Top Paterson, NJ Employment Law Lawyers Near You

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What Is Employment Law?

Employment law is the area of law that governs the employer-employee relationship. It consists of thousands of state and federal laws, administrative regulations, and judicial decisions addressing a broad range of employment issues to protect workers’ rights.

In the U.S., employment has become a measure of self-worth, dignity, achievement, and satisfaction. The development of employment laws to protect the rights of employees is a reflection of work’s importance in our society.

What Employment Issues May I Need Help Within New Jersey?

An employment attorney can help you with many employment issues, from employment discrimination to compensation and workplace health and safety. Common employment disputes include the following:

• Workplace discrimination, including age discrimination and civil rights issues,
• Workplace harassment, such as sexual harassment,
• Workplace health and safety, worker’s compensation, personal injury,
• Wrongful termination,
• Benefits,
• The Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) and other leave of absence issues,
• Wage disputes, including overtime pay and minimum wage,
• Defamation,
• Arbitration, and
• Employment contracts.

What Can a New Jersey Employment Lawyer Do For Me?

An employment lawyer may be able to assist you with the following:

• Educating you on federal and state laws concerning employment-related matters,
• Reviewing the merits of your complaint,
• Advising you regarding the course of action you should take,
• Assisting you in deciding whether to settle your case or litigate in court, and
• Helping you protect yourself against additional employment dispute claims.

Are There Any Employment Lawyers Near Me In Paterson, NJ?

Taking the next step forward to protect your workplace rights should start with consulting with an experienced employment attorney. Finding the right fit for your case may seem daunting, but many attorneys in your area are ready to help advocate on behalf of clients like you. The LawInfo directory can help you find verified employment lawyers in Paterson.

How Much Does an Employment Attorney in Paterson Cost?

Employment lawyers charge from $100/hr to $1,000/hr depending on the issue, the attorney’s skill, and location. Some attorneys may ask for payment of a portion of the fee upfront, also known as a retainer.

When Should I Hire an Employment Lawyer?

It is in your best interest to get legal help early in addressing your situation. There are times when quickly hiring a lawyer is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. Having a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents may also be a good idea. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a severe injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

What Are the Top Questions I Should Ask an Employment Lawyer?

• What is the usual process to resolve my case?
• How long will it take to resolve this case?
• What are the likely outcomes of a case like mine?
• What should I expect if my case goes to court?

An experienced lawyer should be able to communicate a basic “road map” on how to proceed. The lawyer should be able to walk you through the anticipated process, key considerations, and potential pitfalls to avoid. Once you’ve laid out the facts of your situation to the lawyer, they should be able to frame expectations and likely scenarios to help you understand your legal issue.

How Will An Employment Attorney Charge Me?

A reputable attorney will be very upfront about how they will charge you. The three most common fee structures that attorneys use to charge for their services are:

• Bill by the hour
• Contingent fee agreement
• Flat fee agreement

Depending on your specific legal situation, only one type of fee structure may be available. For instance, criminal defense attorneys almost always bill by the hour. A flat fee arrangement is when an attorney accepts a one-time payment to help you resolve your issue. With a contingent fee agreement, the client pays little to nothing upfront, and the attorney receives a percentage of the money recovered if you win your case.

When to Hire a Lawyer

It is in your best interest to get legal help early on in addressing your situation. There are times when hiring a lawyer quickly is critical to your case, such as if you are charged with a crime. It may also be in your best interest to have a lawyer review the fine print before signing legal documents. A lawyer can also help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve suffered a serious injury. For issues where money or property is at stake, having a lawyer guide you through the complexities of the legal system can save you time, hassle, and possibly a lot of grief in the long run.

The Importance of a Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

How to Find the Right Attorney

• Determine the area of law that relates to your issue. Attorneys specialize in specific practice areas around legal issues within the broad field of law.
• Seek out recommendations from friends, family, and colleagues. A successful attorney or practice will typically have many satisfied clients.
• Set up consultation appointments to get a better understanding of your case as well as gauge your comfort level with different attorneys. Find the attorney who is the right fit for your needs.

Common legal terms explained

Pro se – This Latin term refers to representing yourself in court instead of hiring professional legal counsel. Pro se representation can occur in either criminal or civil cases.

Statute – Refers to a law created by a legislative body. For example, the laws enacted by Congress are statutes.

Subject matter jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority to hear the claim based on the specific type of issue brought to the court. For example, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court only has subject matter jurisdiction over bankruptcy filings, therefore it does not have the authority to render binding judgment over other types of cases, such as divorce.