When you reach the point where you think, “I might need a lawyer,” you’re usually dealing with a lot at once. You may feel stressed about your job, worried about your income, and unsure who you can trust. In moments like that, sales pitches do not help. Honest guidance does.
That is why we created our General FAQ video. In it, one of our attorneys walks through what they would look for if they were in your shoes, trying to choose an employment lawyer to handle a sensitive workplace issue.
Why this short video matters when you’re choosing a lawyer
Many people call us after a bad first conversation with another firm. They felt rushed, talked down to, or pressured with big promises. The video cuts through that noise. Instead of telling you why you “should” hire us, our attorney shares a simple, practical checklist you can use with any lawyer you speak with.
We focus our work on employees facing sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, and pregnancy discrimination in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida. Those are high-stakes situations. You deserve to know what a healthy lawyer–client relationship looks like before you open up about what happened at work.
The first thing to look for: real empathy
Early in the video, our attorney goes straight to the heart of what matters most:
“First, I would look for someone who has some empathy. Who you personally feel a connection to, because that's a very important component here of the lawyer-client relationship.”
That simple point tells you a lot. You should feel that your lawyer listens to you, respects you, and understands how your situation affects your life. At Phillips & Associates, PLLC, we know that cases involving harassment, discrimination, retaliation, or pregnancy at work can feel deeply personal. You share private details about your job, your health, and your family. You need a legal team that treats you with care.
As you watch the video, we invite you to ask yourself: Would I feel comfortable telling this person what really happened at work? If the answer is no with any firm, that is a sign to keep looking.
Red flag: promises about money in the first conversation
One of the most memorable moments in the video comes when our attorney talks about a major warning sign:
“I would run far away from someone who tells you in that first conversation that they know they can get you compensation in a specific amount of money.”
They go on to explain:
“I personally take my ethics really seriously, and I'm just never in a position at that stage to know what is potentially recoverable.”
That message lines up with how we approach every potential case. Until a lawyer understands the facts, reviews documents, learns about the employer, and analyzes the law that applies in your state, they cannot honestly predict a dollar amount. When someone does, they focus on a sales pitch, not on your reality.
In our view, a first conversation should give you clarity, not pressure. You should leave that call with a better sense of your options and your rights, not a headline number that may never match the outcome of your case.
Why firm size and support behind your lawyer matter
The video also raises a point that many people overlook: the structure and support of the law firm itself. Our attorney asks you to consider:
“Do they have the bandwidth to be able to assist you with your situation, no matter the size of the employer.”
They add that:
“The more support there might be, or the more people who are at that firm, will maybe be able to help.”
That comment reflects how we have built Phillips & Associates, PLLC. Our team includes many attorneys and legal staff who handle employment cases for workers across several states. That structure allows us to take on claims involving employers of all sizes while still giving each case the attention it deserves.
When you watch the video, think about the size and resources of any firm you consider. Ask who will actually work on your case, how the team communicates, and whether they can stay with you if your matter grows more complex, involves a large company, or draws public attention.
“Who do they represent?” — a question that reveals a lot
Toward the end of the video, our attorney offers one more key question to ask before you decide who to hire:
“Who do they represent? Do they ever represent companies? Do they just represent employees? You really want to take a look at the lawyers at that firm, and what they're about, and who they help ultimately, when making the decision as to who you should retain to help you in your situation.”
That question goes to the core of our identity. Phillips & Associates, PLLC proudly represents workers only. We do not defend employers or corporations. Our loyalty rests with employees who have experienced discrimination, harassment, retaliation, or pregnancy-related mistreatment at work.
When you know that your firm stands with employees, you can feel more confident that your legal team sees your case through the same lens you do: as someone doing their best to protect their livelihood, reputation, and future.
How this video connects to our work today
This General FAQ video is part of a larger effort to share clear, practical guidance with workers who wonder what to do next. Our attorneys regularly appear in major news outlets and create podcasts, blogs, and videos to explain how employees can protect their workplace rights. We handle claims under both state and federal law in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Florida, and we stay focused on four areas that change lives: sexual harassment, employment discrimination, retaliation, and pregnancy discrimination.
When you watch the video, you see the same values that guide our daily work:
- Empathy for what you experience at work.
- Honesty about what we can and cannot say at the start of a case.
- Respect for the trust you place in your legal team.
- Commitment to standing with employees, not employers.
We also know cost weighs heavily on anyone who calls a lawyer. Our firm offers a no-fee guarantee unless we secure compensation, which allows many workers to pursue their claims without paying upfront legal fees. That approach supports the same principle you hear in the video: we want you to choose a firm that aligns with your needs, your values, and your reality.
What to do after you watch the video
When you finish the video, take a moment to think about your own situation. Ask yourself:
- Do I feel drawn to lawyers who listen and show empathy?
- Have I heard any promises about specific dollar amounts that felt too fast or too easy?
- Does the firm I am considering have enough support to handle my case?
- Do they represent workers only, or do they also defend companies?
If you want to talk through those questions with a team that focuses on employees in harassment, discrimination, retaliation, and pregnancy discrimination matters, you can contact Phillips & Associates, PLLC. You may reach us at (866) 229-9441 to discuss your situation and learn more about your options.
Above all, remember this: you have the right to choose a lawyer who respects you, gives you honest information, and stands firmly on your side. Our General FAQ video gives you a starting point to make that choice with more confidence.