When a potential client calls to discuss whether he or she has been wrongfully terminated, we take the followign steps: First, we will obtain information from our potential client about the reason for the termination of his or her employment (not just the reason(s) stated by the employer, but what the employee believes is the true reason). If we determine that the true reason(s) for termination violates California law, we will consider taking the case. Generally, we take cases on a contingency basis, meaning that the client does not pay us unless we win the case. We also generally advance the reasonable costs of the litigation, as our clients are usually not well off and need an attorney who will not charge up front for services.

After deciding to take the case, we will enter into an "engagement agreement" with the client, which sets forth the terms and scope of our representation. As mentioned above, this agreement will generally state that the client will not have to pay us unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on the client's behalf.

Once we are "engaged" to represent the client, we will conduct an investigation into the facts relating to the termination of employment. We will then seek to obtain a remedy (generally money damages) from the employer, whether by corresponding with the employer to obtain a settlement without litigation or by litigating the case. The scope of our responsibilities to the client and the client's responsibilities in the matter will be fully set forth in the "engagement agreement."