In California, the Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) of 1974 and the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) protect employees and job applicants from disability-related discrimination in the workplace. The FEHA applies to employers with five or more regular employees, and the ADA applies to those with 15 or more employees.

Unfortunately, many employers may not be aware of their legal obligations toward their employees and may engage in disability discrimination in the workplace. If that describes your situation, you hire a disability discrimination lawyer to protect your legal rights. You can search online for “disability discrimination lawyer near me” to find a competent lawyer in your area.

Five important tips before hiring a disability lawyer

Here are five tips to keep in mind before you hire a disability lawyer:

1. Find out about the lawyer’s legal experience with disability law

When you search online for “disability discrimination lawyer near me,” it is advisable to look for a lawyer specializing in disability law. The lawyer should understand the various nuances of the law and stay updated on new legal developments. Find out if they have handled disability discrimination cases similar to yours and the outcomes they achieved. You should also find out if they are members of local or national legal associations and disability-related organizations.

2. Assess your compatibility with the lawyer

Many lawyers offer an initial free consultation in which they can review your case and determine its legal viability. You can take the opportunity to assess if the lawyer is interested in getting you justice and if you get along with them well. Since most legal cases take time to resolve, you may have to associate with the lawyer you hire over a long period. It is better to hire someone empathetic to your situation.

3. Inquire about the legal fees the lawyer will charge

It is essential to ask about the legal fees the lawyer will charge you. Some lawyers take cases on a contingency basis. That means they will get paid for their legal services only after winning the case for you. If they lose the case, they will not charge anything. Even so, you may have to pay for any additional expenses. It is best to have a clear idea of these before you file your case.

4. Ask to see the lawyer’s sample legal work contract

When you hire a lawyer by searching online for a “disability discrimination lawyer near me,” ask to see their sample legal work contract. It is essential to review it carefully and ensure it is easy to understand, with no ambiguity. If you want to add any terms, ask the lawyer to add them before you sign the contract and hire them.

5. Make sure that you can contact the lawyer easily

Ideally, you want to communicate with the lawyer quickly to clarify issues or voice your concerns. For that, you need to have the lawyer’s email, phone number, and office address. Additionally, ask them when is the best time to contact them.