Top Bernalillo, NM 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 Mexico?

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 Mexico 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 Bernalillo, NM?

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 Bernalillo.

How Much Does an Employment Attorney in Bernalillo 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.

How an Attorney Can Help

An attorney can often resolve your particular legal issue faster and better than trying to do it alone. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal system, while avoiding costly mistakes or procedural errors. You should seek out an attorney whose practice focuses on the area of law most relevant to your issue.

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.

Tips on Hiring an Experienced Lawyer with Employment Law Cases

The more experienced a lawyer is in legal practice, the more likely he/she will be able to bring about a successful resolution to your issue. Since experience matters, lawyers who’ve been practicing law for many years (with a successful track record) tend to be in high demand. You should look for information about a lawyer’s experience and ask questions during the initial meeting. It’s a very good idea to ask the lawyer how many years he/she has been practicing law and the expected outcome of your case.

Common legal terms explained

Personal jurisdiction – Requirement that a particular court have authority over a person, in order to bind that person to the judgment of the court, based on minimum contacts. International Shoe Co v. Washington is a landmark Supreme Court case outlining the scope of a state court’s reach in personal jurisdiction.