For many individuals, the legal field can seem intimidating. It doesn’t help that many people seek legal representation only after experiencing a traumatic event, and television and movies have often shaped that perception by sensationalizing the legal process. In reality, working with a law firm doesn’t have to be daunting, and there are steps potential clients can take to make the process smoother from the very first conversation. For those facing workplace-related legal concerns, a St. Louis, MO employment lawyer can provide clear guidance and help make the legal process more manageable from the outset.
Note: This advice is tailored largely to employment-based cases involving discrimination, retaliation, and whistleblower claims, though much of it applies broadly to other areas of law as well.
Statute of Limitations
Most people have heard the term “statute of limitations,” but may not fully understand what it means. A statute of limitations is a law that sets a deadline for filing a legal claim after an incident occurs. These deadlines are often strictly enforced and can be surprisingly short depending on the type of claim. A good rule of thumb is to act quickly after an incident happens rather than wait.
In the age of online research and rapidly expanding AI tools, it can be tempting for clients to look up the statute of limitations themselves. While this research can be a helpful starting point, it’s still best to consult an attorney directly, since online sources can be inaccurate, out of date, or incomplete, and an attorney may also identify an alternative claim worth pursuing.
Building a Timeline
During initial conversations, an attorney or a member of their staff will typically try to build a timeline with the client. A timeline is important because it lays out the major events, the dates they occurred, and the individuals involved in a way that’s easy to follow. Knowing the dates helps the attorney calculate the statute of limitations and avoid confusion about the order of events. Noting the names of individuals involved allows the firm to run a conflict check, confirming they haven’t previously represented anyone connected to the matter. If the firm has represented one of those individuals before, it may create a conflict of interest that requires the firm to decline representation.
Coming to the first meeting with a timeline already prepared is one of the most helpful things a prospective client can do.
Documents
Documents are often the strongest form of evidence in employment lawsuits, which makes them another key topic in an initial meeting. If a potential client has relevant documents on hand, it allows the attorney to more accurately assess the strength of the case early on. Helpful documents can include:
- Employment agreements, offers, and severance agreements
- Performance evaluations and performance improvement plans (PIPs)
- Write-ups, employee manuals, and job descriptions
- Emails, text messages, and recordings
- Tax forms such as W2’s or 1099’s
- Any filings made with government agencies
It’s understandable that prospective clients may not have these documents available, but when they are available, they can be a powerful tool in determining whether a firm decides to take on a case.
Damages
Another important aspect of the initial conversation is discussing damages, the legal remedies a client is seeking. Damages are often monetary, but they can also take other forms, such as enforcement of a contract. Because damages are tied directly to how a person was harmed, it helps to have a sense of the actual costs involved, such as wages lost after a termination. Clients who arrive with these numbers, or even rough estimates, make this part of the process much easier.
Conclusion
An initial consultation gives an attorney the chance to understand a potential client’s story and evaluate how they can help, even when that story involves a lot of complex information. By contacting a law firm quickly, preparing a timeline, gathering relevant documents, and estimating damages, potential clients can walk into that first meeting with more confidence, and help an attorney evaluate the case as efficiently as possible. Potential clients can also contact TGH Litigation to discuss their circumstances and learn more about their legal options.