Top Portland, OR Employment Discrimination Lawyers Near You

Employment Discrimination

Employment discrimination occurs when an employer uses bias to make decisions regarding its personnel or applicants. Employment discrimination law stems from the U.S. Constitution and is codified in a patchwork of state, federal, and case law.

Are You the Victim of Employment Discrimination?

If you think your employer acted with discrimination based on age, color, disability, national origin, race, religion, sex, or pregnancy, you should immediately consult with employment discrimination attorney. The attorney can assess your situation, apply the applicable law, advise you if you have a valid case, and take action to achieve the compensation you deserve.

How long does a discrimination lawsuit take?

A lawsuit or settlement negotiations can take months or even years to play out, but every case is unique, and will depend on the circumstances of your case. If there is a lot of compensation on the line, it's likely that your case may take longer. Your attorney can advise you about what to expect.

How do you prove employment discrimination?

Just like with any other type of lawsuit, it will require evidence to prove your claims. If you think you are the victim of discrimination at your workplace, then it is important to document what you can. Save all email correspondence, phone messages, and performance reviews or other documentation that may prove your claims. Also, think about anyone you work with who would be able to corroborate your claims.

What age is considered old enough for age discrimination?

In the eyes of the federal government, you can be the victim of age discrimination if you are 40 years old or older. Some state laws lower that age threshold. But if you are under 40, it will be difficult to press ahead with an age discrimination lawsuit.

What sort of issues can I seek legal help with?

Specialized legal help is available for most legal issues. Each case is unique; seeking legal help is a smart first step toward understanding your legal situation and seeking the best path toward resolution for your case. An experienced lawyer understands the local laws surrounding your case and what your best legal options might be. More importantly, there are certain situations and circumstances - such as being charged with a crime - where you should always seek experienced legal help.

What to Expect from an Initial Consultation

• Seek to determine whether the attorney can represent you. There is no one-size-fits-all legal solution and it may turn out your needs are better served by an attorney in a different specialization.
• It's important to find a legal ally who is both competent in the law and someone you can trust to protect your interests.
• Discuss how the practice's billing works and discuss possible additional charges or fees that may arise during or after the resolution of your case.

An attorney consultation should provide you with enough information so that you can make an informed decision on whether to proceed with legal help.

Points to Consider Before Hiring a Lawyer

Experience. Regardless of the type of legal matter you need help with, an experienced attorney will usually be able to get you better results.

Competence. Determine an attorney's expertise by asking about their track record for the issue you need help with resolving.

Fit. There are plenty of good attorneys out there; make sure you find one you are comfortable working with.