Top Portland, OR Wrongful Termination Lawyers Near You

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What Is Wrongful Termination?

Employment is “at-will,” meaning that employers and employees can terminate the employment relationship at any time. While the at-will doctrine gives the employer broad discretion over firing an employee, this discretion is not absolute. When the firing violates a written or implied employment contract or a state or federal law, it is considered wrongful termination.

Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 is an example of a federal law that limits the reasons for which an employer can terminate an employee. Under that law, employers may not terminate an employee based on race, color, religion, sex, and national origin. In addition, it prohibits employers from retaliating against employees who complain about or report discriminatory practices. An employee whose employer terminated them for a reason made unlawful under Title VII may be able to file a wrongful termination suit against their employer.

Wrongful termination laws vary at the state level but fall into the three general exceptions to the at-will doctrine: good faith, implied contracts, and public policy. Each state determines which, if any, exceptions it follows.

When Should I Hire a 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 Can an Oregon Wrongful Termination Lawyer Do For Me?

If you think your employer wrongfully terminated you, you should contact an experienced wrongful termination attorney as soon as possible. A wrongful termination attorney can assist you by:

• Determining whether you have a wrongful termination case,
• Gathering evidence supporting your claim,
• Filing suit against your employer, and
• Help you recoup lost income or other benefits.

What Are the Top Questions Should I Ask a Wrongful Termination Lawyer?

· What is the usual process to resolve my case? How long will it take to resolve this?

· What are the likely outcomes of a case like mine? What should I expect?

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 legal 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 A Wrongful Termination 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.

Are There Any Wrongful Termination Lawyers Near Me In Portland, OR?

Finding the right fit for your case may seem daunting, but many attorneys in your area are ready to help advocate for clients like you. The LawInfo directory can help you find verified wrongful termination lawyers in Portland. It can significantly benefit you to consult with an experienced employment attorney early in your case.

How Much Does an Employment Attorney in Portland 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.