Employment Law
Joy advises clients on a full spectrum of federal and state laws that involve the employer-employee relationship. Matters may include wage and hour issues, workplace privacy, contract negotiation, separation agreements, employee classifications, employee handbooks, employment investigations, wrongful termination, and others.
Clients may be individuals who need legal counsel or representation in asserting their legal rights, or employers who need assistance with maintaining legal compliance or representation in litigation. (Click the ‘Employment Law’ link above to learn more.)
Unemployment Law
Joy helps clients navigate issues that arise with unemployment claims or hearings. She also advises on the legal aspects of the administrative process relative to anticipated or concurrent employment litigation.
Clients may be claimants who seek to receive or recover benefits to which they may be entitled, or employers who are seeking ways to reduce their unemployment claims costs. (Click the ‘Unemployment Law’ link above to learn more.)
Fees & Costs
Attorney’s Fees depend on the type and complexity of the case or legal service provided.
- Hourly Fee: Some matters are undertaken on an hourly basis and billed at 1/10th of an hour.
- Contingency Fee: Certain plaintiff litigation matters may be chargeable on a contingency fee basis; that is, the client pays attorney fees only if there is a monetary recovery.
- Flat Fee: Certain services may be charged on a flat fee basis.
- Retainer: Clients may retain Joy to provide legal services or consultation on an ongoing basis or for a specific time period or for a specific matter. Retainers may be applicable to ensure attorney’s availability for a specific time period (e.g., monthly, quarterly) or for a specific matter.
- Advance Fee Deposit: An advance fee deposit for future attorneys fees or out-of-pocket costs may be required. These funds are held in a client trust account and are considered client property until the fees are earned or costs are incurred.
- Costs and Expenses: Out-of-pocket costs and expenses related to the litigation or legal service, excluding overhead, are the responsibility of the client. These are normally charged against the advance fee deposit.
Engagement & Fee Agreement – For all matters undertaken, a written engagement & fee agreement will be signed by both the attorney and client upon commencement of the representation. The agreement will outline the scope of services provided, attorney duties, client obligations, basis for attorney’s fees, payment arrangements, and other provisions for the representation.