Questions workers ask

Maybe. Being fired unfairly isn't always illegal, but being fired for a protected reason is: because of your race, sex, age, disability or religion, or for complaining, taking protected leave or reporting a violation. Tell me what happened and I'll give you a straight answer.

Not long. Some discrimination charges have to be filed with a government agency within months of what happened, and wage claims have their own limits. Call as soon as you can, even if you still work there.

Yes. Many clients call while they're still employed. Punishing you for getting legal advice about your rights can be its own claim.

Anything in writing: your offer letter, pay stubs, schedules, reviews, the termination letter, and texts or emails with your manager. Don't take company documents you weren't allowed to have.

Most of my cases are on contingency: my fee is a share of what you recover, and if you recover nothing, you owe no fee. Case costs, like filing fees and deposition transcripts, are separate, and the agreement says in writing who pays them and when, before you sign.

For some work, like reviewing a severance agreement, I may quote a flat or hourly fee instead. You'll know the number before I start.

Not before someone reads it. Severance usually asks you to give up your claims in exchange for the payment. I'll tell you what you'd be giving up and whether there's room to ask for more.

Most employment cases settle, often after the evidence is exchanged or at mediation. I prepare every case as if it will be tried, because that's what moves an offer.

Not from me. What you tell me is confidential. The employer learns about a claim only when we decide to bring it.