Information to know when seeking employment law services via the internet
Hiring an employment lawyer can be a daunting process. You want to find the right person to handle your claim, and you want them to do an excellent job while doing so. Now, add COVID-19 into the mix, and this process suddenly becomes even more intimidating, because you may now need to look for an employment lawyer online. Aside from COVID-19 related restrictions, you may also want to hire a lawyer online if you have trouble commuting or if your local law firm is too far away. There are some benefits to hiring a lawyer online, but there are also some things to consider.
Things to consider when hiring an employment lawyer online
Similar to when you’re looking to hire or acquire any other service, it’s essential to do your research first. Firstly, you want to make sure that the lawyer you choose specializes in employment law in Canada. Many firms will say that they handle employment cases, but their specialty may be in another area. By ensuring your lawyer specializes in employment law, you can rest assured that they’ll know and understand the ins and outs of your case.
After you’ve found a possible employment lawyer, it would be wise to ask questions regarding some of the following topics:
- The number of cases they’ve taken to trial, including those that are similar to yours.
- Costs and fees.
- Previous achievements.
- Length of time for which they have been practicing employment law
- Their opinion and likely outcome of your case.
Additionally, do a quick Google search of the lawyer you’re interested in finding reviews and ratings from past clients. A good lawyer will have good reviews and no disciplinary records.
Personal considerations when hiring an employment lawyer online
- Your lawyer will need to be in contact with you regularly, and may also require that you send them documents online. It is crucial that you are ok with communicating with your lawyer and sharing information with them over e-mail and telephone.
- Because this is all done online, you may never actually meet your lawyer in person.
- Technology can be unpredictable and a little confusing. It is best if you have a good understanding of computers or live with someone who can help you if needed.
Benefits of working with an employment lawyer remotely
In today’s society, and with current COVID-19 conditions, we have adapted our lives to function remotely. Before the pandemic, hiring a lawyer online wasn’t unheard of, however it’s certainly growing in popularity. This is because there are several benefits to hiring an employment lawyer online:
- There are no limitations in terms of distance and commute.
- You don’t have to leave your house if you don’t have to, you can handle everything right from your phone or computer.
- Many firms use software to securely send, receive, and sign necessary documentation; this eliminates a lot of waiting and processing time.
What to expect
If you’ve decided to hire an employment lawyer online, you will first have to request to speak to them by contacting them through their consultation platform. They will let you know what information and documents they require so they can get a better understanding of your case. Once they’ve looked over your case, they will confirm whether or not they can represent you. The rest of the process typically includes:
- A consultation where you can ask questions and further discuss the advice they have given you.
- An outline of associated costs.
- Reviewing, and asking questions about the contract.
- Signing the contract.
- And onboarding – this typically takes about one to two business days after signing the contract and will provide you with the next steps and an overview of what’s to come.
Finally, it is best for you to contact a lawyer as soon as you can. The process can take quite a bit of time. You want to ensure that you’ve given yourself enough time to fully consider your options, gather the appropriate documents, and ensure that you can meet specific deadlines. By doing this, you can reduce the possibility of damaging your claim, avoid accruing additional costs associated, and help your process go more smoothly.
Learn about your employment rights during COVID-19 in Canada.
