Free, Confidential Consultation
A Free Consultation — and Clear Answers on Cost
Talking to an employment lawyer should not cost you anything, and worrying about legal fees should never be the reason you stay silent about something that happened at work. ShortLegal offers California employees a free, confidential review of your situation.
Just as important, we are direct about how the firm gets paid. Most employee matters are handled on contingency — no fee unless we recover for you. Severance reviews are handled for a flat fee, agreed in advance. You will know what to expect before you commit to anything.
How We Get Paid
You should not have to choose between getting good advice and being able to afford it
One of the first things people want to know — and are often too anxious to ask — is what this will cost. Here is the plain answer.
Contingency Fee
No fee unless we recover
ShortLegal handles most employee claims on a contingency-fee basis. The firm’s fee is a percentage of what we recover for you, and if there is no recovery, you do not owe an attorney fee. This is how an individual employee takes on a well-funded employer without paying lawyers by the hour out of pocket.
Typically handled this way:
Flat Fee
A set price, agreed up front
Severance and separation agreement reviews are handled on a reasonable flat fee. The fee covers the review, a consultation that explains in plain English what you are giving up and what it is worth, and time to negotiate better terms where possible. You know the cost before the work begins — no hourly meter, no surprises.
If a matter needs more than the flat fee covers, we discuss it with you first. You decide whether to go further. The point of the flat fee is certainty.
ShortLegal is a litigation boutique, not a high-volume intake mill. We do not take every matter that comes through the door, and we will tell you honestly if we do not think we are the right fit — or if your situation does not, in our view, support a claim worth pursuing. That candor is part of what the free consultation is for.
What to Expect
What happens when you reach out
- 01
You tell us what happened
Reach out through the contact form or by phone. Share a brief description of your situation — there is no need to include confidential or privileged details at this stage.
- 02
We review it
ShortLegal reviews your submission and reaches out if it appears we may be able to help. If your matter is time-sensitive — for example, a severance deadline — say so, and call us directly.
- 03
A confidential conversation
You speak directly with an attorney about your situation, your options, and how the firm would be paid. This consultation is free and confidential, and it does not obligate you to hire us.
- 04
You decide
If we agree to move forward together, representation begins only when ShortLegal confirms it in a written agreement. The terms — contingency or flat fee — are spelled out so there are no surprises.
What to Bring
What helps us evaluate your situation
You do not need anything to start a conversation. But if you have them handy, the following details help us understand your situation faster. Do not send sensitive documents until we have confirmed representation — we will request anything we need through a secure channel.
- A short timeline of what happened and when
- The name of your employer and your job title
- Your dates of employment and current status (employed, terminated, or laid off)
- Pay stubs, time records, or wage statements, if your issue involves pay
- Any severance or separation agreement you have been offered — and its deadline
- Offer letters, employment agreements, or arbitration agreements you signed
- Relevant emails, texts, performance reviews, or write-ups
- Names of any witnesses or others involved
If you were offered a severance package, time matters most of all. See our severance agreement review page, and reach out before the signing deadline.
Confidential & No Obligation
Reaching out costs you nothing but a conversation
Many employees wait too long because they assume a lawyer is expensive, intimidating, or out of reach. None of that should keep you from understanding your rights. The first step is simply to ask, and the asking is free.
Ready to talk it through?
The case review is free and confidential. The simplest way to find out where you stand is to ask.
Want to know more about the firm before you call?
Meet ShortLegal