My question involves labor and employment law for the state of: California
I work for one of the big 4 accounting firms. I was one of the top performers in the group when one of my subordinates came to me and complained about one of the senior managers sexually harassing her. I reported it to my boss who told me not to report it to HR and that he will take care of it. Within a few weeks, my subordinate and I both received negative evaluations from the harasser and then from my boss (the partner). I then wrote an email to HR complaining about harassment and retaliation. The retaliation then only got worse. I have had Client projects taken away from me, given administrative work, denied promotion, reduced raises and bonuses, isolation at work, exclusion from meetings etc.
I have all the emails from the harasser with sexually explicit jokes/pictures, emails to and from HR regarding harassment, retaliation and hostile work environment as well as positive performance feedback before the complaint and negative feedback immediately following the complaint, emails from my boss planning to put me on a Performance improvement plan within 3-4 weeks of my going to HR. The harasser was eventually let go from the firm but my boss who is very close to him got him a job across the street and he comes to our office floor with his friends even now. I have complained to HR requesting a transfer as I am scared for my safety but I have been told that it is not the firm's responsibility to transfer me. I am currently on medical leave due to post traumatic stress disorder. I have filed a complaint with the EEOC and the last call with HR was last week in which I was told I can either stay on long term disability leave and bide my time or sign a termination agreement with 11 weeks’ pay. Per the EEOC, this is an on going retaliation case (2 years) and last act of retaliation was in March 2012.
I have contacted a few lawyers but wanted some advice on what are my options. I am still employed by the firm and have 4 months after which per company policy they will have to let me go if I don't go back. The lawyers I saw have told me that they would start with a demand letter and try to get me a better termination agreement but they all want 30% of the agreement and costs plus a retainer (of as much as $5,000). The retaliation has been ongoing since then and I have all the emails to HR where I complained about the retaliation, the hostile work environment and some confidential emails from my boss to try to lay me off after I went to HR (the office of the general council did not approve). Can someone tell me what are the costs associated with getting a settlement from the Company in such a matter. Also is there any way I can negotiate for a lower fee or a different fee structure? The hourly fee for one of the attorney's was $750 per hour so I am little scared to ask for an hourly rate arrangement only.
Thanks for any advice...am really lost in this matter!

