Monday, March 25, 2024

Free Unemployment Lawyer Washington State

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Help For Youth: Teamchild

Washington state takes steps to combat unemployment fraud
  • TeamChildupholds the rights of youth involved, or at risk of being involved, in the juvenile justice system to help them secure the education, healthcare, housing and other supports they need to achieve positive outcomes in their lives. TeamChilds legal advice and representation can help a youth get onto an education or employment track, secure stable and safe housing, build support for health and well-being, and reduce more episodes of incarceration and juvenile court involvement. TeamChild can be contacted at offices in King, Pierce, Spokane, and Yakima counties. To support TeamChild, DONATE HERE.

University Of Washington Sexual Assault Resources Page

This website provides victims of sexual violence with an array of resources that reflect the Universitys commitment to preventing and responding to sexual misconduct, including sexual assault, relationship violence, domestic violence, stalking, and sexual harassment.

The website includes contacts for UWPD Victim Advocate, and student advocates at each UW campus.

Qlaw Foundation Of Washington: Lgbtq+ Aid

QLaw Foundation of Washington promotes the dignity and respect of LGBTQ+ Washingtonians within the legal system through advocacy, education, and legal assistance. QLaw offers Offers FREE consultation with a volunteer attorney on LGBTQ+ issues by phone on the first and third Thursday of each month . In addition, QLaw has posted a rich page of COVID-19 Resources with FAQs addressing issues of legal help, unemployment, insurance, housing security, and more. To support QLaw, DONATE HERE.

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How Are Unemployment Disputes Resolved

The way that an unemployment dispute gets resolved will depend on several factors, such as state laws, the legal claim at hand, and the requirements of a states unemployment benefits program.

For example, if an employment dispute is based on an employer challenging a workers claim for unemployment benefits, then the dispute may need to be resolved through standard practices. These include filing a lawsuit in court, handling it through mediation or arbitration, or negotiating with an employer for a fair settlement.

On the other hand, if the unemployment dispute involves a state government agency denying a workers request for unemployment benefits, then the worker must appeal the denial by submitting the necessary paperwork and attending an administrative hearing. As mentioned above, if a workers request for unemployment benefits is also denied by an appeals panel, then the worker will need to appeal in state court if the option is available in their state.

Again, it is important to keep in mind that the requirements and the laws governing each of these procedures will vary by jurisdiction. As such, some states may not allow a worker to appeal an administrative panels decision in state court.

University Of Washington Safe Campus

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SafeCampus is the University of Washingtons violence-prevention and response Program. They support students, staff, faculty and community members in preventing violence. They are available 24 hours / 7 days a week. Call SafeCampus at anytime no matter where you work or study to anonymously discuss safety and well-being concerns for yourself or others.

Please contact them if you feel your safety is jeopardized in urgent situations, call .

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Us Bankruptcy Court Western District Of Washington Filing Without An Attorney

The purpose of the Filing Without and Attorney section of the U.S. Bankruptcy Courts website is to provide the pro se filer, , with access to some information about the bankruptcy process and information about local procedures that you must know. This site includes checklists, forms and filing guides for both Chapter 7 and 13 Bankruptcy.

Do You Need To Speak To An Attorney If So Call 2

King County 2-1-1 provides the most comprehensive information on health and human services available to King County residents. The information and referral specialists at 2-1-1 can direct callers to appropriate legal services available to low-income residents. They can also direct callers to other needed services, including food, shelter, housing, rent and utility assistance, health care, family support, financial assistance and more.

The referral line is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

What will happen when people call 2-1-1 for legal help? 2-1-1 specialists are not lawyers and cannot provide legal advice. However, callers can expect to speak with a trained information and referral specialist who will collect demographic and income information, discuss their legal issue, and, if an appropriate legal resource is available, provide a referral.

People may also access the Crisis Center 211 website for information on legal services and service providers.

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King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinics

The purpose of the Neighborhood Legal Clinics program is to offer free, limited legal advice and referrals to King County residents and Washington State residents with legal issues in King County who might otherwise have no access to the legal system. It is a goal of the program to make the clinics accessible regardless of barriers such as income, education, language or disability. Provides free 30-minute consultations across King County on civil legal issues. Appointments are scheduled no more than 7 days in advance scheduling line wait times between 5-10 minutes.

Phone: 267-7100

Washington Law Help How Do I Sue In Small Claims Court

Growing frustration over delayed unemployment benefits in Washington state

In Small Claims Court, you can sue for up to $10,000. This is meant to be a quick, cheap way to resolve a dispute you could not otherwise settle. Lawyers generally cannot take part. There are no juries, motions or objections. There is only a small charge for filing a lawsuit. You can get a trial date much sooner than in other courts. Most trials last about 20 minutes.

To learn more about what small claims court is, click here.

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Public Benefits Tanf Rehabilitative Services And Medicaid

  • The OAH Legal Assistance Network ) consists of four nonprofit legal service organizations that provide free legal help to people with public benefits cases at OAH.
  • This Legal Services Provider List contains contact and intake information for other organizations that may be able to help with your public benefits case.
  • Need help with Rehabilitative Services? University Legal Services administers the Client Assistance Program in the District of Columbia to advise residents of their rights and responsibilities under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
  • Need help with Medicaid or EPD Waiver Personal Care Aide Services?
  • This PCA Case Manager Training link contains a training videos and materials to assist case managers representing their clients before OAH.
  • This Legal Aid Society Guide explains options available to you if your PCA hours have been reduced or stopped.
  • This Legal Aid Society Guide explains the steps and requirements involved in DHCF’s Reconsideration process.
  • This Legal Counsel for the Elderly Guide answers basic questions about navigating the OAH hearing process during the COVID-19 pandemic.

When You Might Need A Lawyer For Your Unemployment Claim

Filing for unemployment benefits is usually a relatively straightforward procedure. In most states, you can file your claim online. Check your state’s unemployment insurance agency to find out how to apply. If you were laid off from your job, you probably don’t need to consult with a lawyer about applying for benefits.

However, some situations present issues that are more complicated. For example, if your state allows you to file for benefits if you resigned for “good cause,” you may want to find out if quitting to care for an ill family member qualifies as “good cause.” Or, if you were fired for being late to work, you may want to know if this qualifies as “misconduct,” which would disqualify you from receiving benefits. An employment lawyer in your state will be able to answer these kinds of questions.

You may have already filed and received a denial of benefits from your state unemployment insurance agency. If you are considering appealing this decision, you may want to hire a lawyer to represent you in the appeal.

An appeal of an unemployment insurance denial may involve a hearing before an administrative law judge and could even result in a filing with the superior court. Your former employer will likely have its own lawyer’s assistance at this stage , which can involve preparing a “writ” . Although unemployment appeal hearings are less formal than court proceedings, your chances of winning your appeal are greater if you have legal advice.

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Washington Human Rights Commission File A Complaint

Any individual who believes that he or she has been discriminated against based on protected class status may file a charge of discrimination with the WSHRC.

Under the law, everyone has the right to be free from discrimination at work, in housing, in a public accommodation, or when seeking credit and insurance. A discrimination charge in employment, public accommodation, credit and insurance must be filed with WSHRC within six months from the date of the alleged violation in order to protect your rights. A discrimination charge in housing must be filed with the WSHRC within one year from the date of the alleged violation.

For Housing complaints and Credit complaints contact the WSHRC directly at 1-800-233-3247.

Where Can I Find An Unemployment Law Attorney

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There are a number of places that a worker can look to find an unemployment law attorney. Aside from asking personal connections like friends and family, a worker can perform a brief online search using one or more of the following key phrases:

  • An unemployment benefits lawyer near me
  • An unemployment attorney near me
  • An unemployment lawyer near me or
  • In situations that call for an appeal, an unemployment appeal lawyer near me.

A worker can also register to use LegalMatchs services. LegalMatch offers an extensive database of different types of attorneys, including unemployment lawyers. With LegalMatch, a worker can instantly be connected to an unemployment benefits lawyer near them and can even find out the amount that the unemployment lawyer cost.

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Washington Office Of The Attorney General Civil Rights Division

The Attorney Generals Wing Luke Civil Rights Division works to protect the civil rights of everyone in Washington.

The Wing Luke Civil Rights Division investigates discrimination in a range of areas, including in employment, housing, education, credit and insurance transactions, and at government offices and businesses that are open to the public. The Civil Rights Division works closely with the Attorney Generals Consumer Protection Division and the Washington State Human Rights Commission.

If you would like to contact the Civil Rights Division, you may file a complaint through the Attorney Generals Consumer Resource Center. You may submit it electronically or mail it to them at:

Office of the Attorney General

Civil Rights Division

800 5th Avenue, Suite 2000

Seattle, WA 98104

The Importance Of A Good Consultation

The goal of an initial consultation is to find an attorney you are comfortable working with and someone who can help you understand your options under the law. Seek to understand the relevant legal experience the attorney brings to your case. While it is not realistic to expect an attorney to resolve your legal issue during an initial consultation, you should gain a level of comfort with his/her ability to do so. A good consultation can clarify issues, raise pertinent questions and considerations for your case, and help you make an informed decision towards resolving your legal issue.

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Should I Hire An Unemployment Benefits Attorney

Seeking the advice of an attorney experienced in employment law and unemployment benefits is in your best interest. An attorney can evaluate your circumstances and determine if you have a case for reversing the denial.Unemployment benefits attorneys realize your financial situation is tenuous, and some lawyers in this area of law have a sliding fee scale so you can afford to get the help you need. What you cannot afford is to be without legal help if you are denied unemployment benefits.

What Does An Unemployment Lawyer Do

Appealing an ESD Unemployment Decision in Washington State

It is not necessary for an individual to hire an unemployment lawyer simply to file a request for unemployment benefits. Although there is nothing against hiring an unemployment lawyer for this reason alone, unemployment lawyers are typically only consulted when a claim for unemployment benefits is denied or especially complicated.

In general, the most common reason as to why an unemployment lawyer is usually hired is to help a worker file an appeal when their claim for unemployment benefits gets denied. An unemployment lawyer will assist the worker in filling out the necessary paperwork and can provide legal representation at their administrative hearing.

If a worker is still denied unemployment benefits after the appeal hearing, an unemployment lawyer may be able to appeal the decision of the administrative panel in state court. Accordingly, unemployment lawyers can provide guidance and representation throughout every stage of a states unemployment benefits appeals process.

Another major part of an unemployment lawyers job consists of bringing lawsuits against employers on behalf of workers. For instance, if a worker is denied unemployment benefits because their employer is alleging that they were fired for good cause, then a lawyer can file a lawsuit if the worker believes that their employer actually fired them because of their gender or pregnancy status.

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When Do I Need To Appeal

After filing with the Employment Security Department, you will receive a written notice by mail or on your e-Services account that will deny or allow you benefits. If you are denied benefits, you have a right to appeal. If you are allowed benefits, your former employer has the right to appeal. If either you or your employer appeals, you will have a hearing with an Administrative Law Judge. You have 30 days from the date on the decision to send an appeal.

Where Do I File For Unemployment Insurance

Each state has its own unemployment policies. They all have their own website option, which the office encourages people to try first, if possible. Each state has physical offices in different cities across the state as well. You can do an online search to find the location closest to you or the correct government website. You can use this same option each week that you apply for benefits.

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Northwest Immigrant Rights Project

  • The Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education. Their attorneys and professional staff can assist with issues such as citizenship, domestic violence, asylum, immigration, your issues, and other legal challenges. They can be reached at their regional offices by phone: Seattle: 206-587-4009/ 800-445-5771 Granger: 509-854-2100/ 888-756-3641 Wenatchee: 509-570-0054/ 866-271-2084 and Tacoma: 206-816-3893, To support NWIRP, DONATE HERE.

How Do I Appeal The Judges Decision

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If you disagree with the judges decision, you may appeal by filing a Petition for Review. You must file the Petition for Review within 30 days of the mailing date listed on the Office of Administrative Hearings decision. A Petition for Review is a letter that states the reasons for which you disagree with the judges decision.

If you have not already done so, download the audio recording of the hearing from your OAH Participant Portal. Listen to the recording and find the parts that help show that you quit for good cause or were not fired for misconduct . In the letter, you should explain why you think the judges decision was wrong, using examples from the recording. Be as organized and specific as possible.

The letter must be no longer than five pages and signed by you. At the top of the letter, you should write Petition for Review, and include your name and address, your social security number, and the Docket Number on the decision. Continue to file weekly claims during this period when you are appealing.

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State And Local Agencies

EMPLOYMENT SECURITY DEPARTMENT

The Employment Security Department administers programs for receipt of unemployment benefits for eligible workers job training and employment services for job seekers.

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE HEARINGS

The Office of Administrative Hearings is an independent state agency that conducts impartial administrative hearings on issues from unemployment benefits, whistleblower protection, and professional misconduct claims.

DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND INDUSTRIES

The Department of Labor and Industries manages the states industrial insurance program, workers compensation benefits, questions about fair wages and prevailing wage requirements, workplace conditions, and safe work environments, contractor and building issues, crime victim claims, and other issues for workers and employers.

WASHINGTON STATE HUMAN RIGHTS COMMISSION

The Washington State Human Rights Commission enforces the Washington State Law Against Discrimination. WSHRC also investigates state claims of housing and public accommodations discrimination as well as claims such as sexual orientation, gender identity, and creed that are not covered by federal law.

PUBLIC EMPLOYMENT RELATIONS COMMISSION

The Public Employment Relations Commission is an independent state agency responsible for resolving disputes involving most public employers and employees, and the unions that represent those employees.

CITY OF SEATTLE OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

CITY OF SEATTLE OFFICE OF LABOR STANDARDS

What Do I Do If I Want Representation

Step One:

Have the Office of Administrative Hearings send your docket or case file to the Unemployment Law Project. They can be reached at 509-456-3975 or at 1-800-366-0955 .

ULP Tip: We are unable to represent people who do not yet have a docket number. If this applies to you, look carefully through our FAQs as your question or concern may be addressed there. If you have not found the answer to your question after that, you can reach out to our office at 206-441-9178 to request a free advice appointment with one of our staff attorneys.

Step Two:

Schedule an Intake Interview. To do so, you can call our Seattle office at 206-441-9178 and select the hearing extension or call our Spokane office at 624-9178. Leave your name, docket number, a good call back number, and the hearing date if applicable on a voicemail, and one of our staff will follow up with you to schedule an intake interview as soon as we are able to.

Step Three:

Do the Intake Interview: During the intake interview, someone from our office will ask you questions about you and your file in order to build a case file for you and your docket.

Step Four:

Follow up on your intake interview after 1 business day has passed by contacting our office at the hearing extension . Leave a voicemail stating that youre following up on your intake interview as well as include your name, docket number and a good call back number. Someone from our office will return your call to discuss next steps shortly thereafter.

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