A first consultation goes a lot further when you come prepared. The more we can see up front, the faster we can tell you whether you have a case and what your options are. Here’s what helps most.
- A written timeline. Jot down what happened in order, with dates as best you remember them. A clear sequence of events is often the single most useful thing you can bring.
- Your key employment documents. Your offer letter, employment contract, the employee handbook, and any arbitration agreement you signed. These shape what claims are available and where they’d be decided.
- Pay records. Recent paystubs, commission or bonus statements, and anything showing your hours and wages.
- Written communications. Relevant emails, texts, and chat messages. Don’t delete anything, even if it’s unflattering; preserving records is critical, and destroying them can hurt your case.
- Names of witnesses. Coworkers or others who saw or heard what happened. You don’t need statements from them, just a list.
- Anything from HR or about your separation. Complaints you filed, write-ups, performance reviews, and any termination or layoff paperwork.
It also helps to write down your questions and what you’re hoping to achieve. You don’t need everything perfectly organized, come with what you have, and we’ll help you make sense of it. Grochow Law offers free consultations to California employees.
