Has Anyone Filed a Federal Employment Discrimination Lawsuit Pro Se and Later Found an Attorney?
I'm getting ready to file a federal employment discrimination lawsuit, and I'm hoping to hear from people who have been through something similar. i've already gone through the EEOC process and received my Notice of Right to Sue. I've spent a considerable amount of time reviewing documents, researching the law, and preparing my complaint. My case involves disability-related employment issues, the circumstances surrounding the end of my employment, and concerns about the explanations my former employer provided during the EEOC investigation. I believe I have legitimate grounds to pursue this, but I also know that believing you have a case and successfully litigating one are two very different things. I haven't been able to secure legal representation, so I'm preparing to file on my own rather than risk missing my deadline.
I have a few questions:
- Has anyone filed a federal employment discrimination lawsuit pro se and successfully obtained an attorney afterward?
- Are there employment attorneys who will review an already-filed complaint and consider taking over on contingency?
- What are some common mistakes people make when initially filing in federal court?
- For those who have dealt with the EEOC process, how important were discrepancies between the employer's statements and the available documentation?
- If you've been through federal employment litigation, what do you wish someone had told you before you started?
I'm not looking for anyone to promise me I'll win. I'm looking for realistic advice, personal experiences, and suggestions for finding representation. I'm intentionally keeping certain details private because this involves potential litigation.
Any genuine advice would be greatly appreciated.