Frequently Asked Questions

When should I contact a lawyer?
Do I have to file with the EEOC?
Should I file my own EEOC claim first?
How long do I have to file?
What are some of the recent changes in immigration laws?
I'm not sure I can afford a lawyer. Can you help me?

When should I contact a lawyer?

Seek the advice of counsel early. The earlier that I am able to advise a client the better the chances of an amicable resolution. Oftentimes employees get mad and throw their hands up before exhausting all of the steps required. This can damage your claim. However, if you do everything that you are supposed to and the employer persists or ignores your complaints, then you have a case.

Do I have to file with the EEOC?

If you want to file federal claims you do.

Should I file my own EEOC claim first?

You are limited in your ultimate claim by what you put in your EEOC complaint. If you miss a claim, you will not be able to bring it up later. A lawyer can advise you of what your actual claims are and how they should be stated.

How long do I have to file?

It depends. For state law claims, it can be 180 days or one year depending on the claim. For federal claims, you have to file with the EEOC within 300 days of the alleged discrimination. The time starts ticking from the incident, not necessarily from when you were fired or demoted. Manipulating these time periods is one of the main ways employers avoid liability in this area.

What are some of the recent changes in immigration laws?

The Illegal Immigration Reform and Immigrant Responsibility Act of 1996 included several new provisions. This law came into being because of the increasing number of illegal immigrants to the United States. The law is complex, but some new changes include increased border patrol, more INS inspectors, the allowance of videotaped testimony at trials and an increase in the number of Assistant US Attorneys.

I'm not sure I can afford a lawyer. Can you help me?

We are happy to offer free consultations to all our clients. We occasionally do pro bono work as well, depending on the situation. Come in and see us, and we'll discuss your individual situation.