Dealing with racial discrimination requires the use of an attorney who is skilled, empathetic and has experience dealing with these exact cases in the past. Attorneys who understand the situation through first hand experience are the ultimate resource for addressing the problem head-on and ultimately providing justice.
That said, not all lawyers can handle racial discrimination cases, especially if they involve poor work conditions or treatment from a boss, for instance. Here, we’ll go over the process of finding the right kind of lawyer to help you with a racial discrimination case.
Comprehending the law of racial discrimination.
The law against racial discrimination extends to any unfair treatment due to someone’s race, color, descent, national, or ethnic origin. Lawyers who focus on this area handle a fairly broad spectrum of cases, from employment discrimination to problems in housing, education, or public spaces. These cases are not usually resolved with a single statute; rather, they’re the result of many laws, decisions, and settlements that have happened over the year.
Commencing Your Investigation
Start by inquiring with people you know who had similar legal issues for recommendations. These are the individuals whose judgments you trust and who are most likely to offer a reliable account of a lawyer’s reputation and skills.
Bar associations at the local and state levels.
If you need a lawyer who deals with racial discrimination cases, you can turn to a bar association. Many of these groups offer referral services that help you connect with precisely the kind of attorney you’re looking for. The upshot is that you’re much less likely to end up with a dud and much more likely to find someone who can help.
Societies that provide legal assistance
One option you might think about to ensure that litigation doesn’t break your bank account is connecting with legal aid societies. These organizations offer their services at free or nominally low cost to those who can demonstrate financial hardship. At many such entities, lawyers are on staff who have been trained and who have experience in civil rights law.
Internet Resources
You can search for lawyers based on their area of practice and where they are located using various websites such as the well-known Martindale-Hubbell, as well as newer sites like Avvo and FindLaw. Additionally, there are some more localized sites, like NextLawyerUp, that are helpful. These platforms allow for both client reviews and lawyer ratings, which can be another helpful tool in selecting the right lawyer.
Assessing Possible Lawyers
Experience and specialization
Make sure the lawyer you’re thinking of hiring has direct experience with racial discrimination law. Look up their background and what they’ve accomplished in their career to try and find not just any discrimination cases they’ve dealt with, but specifically, cases like yours.
Meetings to discuss an issue and the way you plan to handle it are an essential part of the decision-making process. Few people can completely envision all the potential outcomes of a course of action, and in any case, it is well known that humans have a pronounced tendency to go astray when they try. Hence, it is good to bounce ideas off other people, especially those who have relevant experience or expertise. This is what is known as the “dialogue of reason.”
The majority of attorneys serve up a free first meeting, sort of a “try before you buy” arrangement. Here is your chance to get the measure of a legal beagle, to see if you have a good rapport and if you think they can handle your case in a way that works for you. Specifically, you want to make sure they “get it,” in terms of your case. Do they have a good grasp of the facts, the law, and the stakes involved? And, can they communicate all this in a way that keeps you informed and involved?
Reputation is build by two things: the impression you impart and what others say about you. The impression you make is formed by the way you look, carry yourself, and behave. This, in turn, is influenced by your values, attitudes, and beliefs. You can’t pretend to be something you’re not. It is important to let the true you shine. And then there are the things others say about you. As anyone with a brother or sister can attest, you can’t always control what others say. People will say what they will. And with the advent of social media, what they say can spread like wildfire.
Investigators might gain some insight into a lawyer’s skill set and reputation from the words current or former clients use when reviewing that lawyer online. They must, however, also remember that some of these reviews may not be entirely trustworthy or accurate. A more reliable source might be the words of independent organizations like Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers, who only give their accolades to the best lawyers in their respective fields.
Costs and charges
Before choosing a lawyer, it’s crucial to grasp how they will bill you. Some work on a contingency basis, getting paid a portion of your settlement or damages if you win. Others may charge by the hour. In any case, you need to ensure you can afford the fees. Don’t be afraid to talk to the attorney about money—after all, it’s your money you’re talking about. The fee structure should be straightforward and easy to understand, and you should be comfortable with it.
Vital Queries to Make
- To get a clearer picture of which attorneys would be a good fit, interview them using these questions as a guide.
- For what length of time have you been involved in the practice of law that addresses cases of racial discrimination?
- Could you tell me about any cases similar to mine that have had successful outcomes?
- What is your usual way of dealing with a situation like mine?
- My case could have various results, but which is most likely?
- What will be the best method for you to use to notify me of the developments in my case?
- How much is your pay?
Deciding What to Do
Take a moment to look back on your interactions with various attorneys. Which ones did you feel at ease with? Which of them seemed to grasp your situation on the deepest level? And which one, if any, had it all laid out in a way that made the most sense to you? Clearly, personal compatibility from the get-go is vital, because with a person in such a high-stakes position in your life, you want not just a competent practitioner but also someone you can build rapport and trust with.
Give us a call if you would like to discuss this issue at length with us.
Image: https://pixabay.com/illustrations/bully-harassment-workplace-work-3233568/
