Unemployment Benefits and Appeals: Many persons who were previously employed but have lost a job due to lay-offs, termination, business closings, reduction in allowable work hours, or who quit working because of unacceptable work conditions may be eligible to receive unemployment benefits (compensation) through the State of Minnesota.
Applications for benefits may be completed online or at unemployment offices located throughout the state. In most instances unemployment benefits are approved for an applicant, and an attorney or appeals representative never become a part of the applicant's unemployment benefits equation.
In some cases however, the employer or the state agency indicate or determine that the unemployed applicant is not, or should not, be eligible for unemployment benefits. In this eventuality, the applicant is informed in writing that the application may, or has been denied, and that the applicant has the right to appeal the adverse unemployment benefits determination.
Upon receiving a timely appeal notice from an applicant or employer (or both), and after a few preliminary administrative steps, the state agency will set a hearing date which will allow the employer and the unemployment benefits applicant (the former employee) to make a hearing appearance (generally by telephone), and argue the merits of their respective positions before an Unemployment Law Judge (ULJ).
Unemployment appeal hearings utilize a relaxed evidentiary standard designed to help lay- individuals argue their cases before a hearing official (ULJ); yet require that the parties meet a pre-defined burden or standard of evidentiary proof to prevail in the matter. Minnesota statutes (laws), rules, and past unemployment appeals decisions, combined with the Judge's perspective on the case facts presented at the hearing, determine the outcome of the proceeding.
It is for this reason that an attorney trained and experienced in these types of appeals can greatly increase the likelihood of success in an applicant's appeal. Many employers hire attorneys and/or other skilled labor representatives to advocate for their legal interests at unemployment appeals hearings, often leaving non-legally skilled workers, with little or no resources, to fend for themselves.
Attorney John Thompson has represented numerous applicants in unemployment compensation appeals, with a high rate of success. John charges one low-cost, non-refundable, and affordable flat fee to represent clients in all phases of the initial unemployment appeal. In some instances, should the matter proceed up to the Minnesota Court of Appeals, additional fees and costs for case preparation and representation may apply.
If you have been turned down for unemployment benefits, or would like to speak with an attorney about your unemployment questions or concerns, please contact us at john@mnchapter7.com for a free and confidential attorney consultation.
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· Offering 24/7 support • Affordable legal services • Call now at 320-282-3291 to protect your rights
Thompson Legal Services, LLC
P.O. Box 5060
St. Cloud, MN 56302
Phone: 320-282-3291
Fax: 320-310-4221
Email: john@mnchapter7.com
