Unemployment Hearings

If your employer is contesting your employment, it may be advantageous to hire a lawyer to represent you in an unemployment hearing. It is especially advisable if you are anticipating the maximum benefits allowed and do not expect to be able to find employment for a long period of time.

During an unemployment hearing, it is important that the employee understand the issues that the judge will be determining. Prior to going into a hearing, the employee should also have a clear understanding of the purpose for their testimony.

Often an employer will come to a hearing represented by their own attorney. In many cases, witnesses (such as other employees) are brought to the hearing to dispute the employee’s rendition of the facts. An unemployment hearing often is not much different than a trial. There will be closing statements and the opponent will get to cross examine the employee.

Decisions usually take between 2-4 weeks, and are sent in the mail. During the waiting period, the claimant should generally continue to file for benefits.