Denver Unemployment Benefits Attorneys
OUR ATTORNEYS PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT HEARING AND REPRESENT YOU AT EVERY STEP
Most unemployment matters are handled for a $750 flat attorney fee which covers as many client meetings as necessary, all filings with the Department of Labor, prehearing witness investigation and preparation, subpoenas for witnesses or records, legal representation at hearing, and appeals. If you don’t want full service, we also give specific advice charged at $175 per hour. We do not charge for a preliminary consultation so you may assess whether hiring us is going to help you.
HEARING OFFICER’S DECISION. APRIL, 2011:
“The claimant appeared by telephone, represented by Brian Stutheit, Attorney-at-Law. The employer appeared in person, represented by Cynthia .. Attorney-at-Law. Colorado law provides that an individual is entitled to unemployment insurance benefits from her employer if that individual separates from employment because of physical or mental inability to perform the work. The hearing officer is persuaded and determines that the cause of the claimant’s separation was her inability, because of physical or mental condition, to properly perform her work. The claimant suffered from a variety of serious illnesses including depression. UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES, AN AWARD OF BENEFITS IS APPROPRIATE.”
The appeal hearing before the hearing officer is your only chance to present all your arguments, witnesses and evidence. You don’t get another opportunity. If you don’t have a lawyer for your hearing, you are endangering your claim.
The hearing officer makes a ruling based on the documents and testimony introduced during the hearing. You must present all your witnesses and documents at the hearing. Do not assume that, at a later date, you can supplement your evidence or information.
We obtain important documents, and arrange for witnesses supporting your side of the case. This sometimes means we must serve subpoenas. We make sure that evidence is admitted according to the rules of evidence, and are ready to show the hearing officer how the facts support your rights as employee or employer, and how the facts support your position under the law. Employers, it is worth $750 to control your insurance costs. Employee? Our clients win more than 80% of their appeals.
Do not assume that because an employee quits, she is not qualified for benefits. The law provides many ways an employee quitting may still qualify. But never assume that you will qualify for unemployment if you quit. Talk to a lawyer before you quit.
We Know the Issues Involved
It is not the hearing officer’s role to explain the Colorado Employment Security Act, or tell you about cases interpreting the Act. If you are a claimant and the employer wins the appeal, your benefits may be stopped and you may be asked to repay benefits you already received.
You Must Prepare and Participate
The hearing officer’s decision is based only on what is presented at the time of the hearing. You must participate and be prepared to present and defend your position. If you choose not to participate, the hearing goes forward without you, and the decision is based on the other party’s evidence presented at the hearing.
We also write briefs appealing hearing officer decisions, and protect against audits or claims of fraud.
