Talk to a Lawyer

Speaking with an attorney can give you insight into your legal options surrounding discrimination, harassment, violence or another racist incident.

What are the benefits?

  • The attorney’s job is to be your advocate.

  • Attorneys have a responsibility to maintain confidentiality.

  • An attorney can advise you about your situation, help you understand the process and let you know what you might expect if you move forward.

  • An attorney can provide expertise in achieving a specific outcome such as: a punishment for the offender, protection for yourself, immigration relief, educational benefits, financial compensation, etc.

  • An attorney can provide guidance surrounding case timelines.

  • An attorney can help you prepare a formal report to the police.

  • An attorney can help you prepare a victim impact statement and/or file for Victim Compensation.

  • If the attorney takes your case, they can represent you in legal proceedings.

What are the potential risks?

  • Attorneys can range in cost from $100-$300 per hour. Therefore, a lawyer is not accessible to everyone. However, some resources are available to help support folks in meeting legal expenses. Do not be afraid to negotiate prices, especially if they propose to charge you for electronic research, faxing, photocopying. Avoid flat fee agreements.

  • Attorneys are not always trained for mental health support.

What else should I know?

  • While attorneys do cost money, an initial consultation with them about your case is often free (especially if you decide not to engage them).

  • An attorney may tell you things you do not want to hear — such as the difficulties involved in trying to achieve your goals.

  • Although this may not be practical, you should try to speak to more than one lawyer. You will likely benefit from hearing different points of view on the issues facing you. You will be able to compare legal charges (which vary widely in the legal community). Very importantly, you will increase the chances of finding someone with whom you feel compatible. Being able to trust your lawyer is very important.

  • If you have a bad experience with one lawyer, that does not mean you do not have a good claim. Definitely speak to another lawyer.

  • Do not rely on the internet, friends or relatives as reliable sources of information about the law.

How do I proceed when I'm ready?

  • Ask others in the industry for referrals to lawyers they’ve worked with. If you have worked with a lawyer in a completely different area of law (wills, criminal defense, divorce) and trust them, ask a lawyer for a referral. It would be ideal, but not necessary, that the lawyer have familiarity and comfort with working in the world of adult entertainment and civil rights.

  • Free Speech Coalition may be able to provide a list of attorneys who have worked in the industry. However, we can not and do not provide recommendations or endorsements.

  • It does not take much preparation to speak to a lawyer. You want to have available as much relevant information as possible. You want to ask about legal fees.

  • Before you choose a lawyer, ask for a legal retainer agreement. A legal retainer agreement is routine.

What should I do afterward?

  • Review the retainer agreement carefully. Do not be afraid to negotiate prices, especially if they propose to charge you for electronic research, faxing, photocopying.

  • After you hire a lawyer, expect to have regular and effective communication. It is the lawyer’s job to make sure you understand fully what the lawyer is doing for you. If you do not understand, demand to have it explained in a way that you understand.

  • Expect legal billing to be specific and detailed. If it is not detailed and specific, complain about it.

  • Follow your lawyer’s advice. If you think that the advice is bad, talk to another lawyer, but do not just ignore it and go off on your own.

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