If you’ve been the victim of discrimination at work, whether because of your age, race, gender, sexual orientation, or any other factor protected by law, you might have a legal claim against your employer for damages. Harassment is also considered a form of discrimination under the law, so if your coworkers or bosses are harassing you or creating a hostile work environment due to a protected characteristic, consult with a lawyer right away to explore your legal options.

An employment lawyer can try to negotiate with your employer on your behalf to find a settlement that suits both sides. If a settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can help you file a discrimination claim with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission or a lawsuit against your employer in state or federal court.

Looking for a Lawyer?
At Lawyers.com, you’ll find a user-friendly search tool that allows you to tailor results by area of law and geography. You can also search for attorneys by name. Attorney profiles prominently display contact information, list topics of expertise, and show ratings—by both clients and other legal professionals.

Ready to Meet With a Lawyer?
Before hiring a lawyer or law firm, make sure to speak directly—preferably in person—to the attorney who will be primarily responsible for handling your case. Consider bringing to the conversation a list of questions and any documentation related to your case. Remember that you don’t need to hire the first lawyer you consult and that, first and foremost, you want a lawyer you trust.

What to Ask a Lawyer
When gathering your thoughts and documents, think about what you’ll want to ask the lawyer. Consider including on your list questions about:

• the attorney-client privilege
• the lawyer’s track record with cases like yours
• the lawyer’s experience with filing claims with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
• how often the lawyer goes to trial (as opposed to settling)
• who else will work on your case
• attorneys’ fees and other expenses related to the case (including how the cost might increase as the case moves to other stages, like trial)