Do i need a lawyer?

[FauxLiz]

I recently asked my employer for an ADA accommodation and since my position reports directly to the board of directors they have appointed a "sub-committee" to meet with me and their attorney to discuss it. The thing is I have issues with one of the committee members, he has a big axe to grind with me as I didn't support his re-election to the board.

If they decide that the item that I am asking for an accommodation for is an essential part of my job they can legally fire me. So I am trying to decide if when we meet I should have an attorney there to represent me. I don't want to escalate this but since they have decided they need an attorney shouldn't I have one to protect/represent me?

 

[scout86]

If you can afford it, I think I'd would. Partly because anyone going up against a lawyer probably needs a lawyer and partly because it's nice to have someone who can speak up for you in case the whole fight or flight thing gets triggered. Their lawyer will be there looking out for them, not trying to make sure things are done fair & square.

 

[FauxLiz]

@scout that is what I am afraid of with their having an attorney. The attorney that I general work with on issues for my employer has recused himself and I don't know if it is because we are friends or because employment law is not his specialty.

 

[LuckiLee]

I would go with a lawyer. Can your attorney refer you to someone else?

 

[FauxLiz]

@leehalf I could ask but I am guessing that he would decline to refer as it would be a potential conflict of interest.

 

[scout86]

I don't think referring you to someone else would be a conflict of interest, UNLESS he, or his firm is representing your employer. In that case, yeah, it would, because, for them to win, they'd want you to have no lawyer or a bad one. (It's really sad that the idea of "winning" is even a concern here! :()

 

[FauxLiz]

@scout86 that is the situation. He and his firm represent my employer. He is stepping back for reasons he hasn't identified to me but as I said I think it relates to our friendship and close working relationship.

 

[Snowflakes]

@FauxLiz This agency may be able to help you. http://www.ndrn.org/en/ndrn-member-agencies.html

 

[FauxLiz]

@Snowflakes thank you so much I will look into them further tomorrow and see who I can call my situation has escalated since my original post as I have been offered a bed in a specialized Trauma program which has an avg stay of 30 days different disability and now need STD leave