Employment Rights Consultations and Consultation Fees

We have developed a particular way we handle employment consultations at Nacht & Associates. Based on years of experience advising thousands of workers about their rights in the workplace, we have settled on a method that allows our attorneys to provide the best advice possible in a setting that ensures confidentiality and promotes an atmosphere of trust. There is a fee for employment consultations.

Why charge a fee?

When you book an employment consultation with one of our attorneys, you will know that your story will be heard, that a lawyer will take the time to consider all the facts, and that you will get sound advice on your rights and your options whether or not you “have a case.” If you have a case, we will put years of experience as trial lawyers to work for you. But our experience in employment matters has also taught us the problems employees face are often much more complex and demand the attention of skilled and experienced employment lawyers. Work problems often implicate your career, reputation, cash flow issues, and even social relationships.

How Long Does it Take?

Typically, our consultation will take about an hour. Because you are paying for the attorney’s time, we will take the time to get to know the issues you are facing, advise you of your rights, and advise you of the best strategies to protect yourself -- whether or not we recommend that you retain us for ongoing advice and representation. We have no incentive to make a sales pitch or talk you into buying our services. For many people, some consultation and advice will be all they need in order to protect their employment rights. If we determine that you will also benefit from ongoing representation after the first meeting, we will recommend a fee structure and determine the appropriate scope of representation based on a meaningful understanding of your situation. For some types of situations, we may be able to offer a contingency fee (“no fee unless we recover”) arrangement. For other situations it will take more sense to work on an hourly or flat rate.

How can a Consultation Help if I don’t have a Case?

Through an employment consultation, we often provide advice on rights under state and federal law, rights with the EEOC, the Michigan Department of Civil Rights, OSHA or the Department of Labor. Based on experience, we advise on the many benefits available to you and how to get them: for instance, how to approach a denial of medical leave, how to file for unemployment or appeal a denial of benefits, or maybe just the best way to report workplace misconduct while protecting yourself from misconduct. The lawyers at Nacht & Associates will put their years of experience to work for you.

Many employees come to us seeking advice about their legal rights related to certain agreements. In the best case scenario, people seek out legal advice before they sign anything, whether it is an employment contract, non-competition agreement, arbitration agreement, severance, or release. We regularly provide review and legal advice regarding your rights under these types of agreements. Often, this will occur after an employee had been laid-off when they are considering their employment options in light of a non-compete they signed, or when they are weighing the value of a severance offer and release of claims.

Ultimately, your career and your professional reputation are the most valuable possessions you own. It only makes sense to engage a legal professional and make sure your rights are respected. If not, you could be giving up claims you didn’t even know you had.

What Should I Bring?

Employment consultations usually last about one hour and payment is due at the time of the meeting. It is important that you bring with you to the meeting any documents you have that may pertain to the situation, including anything you have received in writing from your employer. For example, you should bring employee handbooks, any employment agreements you have signed, paycheck stubs, emails regarding your situation, benefit plan descriptions, or anything else you have been asked to sign. It is also helpful if you can bring a copy of your most recent CV or resume.

Contact us today to schedule an initial consultation with the employment lawyers at Nacht & Associates.