Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Discrimination Law Firm in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia

Q: Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Discrimination Law Firm in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia

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During a recession, the loss of a job due to discrimination or retaliation can be detrimental. With so much at stake, it’s critical to retain a firm that you can trust to achieve your objectives and to maximize your recovery. Before retaining a discrimination lawyer, consider researching these issues.

To schedule a preliminary consultation with leading discrimination lawyer Eric Bachman, call us today at 202-769-1681, or click here.

Click here to see our videos answering frequently asked questions about discrimination and retaliation.

Does the firm have experience trying discrimination cases?

Though many employment cases settle, it is critical to hire a firm that is ready to go the distance and has trial experience and to prepare every case as though it is going to trial. Eric Bachman, Chair of the Firm’s Discrimination Practice, began his career as a public defender and has substantial experience trying cases. Recently, he secured a $1.3 million jury verdict in an age discrimination case (tried with co-counsel).

Having served as Special Litigation Counsel in the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice and as lead or co-counsel in numerous jury trials, Bachman is trial-tested and ready to fight for you to obtain the relief that you deserve.

What is the firm’s track record?

Avoid hiring a firm that dabbles in employment discrimination law and instead find a firm that has a thorough knowledge of this area and has a record of overcoming the pitfalls that doom many discrimination cases before the cases even get to trial.

Both in private practice and public service, Bachman has litigated precedent-setting individual and class action discrimination cases. His wins include a $100 million settlement in a disparate impact Title VII class action and a $16 million class-action settlement against a major grocery chain.

How do clients review the firm’s services?

Before hiring a discrimination law firm, find out about the experience of the firm’s prior clients, including whether those clients found the firm attentive, diligent, and effective.

You should also assess the attorney’s responsiveness. If an attorney takes a considerable amount of time to respond to an inquiry about representation, you should expect the same (if not longer) response time if you hire that attorney. The success or failure of a claim can hinge on timing.

What is the firm’s approach to client service and litigating cases?

Some firms treat discrimination cases as a high-volume, “cookie-cutter practice.” We reject that approach and firmly believe that each client comes to us with unique circumstances and unique objectives. For each client, we tailor a strategy that fits their objectives and maximizes their recovery.

There are many federal and state laws that offer protection and relief for victims of discrimination. It is critical to hire an experienced attorney who is well-versed in navigating the maze of statutory and common law remedies.

What is the firm’s reputation?

Before hiring an attorney, investigate the lawyer’s ratings and reputation. This may include reviewing their Avvo rating, Martindale Hubbell Peer Review rating, client testimonials, awards, and other recognitions. U.S. News and Best Lawyers® have named Zuckerman Law a Tier 1 firm in Litigation – Labor and Employment in the Washington DC metropolitan area. Bachman's honors include:

Eric Bachman named to “Top Lawyers in America” list by Best Lawyers
Glass Ceiling Discrimination Blog Receives “Go-To Thought Leadership Award” from National Law Review
Best Lawyers in America 2020 for Employment Law and Civil Rights;
Martindale-Hubbell© Peer Review Rating: AV® Preeminent, the highest possible rating (5.0/5.0) in both Legal Ability & Ethical Standards;
Washingtonian Magazine Top Lawyer in 2017 + 2018;
ABA Journal WEB100 award, naming Glass Ceiling Discrimination Blog a top legal blog in the United States;
Appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Labor from 2015 to 2017 to the Whistleblower Protection Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations on how to improve federal whistleblower protections;
U.S. Department of Justice – Attorney General’s Award for Distinguished Service (one of the highest awards the Department bestows for employee performance) 2014;
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division – Distinguished Service Award 2013;
U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division – Special Commendation for Outstanding Service 2012; and

U.S. Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division – Special Achievement Award 2010-2011.

Contact our Discrimination Lawyers Today

We fight hard to try to get our clients the compensation they deserve and enable them to move forward with a successful career. To schedule a confidential consultation with leading discrimination lawyer Eric Bachman, call us today at 202-769-1681, or click here.

Click here to see our videos answering frequently asked questions about discrimination and retaliation.

We handle a wide range of employment matters for employees in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, including:

Glass ceiling discrimination;
Sexual harassment;
Race discrimination;
Gender discrimination, including Equal Pay Act claims;
LGBT discrimination;
Religious discrimination;
Disability discrimination;
Pregnancy discrimination; and
Age discrimination

Discrimination Lawyer Eric Bachman's Guides to Combat Discrimination

Eric Bachman has authored several guides and columns to help workers understand their rights and combat discrimination and retaliation:

Discrimination Lawyer Eric Bachman Frequently Interviewed by Media

Bachman is frequently quoted in the media about worker rights and protections, including the following interviews:

Bloomberg interviewed Eric Bachman about the Harvey Weinstein trial and the impact of the #metoo movement. Bloomberg. January 5, 2020.
The AARP interviewed Eric Bachman about “Steps to Fight Against Age Discrimination.” AARP. December 30, 2019.
“7 Signs You’ve Been A Victim of Age Discrimination,” quotes Eric Bachman. AARP. December 30, 2019.
“Supreme Court won’t overturn $1.3 million age discrimination verdict.” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. November 5, 2019.
Forbes.com published Eric Bachman’s article: “Key takeaways from the proposed $14M Walmart pregnancy discrimination settlement.” October 28, 2019.
“Red flags to watch for in a severance/settlement agreement” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. October 2, 2019.
PBS Newshour quotes Eric Bachman regarding whistleblower issues related to President Trump impeachment. September 27, 2019.
Forbes.com publishes Eric Bachman’s article, “Here’s why retaliation claims are easier to prove in court than discrimination claims” September 4, 2019.
“Just who are you “equal” to under the Equal Pay Act?” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. August 13, 2019
“Let’s not wait for the next World Cup to score equal pay for women” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. August 5, 2019
ABC News interviews Eric Bachman about President Trump’s “go back” tweets to four minority Congresswomen and how this evidence may be used in an employment discrimination lawsuit. ABC News. July 17, 2019
“A $5M settlement, Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Max Scherzer, and the importance of parental leave policies” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. July 5, 2019.
“When is an employer’s reason for firing you actually a pretext for age discrimination?” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. July 2, 2019.
“What is the Equality Act and what will happen if it becomes law?” Eric Bachman, Forbes.com. May 30, 2019.
Eric Bachman interviewed about Google’s ongoing employment retaliation issues. Medium. May 2, 2019.
Forbes.com runs Eric Bachman’s piece about the EEOC’s enforcement of genetic information discrimination complaints. April 24, 2019.
“Who Is A Similarly Situated Employee?” by Eric Bachman. Forbes.com. April 1, 2019.
Fortune spoke with Eric Bachman regarding sexual harassment and settlement negotiation topics. March 25, 2019.
Bloomberg BNA interviews Eric Bachman regarding age discrimination and class action issues. January 22, 2019.
“If you are 50+ you are likely to be pushed out of your job, so plan now.” Eric Bachman, Forbes.Com, January 16, 2019.
Forbes.com publishes article on pregnancy discrimination and disability discrimination by Eric Bachman. December 19, 2018
Eric Bachman interviewed about best practices for negotiations in sexual harassment cases and severance agreements. December 6, 2018. Simone.
Crisis Communications speaks with Eric Bachman about the age discrimination lawsuit filed against a NBA team. December 4, 2018.
Forbes.com runs Eric Bachman’s article on new research about the glass ceiling in corporate America. November 19, 2018.
Eric Bachman’s piece on the spike in EEOC discrimination cases in wake of #MeToo movement is published in Forbes.com. October 5, 2018.
Forbes.com published Eric Bachman’s article on glass ceiling pioneer, Ann Hopkins. Forbes.com. July 19, 2018.
“Why Serena Williams’ Tennis Ranking Matters In the Corporate World” is published by Forbes.com. June 28, 2018.
Eric Bachman’s reporting on whether gig workers have protections against discrimination. Forbes.com. June 14, 2018.
Forbes.com published Eric Bachman’s article on tying executive bonuses to diversity issues. Forbes.com. June 7, 2018.
Barrons quoted Eric Bachman about sexual harassment issues plaguing the financial services industry. Barrons. April 12, 2018.
Law 360 spoke with Eric Bachman about potential whistleblower retaliation claims related to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) leader Scott Pruitt. Law 360. April 9, 2018.
Eric Bachman interviewed by WealthManagement.com about the #metoo movement in the financial services industry. WealthManagement.com. April 8, 2018.
Law360 spoke with Eric Bachman about the ongoing litigation related to the Harvey Weinstein sexual harassment controversy. Law360. February 12, 2018.
Bloomberg Law interviewed Eric Bachman about protections against employment discrimination for independent contractors/gig workers. Bloomberg Law. February 9, 2018.
Law360 quoted Eric Bachman about best practices for preventing workplace sexual harassment. Law360. January 2, 2018.
Eric Bachman interviewed about how to report sexual harassment. Lifehacker. December 18, 2017.
Interview of Eric Bachman about sexual harassment issues in the workplace. Woopaah. December 14, 2017.
Eric Bachman interviewed by Moneyish about damages in sexual harassment and employment discrimination cases. November 30, 2017.
Eric Bachman quoted in Lifehacker about how to identify sexual harassment when you see it. November 27, 2017
Interview with Eric Bachman about the impact of arbitration agreements on sexual harassment cases, “The Why” news program on Newsy, October 23. 2017

Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Discrimination Law Firm in Washington DC, Maryland or Virginia

Contact our Discrimination Lawyers Today

Discrimination Lawyer Eric Bachman's Guides to Combat Discrimination

Discrimination Lawyer Eric Bachman Frequently Interviewed by Media

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