Not looking for legal advice here of course, just looking for advice on how to seek out legal advice the right way and hopefully a general idea of what it should cost.
Long story short I’m just finishing up a degree that my employer has paid for, and I have an obligation to repay some or all of it if I leave within a certain period of time and depending if I graduate or not. Well, some significant changes have happened within our organization, including some that directly affect me in a not so great way, which put me in a position to consider seeking other employment. Without getting into the details, I went into this with good intentions, was never planning to bail or not honor my commitment, but things happened to change very quickly at a time that could possibly make it seem that way, but that truly isn’t the case. To be honest considering the circumstances I suspect my employer may not even chase me on the tuition were I to leave, but I’d like to consult with a lawyer to figure out a good approach should they take that step.
Pretty much I’d like to have a lawyer review the agreement I signed, let me know how binding it might be, and hopefully briefly discuss the circumstances and advise on a potential strategy (such as delaying graduation if necessary). I’d like to gain better clarity on how much I’d be on the hook for and when, so I can take that into account if I decide to move forward with my job search. I figure this should take an hour or two tops, maybe even less than an hour.
So any idea what this should cost? I’m in Wisconsin if that matters. Not sure exactly what I’d be looking for, I’m thinking a lawyer dealing with employment law? I’ve never dealt with lawyers before so no idea how to proceed or what a normal approach might be.
Most local bar associations will refer you to lawyers in your area who practice the type of law you have a question about. Employment law would seem to fit here.
Another way is word of mouth. If you know someone who has used a lawyer recently, you could ask if they were satisfied with that lawyer’s services. Or, if you or someone you know knows a lawyer, you could ask, even if that lawyer doesn’t practice in the area of employment law. I’ve given referrals that way to friends who are looking for a lawyer.
Given the circumstances, you may want to be a bit discreet if you start asking around about a lawyer. Could get back to your employer.
As well, some lawyers offer a free consultation to start with, maybe half an hour to an hour.
I recently had to consult a lawyer for the first time in my life. The first hour was free and I got lots of good advice. He even tried to contact the other person’s lawyer and said that if he could resolve it with phone calls while I was there, no charge for anything.
The other lawyer wasn’t there, so I left the requested $250 retainer. A week later after he made some more calls he informed me everything was going to work out like I hoped and to expect a resolution by mail from the other lawyer. He would be refunding my unused portion of the retainer. (He charged $225 per hour).
Another option is to ask your new employer to cover this, if it happens.
Ask that they agree to have the company lawyer represent you if the previous employer takes you to court on this, and for the company to cover it (or x% of it) if you get ordered to repay the previous employer.
It’s sort of a hiring bonus, but one that could cost them little or nothing. They probably know how strictly employers in the area work to enforce such contract provisions, and how they stand up in local courts.
Just wanted to thank everyone for the advice so far, all 3 replies have given me some ideas on how to proceed. I really appreciate the help, and am already trying to formulate a strategy if I even end up seeking other employment, and I definitely intend to have all my ducks in a row and fully understand how binding the agreement may be, and where it may begin and end. I think I have a better idea of how to find a lawyer, ballpark idea of what it might cost, and the beginnings of a strategy I could discuss with one should I take that route, and a backup plan of potentially asking for help from a new employer in fighting if it comes to it. Thanks again!
A lawyer is less likely to be generous with his time if you present a case for yourself as a defendant. He has no jackpot to take a share of. Those “free consultations” usually only apply to a caller out of the blue who wants to sue somebody.
This isn’t true. I’ve gone to two different lawyers for two different reasons and both gave me 45 minutes or so of their time. The first I kind of expected him to bill me at some point but he never did. The other he said don’t worry about it.
I wouldn’t be surprised if the OP could find someone free or cheap for an hour or so. There might also be an employee help line that can recommend someone and the employer might not hear about it.