How do I find my lawyer? Four steps:

• One: Build a list of possibilities.
• Two: Narrow the list to about three.
• Three: Phone these three, or make an appointment.
• Four: Pick the one you like best.

Here are some sources:

• Web sites. Many lawyers have web sites that contain details about their background and experience.
• Friends. Perhaps a friend has used an employment lawyer, and can recommend one. (Remember, it should be (1) a specialist (2) who represents employees and (3) has an office in your state.)
• Yellow pages. The phone book yellow pages list "lawyers" or "attorneys." There should be a whole separate section for employment lawyers. 
• Lawyer referral. Your state bar association probably has a free lawyer referral service. Check your phone book. Stay away from referral services that charge you a fee.
• National Employment Lawyers Association. Over 3,000 layers belong, and they represent employees. Their web site allows you to search by your zip code or state. 
• LawMemo's Employment Lawyer - Attorney Directory.

Should I handle my own case, and just skip the lawyer?

• No. No. No.
• Employment law is complex, and involves state and federal statutes, administrative rules and decisions, and decisions by state and federal courts.
• Employment law can change overnight.
• If you have a toothache, you go to a dentist. If you have a legal problem, you go to a lawyer.
• You might think you can save some money. Keep reading.

Should I be in a hurry to find a lawyer?

• Yes. Yes. Yes.
• Legal claims always have time limits.
• Some time limits can be be short.
• Do it today.

What kind of lawyer should I seek?

• A specialist. One that specializes in employment law. A lawyer who did a great job on your will or your divorce might not be the right person. Look for someone who spends at least 75 percent of their time on employment cases.
• A lawyer who represents employees. Most employment lawyers represent one side or the other. Some represent employers. That's not what you want. Some represent employees (and perhaps labor unions). That's what you want.
• Someone in your state. Your case might involve some state law. State law in California is not the same as it is in New York. A lawyer with an office in your state is more likely to be familiar with the local scene.
• Someone nearby. It's really a matter of convenience. If you need to make a trip to your lawyer, it's easier if the office is nearby. But never pick a lawyer just because the office is handy.
• Someone you like. You might be spending a lot of time with your lawyer, so pick someone you're comfortable with.

Will a lawyer be expensive?

• Most do not charge for an initial visit. Maybe a half-hour. Enough to size up you case, and for the lawyer to decide whether to take it.
• A lawyer typically gets paid one of two ways.
  • Contingency fee. You pay nothing unless you win something through a settlement or a trial. If you win, then the lawyer takes a percentage of that. The percentage varies. Expect to pay the lawyer 25% to 40% of the amount you recover. That might sound large, but a good lawyer will get you a larger amount, so it usually is worth it.
  • Statutory fee. If certain statutes apply to your case, then the statute might require that the employer pay your attorney's fees - over an above the amount you recover from the employer.
• Get a written fee agreement. Have the lawyer explain everything in writing. Take some time to read it over and think about it before you sign. That way you will have all the details written out and it's less likely you'll have a misunderstanding later on.

Repeat after me: Legal claims have time limits. Act quickly.