A year ago I experienced discrimination from a very elite academic institution. I filed a EEOC complaint in my state and they investigated and filed a charge of discrimination against the institution.
I consulted a reputable employment lawyer about a month ago who told me I indeed have a case but this institution gets these discrimination charges so often (she had even settled and litigated against them) that they don't even acknowledge them anymore. They just pay their little bill and move on. I could try getting them to settle, but she said it would probably go no where and be for very little. But she encouraged me to try because I can be my own counsel, and it's certainly not unheard of. Why not try?
This was only a month ago that I received that advice so I never went forward with it.
Today I received a phone call from the office of general counsel in the VP office of the institution asking if I or my counsel will call them back. They received the charge from the state's EEOC and want to speak.
Are they calling to settle before I sue? I feel like they are because if they were to counter sue me they would just serve me. And a big powerhouse like this wouldn't call someone to argue with lil ol' or er employee.
Anyone have advice in negotiating without counsel? The lawyer I had did a great job of giving me a range or figure I could expect if I negotiated myself, so I'm not totally intimidated.