Wrongful termination lawyer: what to know

What the job involves, what changes the price, and what to ask a pro.

What wrongful termination lawyer is

A wrongful termination lawyer provides information about firing that may violate law or contract and may represent employees in claims. People look for one after being fired, laid off or pushed to resign when they believe the reason was unlawful. General information only, with no promised results.

Signs you need it

  • You were fired shortly after reporting a safety, pay or legal concern
  • You believe the reason given for your firing does not match what happened
  • You were fired after requesting leave or a workplace accommodation
  • Your employment contract promised a process or term that was not followed
  • You were pressured to resign and asked to sign paperwork
  • You received a termination letter with a deadline to sign a release

What the pro does

  • Review the termination notice, contract, handbook and any performance records
  • Build a timeline of events before the firing
  • Explain, in general terms, the difference between a lawful and an unlawful firing in your state
  • Identify deadlines for agency complaints or lawsuits
  • Negotiate with the employer or its lawyer
  • File a complaint or lawsuit and represent you where appropriate

What changes the price

Every job is different, so we do not publish prices. These are the things that move the quote up or down.

  • The facts and the evidence available
  • Whether an agency process comes first
  • Whether the employer has a lawyer and contests the claim
  • The number of witnesses and documents
  • Whether a severance release is involved
  • Whether the case goes to arbitration or court
  • How the fee is structured

What a written quote should spell out

  • The fee arrangement in writing, including any share of recovery
  • How costs are handled
  • Whether an agency complaint is included
  • What happens if the lawyer declines to continue
  • How you will be updated

Questions to ask before you hire

  • Do you take cases like mine, and how do you review them?
  • What deadlines apply to my situation?
  • Should I sign the release I was given?
  • What documents help most?
  • Does my employment contract include an arbitration clause?
  • What happens if my employer offers a settlement?

Red flags

  • A lawyer who promises a result
  • Advice to take confidential company files
  • No written fee agreement
  • A lawyer who tells you to ignore a deadline on a release

What you can do yourself

Write a timeline of what happened, save your termination letter and performance records, and note witnesses. Do not take confidential company documents. Speak with a licensed attorney before signing a release, because it may waive claims.

Licenses and permits

Wrongful termination lawyers must be licensed attorneys in good standing. Check the license with the state bar.

Wrongful termination lawyer questions

Is every firing wrongful?

No. In many places an employer can end employment for many reasons. A licensed attorney can explain what the law protects against.

Can a lawyer guarantee payment?

No. A lawyer can explain options, but no result is promised.

Should I sign my termination papers?

Review them with a licensed attorney first when possible.

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