PA UC appeal hearing confusion - need lawyer for cross-state claim (NJ resident, PA employer)

First, you should know that unemployment appeal hearings don't offer public defenders - those are only for criminal cases. For UC appeals, you need to find an attorney who specializes in employment law or UC appeals specifically. Since you worked in PA and that's where your claim was filed, you'll need someone licensed to practice in Pennsylvania who understands their unemployment system. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations, so I'd start by searching for employment lawyers in the Bucks County area.

i went thru this last yr but opposite direction (lived in PA worked in NJ) its a HUGE PAIN!! the rules depend on whichever state ur getting benefits from not where u live. so PA rules apply to u

You might want to check with PA Legal Aid. They sometimes take unemployment cases for free if you qualify financially. Here's their website: https://palegalaid.net/ Also, some law schools have legal clinics where law students supervised by professors help with unemployment cases. Temple University has one in Philly that might be worth contacting.

THE PA UC SYSTEM IS COMPLETE GARBAGE!!!!! I had to appeal last year and couldn't get ANYONE to answer my calls for WEEKS. Missed my hearing date because they sent the notice to my old address even though I updated it online THREE TIMES!!! Don't expect any help from the state, they're designed to make you give up!!!!!

Have you tried calling PA UC to ask them directly about your options? They might have resources for your situation.

To directly answer your question about legal representation for UC appeals across state lines: 1. You need an attorney licensed in Pennsylvania since that's where your claim was filed and where the appeal hearing will be conducted 2. Most UC appeal hearings are now conducted by phone or video, so the attorney doesn't necessarily need to be located in Bucks County 3. The PA Department of Labor & Industry has a list of free or low-cost legal resources here: https://www.dli.pa.gov/individuals/labor-management-relations/llc/Pages/Legal-Services-Directory.aspx 4. Be prepared to explain why you believe the denial was incorrect - the specific reason for denial will determine your legal strategy 5. The Philadelphia Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service that can connect you with attorneys who handle UC cases: https://lris.philadelphiabar.org/

my cousin had an appeal hearing last year and just represented himself. he won and got all his backpay. said it was intimidating but not that complicated. just fyi

One more thing to consider - make sure you continue filing your weekly claims even while your appeal is pending. If you win your appeal, you'll only get paid for weeks you properly certified for. A lot of people miss this step and lose out on benefits even when they win their appeal.

also dont forget to do ur work search activities!!! even tho ur waiting on appeal u still need to do them or they could deny u again even if u win first appeal

UPDATE: Thanks everyone for the advice! I contacted Legal Aid and they're reviewing my case to see if they can represent me. As a backup, I also found an attorney who does free 30-min consultations for UC cases. I've started doing my weekly claims again and keeping track of my work search activities. Will update after my hearing next month!

Great to hear you're making progress! One additional tip - when you have your hearing, make sure to speak clearly and stick to the facts. Don't get emotional or go off on tangents. The referee will ask specific questions about your work history and the reason for denial. Since you have documentation (W-2s, pay stubs) and a witness (your manager), you should be in good shape. Also, if Legal Aid can't take your case, that free consultation attorney might be worth the investment if they charge reasonably for the actual hearing. Good luck!