincial Bar Association can provide names of qualified individuals. If you know an attorney, ask him or her for a referral to a qualified wrongful dismissal lawyer.

Searching online is another option when you are looking for a wrongful dismissal lawyer. Many legal professionals have web sites, and by reading a lawyer's biographical information posted online, you can get an idea of whether you would like to set up an initial meeting.

It's a good idea to interview a few lawyers before you choose someone to represent you in an employment law matter. Set up an initial interview and bring a list of questions along. Ask each lawyer under consideration the same questions and make note of the answers you get. They should cover the lawyer's experience, working style and his or her policy regarding communicating with clients. You will want to know whether you will be copied on all correspondence and how long it will take for your calls to be returned.

You will also want to ask questions about the lawyer's experience in dealing with wrongful dismissal cases and get a feel for how he or she approaches a case. Not only is this person going to be providing you with his or her expert opinion, but the lawyer is going to be speaking for you in discussions with your former employer. Ask questions to determine whether you would feel comfortable having the wrongful dismissal lawyer under consideration take on this role.

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      Businessman with a briefcase