Posted on May 16th, 2018
A Guide To Hiring a Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyer:
Before you hire a sexual harassment defense attorney, there’s a few things you should know.
This is a serious problem to have. And whether its you or one of your supervisors that stands accusedd you want to make sure you get the best legal help possible!
Check out our guide on how to go about hiring the best sexual harassment defense lawyer.
Have you or one of your employees been accused of sexual harassment in the workplace? If so, you need to hire a sexual harassment defense lawyer who can help you navigate this serious and scary situation!
Not sure if you need a sexual harassment defense lawyer or what they can do to help you in this situation?
In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about sexual harassment, so you can make the best decision on hiring and attorney. A good decision here is the best chance protect yourself and have a fighting chance in court should anything happen.
What Constitutes Sexual Harassment?
Sexual harassment is defined as a form of discrimination that includes unsolicited comments, or inappropriate conduct or behavior regarding sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
It covers unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, and other types of both physical and verbal harassment of a sexual nature.
It’s important to know that sexual harassment doesn’t have to be of a sexual nature and that it can encompass both offensive and lewd comments about a person’s sex or gender.
Sexual harassment doesn’t cover simple teasing or isolated incidents, but rather its more frequent or severe comments that consistently make a work environment hostile or unsafe.
Victims and harassers can be either male or female, and anyone from boss to a coworker can be accused of sexual harassment.
That’s why it’s important to know what qualifies as sexual harassment and the kind of behaviors you should avoid displaying.
If you want to see just how big of a problem this is look at how much the state of California has paid out to settle sexual harassment claims. These came from employees of the state who were accused of harassment and settlements were reached.
According to the Sacramento Bee over $25 Million in 3 years!
5 Things to Know Before Hiring a Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyer
Looking to hire a sexual harassment defense lawyer?
Here are 10 things to know as you seek out a defense lawyer for your case.
1. You’ll Need to Hire a Defense Lawyer as Soon as Possible
If you or someone in your company has been accused or charged with sexual harassment, you need to hire a lawyer as soon as possible. You should not try to handle this type of situation yourself and be sure you get an attorney as soon as you aware of the accusations.
This charge is very serious, and if found guilty, it could go beyond just Labor law, so it’s vital to hire a lawyer that is experienced in these matters immediately.
STATE BAR RECORDS:
You can filter your search for an attorney right away by checking the State Bar. This list will tell you if any of the lawyers you are considering have been disciplined for doing anything that was immoral, untruthful, or criminal.
If any of your candidates are on this list, cross them off, and go on to the next option.
2. Do You Have Any Evidence to Support Your Side?
With sexual harassment cases many times its a matter of perception on what happened.
The accuser may claim something you perceive to be totally innocent as harassment. Also there may have been a history of flirting emails or text messages and then something changed and all of a sudden those types of messages were no longer welcome or will be used against you.
That is why its important to gather any and all evidence you have to support your case.
Including eyewitness accounts, emails and text messages.
3. Experience Is Essential
Sexual harassment cases can be scary and overwhelming, so it’s important to hire a lawyer you can trust has experience in these types of matters.
The best way to confirm this is to make sure any attorney you consider has direct experience in defending employers and business owners in sexual harassment claims.
There are very few firms that ONLY help employers let alone have direct experience in defending them in sexual harassment suits. You want someone with experience and a proven track record.
If you don’t find a specialized lawyer, you run the risk of your case being mishandled.
Be sure to ask them upfront about any meeting fees, and if they exist, feel free to ask them if they can be waived. Make sure to bring every document you have regarding your situation, such as police reports and witness statements.
4. Asking the Right Questions is Essential
Your initial meeting with an attorney is your one chance to assess the quality of the lawyer and determine if they’re the right fit for you. When meeting them, you should make sure ask the important questions.
Here is a list of questions you should definitely ask any potential lawyers:
- What is your experience handling cases like mine?
- How long have you been practicing in the state of California?
- How many people on your team and what experience do they have in these cases?
- Will you personally be representing me in my case?
- What are past outcomes of similar cases to mind that you represented?
By asking these questions, you can have a better idea about whether or not this lawyer is the right one for you.
5. You Should Let Your First Choice Know as Soon as Possible
Once you know who you want to represent you, you should reach out and tell them you want to hire them for your case right away!
Attorneys are busy and can be hired rather quickly, so you have to move fast to make sure they can still take on your case.
Once you hire them, they’ll want to sit down with you, get any important paperwork signed, and get started on your case.
Final Thoughts on a Hiring Sexual Harassment Defense Lawyer
If you are facing a sexual harassment case from a current or former employee, you need to get a jumpstart on hiring a defense lawyer.
By following the tips in this article, you can find the right lawyer for your case.
Are you looking for a sexual harassment defense lawyer for your business? Not sure where to start?
Contact us to learn more about your options! We offer a FREE 15 Minute consultation.
