What Are “No Win, No Pay” Employment Lawyers?
When employees experience workplace issues such as wrongful termination, discrimination, harassment, or unpaid wages, they may feel overwhelmed when they think of hiring an attorney or law firm. One big barrier to pursuing justice is the employment lawyer cost. That’s why Lawyers for Justice, PC implements a “no win, no pay” rule and is full of employment lawyers who work on a contingency fee basis.
What is a No Win No Pay Lawyer?
A “no win, no pay” lawyer, also known as a contingency fee lawyer, agrees to represent a client without charging any upfront legal fees. Instead, the employment law attorney only gets paid if they win the case or secure a settlement on behalf of the client. The payment typically comes as a percentage of the amount recovered. Lawyers for Justice, PC also offers a free legal consultation before accepting cases, so they can point a prospective client in the best direction for their unique employment law issues. Not having to pay an attorney’s fee can make legal representation accessible to California workers who might not otherwise afford an employment attorney, especially in complex employment law cases.
How Contingency Fee Representation Works
In a no win, no fee contingency law firm arrangement, the lawyer and client agree that the lawyer’s fee will be a percentage of the amount recovered, either through a settlement or a court judgment. This percentage can vary depending on the complexity of the case, the potential recovery, and the stage at which the case is resolved.
Advantages of Contingency Fee Representation
- Access to Legal Representation: Contingency fee arrangements allow employees who might not have the financial resources to pay hourly attorney fees upfront to fight their employment claims. This is particularly beneficial in employment law cases, where the employee might have lost their job or be in a vulnerable financial position.
- Incentive for Success: Since the lawyer’s, or legal team’s, payment is contingent on winning the case, they are highly motivated to achieve the best possible outcome for their client. This often aligns the interests of the lawyer and client closely.
- Risk-Sharing: The lawyer assumes a significant portion of the financial risk in contingency fee cases, because they invest time and resources without any guarantee of payment.
Disadvantages of Contingency Fee Representation
- Lawyer Selection: Because a legal team takes on financial risk in contingency fee cases, they may be selective about the cases they accept. This means that not all cases will qualify for contingency fee representation, particularly if the case appears weak or the potential recovery is low. Reach out to Lawyers for Justice, PC (LFJ) today to see if your case is a fit.
Legal Requirements for Pursuing an Unpaid Wage Claim in California
One of the most common types of employment law cases handled on a contingency fee arrangement is an unpaid wage claim. In California, employees are entitled to receive all wages earned, including overtime pay, meal and rest break compensation, and other forms of compensation. If an employer fails to pay these wages, the employee can pursue an unpaid wage claim.
1. Identify the Unpaid Wages
Before pursuing a claim, it’s essential to accurately identify the wages that are owed. This can include regular pay, overtime, minimum wage violations, and unpaid meal or rest break compensation. Employees should gather evidence such as pay stubs, time records, and any communications with their employer that support their claim. They should present all information to their workplace lawyer.
2. Understand the Statute of Limitations
California law imposes time limits for filing wage claims. LFJ will seek justice for workers who cannot advocate for themselves and will fight for their rights to always try and ensure they are helped within certain deadlines.
3. Filing a Claim with the California Labor Commissioner
Employees can file a wage claim with the California Labor Commissioner’s Office (also known as the Division of Labor Standards Enforcement, or DLSE). The process typically involves:
- Filing a Complaint: The employee submits a wage claim form, detailing the wages they believe they are owed.
- Investigation: The DLSE investigates the claim, which may include reviewing records and interviewing both the employee and employer.
- Settlement Conference: The DLSE may schedule a settlement conference to resolve the dispute without a hearing.
- Hearing: If the claim isn’t settled, a hearing will be held where both parties can present evidence. The DLSE will then issue a decision.
4. Pursuing a Lawsuit
If the wage claim is complex or involves additional legal issues, such as discrimination or retaliation, the employee should choose to file a lawsuit with the help of contingency fee lawyers. A contingency fee lawyer can provide valuable assistance in navigating this process.
5. Potential Remedies
If successful, the employee may recover:
- Unpaid Wages: The amount of wages owed.
- Interest: Interest on the unpaid wages.
- Penalties: Various penalties, including waiting time penalties under California Labor Code Section 203.
- Attorney’s Fees: In some cases, the employee may recover attorney’s fees, especially in successful lawsuits.
If you feel you were paid improperly, reach out to LFJ.
When Does An Employee Need An Employment Lawyer – FAQ
when does an employee need an employment lawyer? If an employees feels they were paid improperly, they should reach out to a contingency employment law firm to see if they can recover compensation. There is no risk in doing so, as the employee pays no up-front fees for legal assistance.
what is an employment attorney? The attorney team at LFJ represents you in a lawsuit against your employer for workplace discrimination, workers’ compensation, sexual harassment, or wage and hour issues, just to name a few practice areas.
what does an employment lawyer do? Attorneys at employment law firms can help you navigate tricky legal processes, like filing complaints or lawsuits against your employer. They act as your guide to ensure your rights are upheld.
how does no win no fee work? no win, no fee employment lawyers do not collect up-front fees. Instead, they collect a percentage of the compensation they recover, only if they win a case.
what type of lawyer do i need for work-related issues? An employment law attorney can help navigate specific work-related issues.
how much is an employment lawyer? The great thing about working with employment lawyers who work on a contingency basis is that there are no up-front fees. They simply take a percentage of their client’s award amount.
do employment lawyers work on contingency? LFJ looks out for California workers. And because a contingency fee arrangement is usually better for workers, the firm is happy to provide that service.
how much do no win no fee lawyers take? They usually take a percentage of the client’s recovered compensation. Specific percentages can vary.
how much does it cost to hire an employment lawyer? There are no up-front fees to hire an attorney at Lawyers for Justice, PC.
should i hire an employment lawyer? If you believe you were paid improperly, they can be your best asset in getting the compensation you deserve.