Toronto Employment and Labour Law Blog: Fired? Negotiating Severance: 10 Keys to Success

#5 SELECTING AN EMPLOYMENT LAWYER. WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW.

There is a saying; "if you ask marketers and promoters they will tell you that Mr. Smith (not his real name) is an excellent employment lawyer. "If you ask employment lawyers about Mr. Smith (not his real name) you will be told that he is an excellent marketer and promoter". Although lawyers need to identify their professional qualifications and legal specialty, self-promotion, no matter how public or how aggressive, is no substitute for competence, experience quality of legal representation. For example, a lawyer who identifies himself as an employment lawyer but has never been to court is not an experienced employment lawyer no matter what the advertisement says. experience is essential. With it comes practical knowledge of the arguments that are successful in a courtroom and those that are not. Adversarial skills are essential for a lawyer providing legal advice with regard to an employment dispute that may end up in Opposing counsel is well aware whether your lawyer has successfully argued similar cases before the court and won. That experience and success provide leverage for a good settlement. a potential client should ask the lawyer before retaining her/him, "will you go to court if necessary, how often have you argued similar cases in court, do you represent employees exclusively? 

In the attorneys represent only plaintiff employees or defendant employers exclusively. In an experienced employment lawyer may represent both employers and employees at different times. As long as there is no conflict of interest, seeing both sides of the argument may prove an advantage. 

If possible ask your family lawyer or accountant, "if you lost your job who would you hire"? Asking your or brother in law for employment advice means that the advice you receive is worth exactly what you pay for it. Due diligence before hiring means reviewing, google the lawyer's name and speak to professionals in whom you have confidence. Retaining an employment lawyer to represent you is an important step to protect you, your family and you're working future. Selecting the right lawyer is not an easy process. Marketing or a free consultation does not make the lawyer. Experience and reputation cannot be purchased, they must be earned.

• back
• Facebook
• Twitter