Denver Unemployment Benefits Attorneys

OUR ATTORNEYS PREPARE YOU FOR YOUR UNEMPLOYMENT HEARING AND WALK WITH YOU AT EVERY STEP

Hi Brian,

David 03/31/12

Unemployment matters are handled for a $750 attorney fee which covers as many client meetings as necessary, all filings with the Department of Labor, prehearing  investigation and preparation, subpoenas for witnesses or records, legal representation at your hearing, and appeals.  If you don’t want full service, we also give specific advice charged at $180 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. The employer appeared in person, represented by Cynthia .. Attorney. 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 you can supplement your evidence or information on a later appeal.

We obtain all 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, and how the facts support your position under the law.  Employers, it is worth $750 to control your insurance costs. Employee? Our clients have won more than 90% of their appeals.  Ask us for references from people we have helped.

The law provides that under many circumstances an employee who quits work may still qualify for benefits.  But never assume that you will qualify for unemployment if you quit.  Talk to a lawyer before you quit.

Talk to a lawyer before you write a letter to the employer explaining what happened, or apologizing.  These often backfire.  For example, one client wrote his supervisor to acknowledge he had made a mistake and ask for leniency.  To the employer, this was an admission the employee  was wrong.

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 will 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 evidence presented at the hearing. You must present and defend your position. You must know what facts are going to be important to the hearing officer based on the law, and without a lawyer you will only be guessing.

We also protect against audits, repayment demands, or claims of fraud.