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As We Work Work Together...
- DO keep me posted on any developments which are even
remotely relevant to your case.
- DO inform me of any other cases you may have, with
or without other lawyers, even if they seem to have
nothing to do with the matter you brought to me. For
example, if you have unemployment, disability, or worker's
compensation cases, I might need information about such
cases to represent you effectively. Even a automobile
accident personal injury case, which does not involve
the employer involved, may have some bearing on the
remedies available in your case. It would not help you
if the other side knows about these matters and I do
not.
- DO NOT communicate directly with the adverse party,
any investigators, or any Government agents about the
case unless I expressly authorize you to do so. It is
my job to know and defend your rights and to be your
mouthpiece. If you are still employed, you must continue
to do your job and talk with your employer, but draw
the line at discussions about your case.
- DO NOT let the adverse party's attorney talk with
you about the case at all. If so approached, report
the incident to me promptly. Once you have me as your
attorney, it is against the lawyer's code of ethics
for an opposing lawyer to deal with you without my consent.
- DO make good notes on an adverse party's statements,
admissions, threats, etc., during or after your discussions.
- DO keep a record of your expenses incurred in your
case. Some of it (for example, copying and postage)
may be recouped if we win the case and obtain costs
from the adverse party.
- DO keep our fee agreement confidential, especially
from the adverse party and those aligned with the adverse
party, unless it becomes discoverable.
If your case involves loss of employment.
- DO look for new employment and keep a detailed record
of the places where you look for jobs (such as making
copies of the search cards you send to the unemployment
office). You may be obligated to "mitigate"
your employer's damages -- that is, to try to reduce
the amount of back pay it could have to pay you if you
win. Therefore, it is important that you show you have
made a good faith effort to find work.
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