What Happens After You Hire an Attorney? The Legal Process Explained

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Hiring a lawyer near you is just the beginning of navigating the legal process. This blog post outlines the essential steps you can expect after engaging an attorney, from initial strategy meetings to potential trial proceedings, all aimed at securing justice for your employment-related claims.

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Discover what happens after you hire an attorney for your employment case. This comprehensive guide outlines the legal process, from the initial strategy meeting to trial and beyond, ensuring you feel confident and prepared every step of the way. Connect with a top-rated lawyer near you to navigate your wrongful termination or discrimination claim effectively.

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Do You Need an Employment Lawyer? Signs It’s Time to Call One

What to Expect in Your First Consultation with an Attorney

5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Employment Attorney

How to Prepare for an Employment Lawsuit (Documents & Evidence You Need)

How Long Do Employment Lawsuits Take? A Step-by-Step Timeline

What Happens After You Hire an Attorney? The Legal Process Explained

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Mar 29, 2025 04:27 PM

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What Happens After You Hire an Attorney? The Legal Process Explained

So you’ve taken the leap—you hired an employment lawyer. First off, great move. But now you might be thinking: What actually happens next? What does the legal process look like from here?

Don’t worry—this post breaks it all down.

Whether you’re pursuing a wrongful termination claim, discrimination case, retaliation lawsuit, wage recovery, or a denied benefits complaint, the legal process may feel like a black box at first. But when you understand what happens after you hire an attorney, you’ll feel more confident, more in control, and better prepared for each step ahead.

Here’s what you can expect after hiring a top-rated lawyer near you to represent your employment case.

💡 For every post in this series, scroll down to “Related Posts.”

Step 1: Initial Strategy Meeting

Once your attorney is officially retained, the first step is a strategy meeting. This is where you and your lawyer dive deeper into:

The facts of your case

Your goals (settlement, reinstatement, monetary damages, etc.)

Your timeline and risk tolerance

Your ideal outcomes

You’ll likely review your documentation again and work together to build a case roadmap.

See also: What to Expect in Your First Consultation with an Attorney for a refresher on early-stage discussions.

Step 2: Evidence & Document Collection

Your lawyer will begin collecting and organizing all relevant materials, including:

Employment contracts and HR policies

Emails, texts, and memos

Pay stubs, timesheets, and benefits records

Medical records (if your case involves disability or FMLA)

Internal complaints or performance reviews

This step is critical to building a strong legal foundation. Learn more in: How to Prepare for an Employment Lawsuit: Documents & Evidence You Need

Step 3: Legal Research & Case Evaluation

Your attorney will now dig into the law itself:

Identifying which federal and state statutes apply (e.g., Title VII, FMLA, ADA, FLSA)

Assessing previous rulings in similar cases

Evaluating strengths and weaknesses of your claim

Preparing arguments for negotiation or trial

You’ll often get a detailed explanation of your legal claims and what your attorney thinks will hold up in court or in mediation.

Step 4: Filing the Complaint or Legal Claim

If your attorney determines your case is legally viable and worth pursuing, they’ll move forward with filing a complaint with:

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

Your state labor or human rights agency

A civil court (if applicable)

This officially initiates your legal action and notifies your employer.

Step 5: Employer’s Response & Early Negotiations

After being served, your employer (or their legal team) will respond. They may:

Deny the claims

Request more time

Submit a motion to dismiss

Begin informal settlement discussions

This is often when negotiation starts—even if your case is still early in the process.

See also: 5 Questions to Ask Before Hiring an Employment Attorney to make sure your lawyer is equipped for this phase.

Step 6: Discovery Process

If your case moves forward, both sides enter discovery—a formal exchange of evidence.

This includes:

Interrogatories (written questions)

Requests for production of documents

Depositions (recorded interviews under oath)

Witness interviews

Discovery can take several months and often plays a key role in shaping settlement negotiations.

Step 7: Settlement Negotiations or Mediation

Most employment cases settle before going to trial, especially when both sides see the writing on the wall.

Your lawyer may:

Propose a settlement amount

Participate in formal mediation

Negotiate on your behalf behind the scenes

You’ll have the final say in accepting or rejecting any offer. A good lawyer will help you evaluate whether a proposed settlement is fair.

See: How Long Do Employment Lawsuits Take? A Step-by-Step Timeline to understand how this fits into the broader process.

Step 8: Pretrial Motions & Case Review

If no agreement is reached, your lawyer will file pretrial motions to refine your case and prepare for trial. This may include:

Motions to exclude evidence

Motions for summary judgment (to win without a trial)

Final settlement discussions

You’ll be deeply involved in decision-making during this phase.

Step 9: Trial (If Necessary)

If your case goes to trial, your attorney will:

Present opening and closing arguments

Cross-examine witnesses

Submit legal briefs and evidence

Fight for your rights in front of a judge or jury

Trials can last from one day to several weeks, and outcomes may include:

Back pay

Front pay

Emotional distress damages

Punitive damages

Attorney’s fees

Step 10: Post-Trial Actions (Appeal, Collection, Settlement Payment)

Even after a verdict, your case may not be over. Your attorney may:

Collect payment from your employer

Enforce a settlement agreement

Appeal the decision (if needed)

They’ll also ensure that you receive your full compensation, minus any agreed attorney’s fees.

Bonus Step: Closure & Aftercare

A great employment lawyer doesn’t disappear after the check clears. They’ll often offer:

Guidance on your next job or career move

Resources for rebuilding after workplace trauma

Referrals for financial advisors, therapists, or other support professionals

And of course, they’ll be there if you need help again.

Final Thoughts: Hiring a Lawyer Is Just the Beginning—But You’re in Good Hands

The legal process can be long and complex—but it doesn’t have to be confusing or overwhelming. Now that you know what to expect, you can focus on what matters most: getting justice, protecting your future, and rebuilding your peace of mind.

And remember: with the right lawyer near you, you’re not just filing a case—you’re building a comeback.

Let ReferU.AI connect you with a top-rated employment attorney who knows the process inside and out—and who’s ready to fight for you at every stage.