We offer free 15-minute exploration calls to help you determine whether you can keep your workplace conflict out of court and if one of our alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services will get you the result(s) you want. We encourage you to consider ADR, as court processes can:
- Drain bank accounts
- Destroy relationships
- Postpone other life goals
What’s the Difference Between a Paid Consultation and a Free Exploration Call?
A paid consultation involves a 60-minute call to discuss the specifics of your legal matter, the laws that apply, and your options for resolving it. Conversely, a free exploration call is scheduled for 15 minutes and only explores the potential out-of-court, or ADR, processes you might consider. No legal advice is given in an exploration call.
Why Do We Charge for Legal Consultations?
When attorneys give legal advice, we are guiding you through the legal system and its alternatives, based on our education and work experience. Consulting Third Ear Conflict Resolution gives you access to more than two decades of experience in employment law and workplace dispute resolution. This includes insights gained from:
- My background in Human Resources management at a Fortune 500 corporation
- Certifications in employment and ethno-religious mediation
- Negotiation skills honed in business and minor league professional sports
You will receive a comprehensive analysis of your situation from multiple perspectives, followed by a written summary, action plan, and resources to help you take the next step, whether with us, on your own, or with trial counsel.
Whether we are reviewing an employment contract, strategizing on a Performance Improvement Plan, or assessing a complex workplace dispute, our consultations involve substantive professional service. Further, our approach is values-based. We look beyond purely monetary outcomes to consider intangible remedies like apologies, improved working conditions, or other creative solutions that align with your core needs and values. Developing such tailored strategies requires a deeper initial dive than a 15-minute introductory chat.
Don’t Most Attorneys Offer Free Consultations?
No. Most attorneys who offer free consultations are trial attorneys who are only screening you for a profitable case. They represent plaintiffs or claimants in court in exchange for a “contingency fee.” They only get paid, if your case is successful and you receive money damages. When you recover money damages, they typically take one third of your check and might deduct various fees for:
- Filing court documents
- Copying and processing documents
- Hiring outside experts
- Other administrative fees
When you work with other types of lawyers, such as those who defend you or prepare your will, you can expect to pay for any advice they give.
How Should You Prepare for Your Free Exploration Call?
We will cover a lot in the 15 minutes we have together. To make that time most effective, we recommend you consider in advance:
- Whether you want to be heard in court. That is, of course, your right. However, we are no longer accepting new litigation matters, so our call will likely be brief. We will give you a list of our trusted, skilled colleagues who might be able to take your case.
- What you want and need most from this case. Do you want to keep your job? Or see your boss fired? Your desired outcome(s) have great impact on the conflict resolution process we choose–together.
- Prepare your questions about the different processes. Again, we will not be giving legal advice but interviewing each other for compatibility.