You’ve heard it all the time – DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. But what if that documentation hurts you in court? Keep in mind that plaintiffs’ attorneys will go over your documentation with a fine-tooth comb to find ways that your documentation helps their case rather than your case. In this webinar, you will learn how to word your documentation so that it will stand up in court. We will also discuss why documentation is important to convince a jury that you made the right decision.
WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. Labor and employment attorneys will state this over and over (and, frankly, in all capital letters). But what if that documentation hurts you in court rather than helps you? Good documentation will help you win in court. Bad documentation will ensure that you lose in court. What about no documentation at all? You should keep in mind that documentation has a dual purpose – to coach your employee and to support your case that termination was your only option when you have exhausted all other possible options.
AREA COVERED
- Does the employment-at-will doctrine help you when it comes to documentation?
- Myths that employees and jurors believe.
- Performance and disciplinary documentation pitfalls.
- Characteristics of good documentation.
- Worst mistakes in documentation.
- Using email to document.
- Requirements for keeping documentation for recordkeeping purposes.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
- Learn how to write disciplinary actions that will help you in court.
- Learn why it is important to distinguish between performance and misconduct.
- Learn the ABCs of documentation.
- Learn the goals of every disciplinary procedure.
- Learn document termination decisions.
WHO WILL BENEFIT?
- Human resource professionals.
- Supervisors.
- Human resource generalists.
- In-house counsel.
DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT, DOCUMENT. Labor and employment attorneys will state this over and over (and, frankly, in all capital letters). But what if that documentation hurts you in court rather than helps you? Good documentation will help you win in court. Bad documentation will ensure that you lose in court. What about no documentation at all? You should keep in mind that documentation has a dual purpose – to coach your employee and to support your case that termination was your only option when you have exhausted all other possible options.
- Does the employment-at-will doctrine help you when it comes to documentation?
- Myths that employees and jurors believe.
- Performance and disciplinary documentation pitfalls.
- Characteristics of good documentation.
- Worst mistakes in documentation.
- Using email to document.
- Requirements for keeping documentation for recordkeeping purposes.
- Learn how to write disciplinary actions that will help you in court.
- Learn why it is important to distinguish between performance and misconduct.
- Learn the ABCs of documentation.
- Learn the goals of every disciplinary procedure.
- Learn document termination decisions.
- Human resource professionals.
- Supervisors.
- Human resource generalists.
- In-house counsel.
Speaker Profile

Susan Fahey Desmond is a partner with McGlinchey Stafford, PLLC which has offices in 33 states across the country. She has been representing management in all areas of labor and employment law for over 35 years. A noted author and speaker, Susan is listed in Best Lawyers in America and has been named by Chambers USA as one of America’s leading business lawyers
Upcoming Webinars


50+ new Excel features so far this decade

Mindful Communication:The Key to Meaningful Conversations i…

FMLA Compliance in 2025: A Comprehensive Guide & Strategies…


Excel - 10 Key Worksheet Functions to Skyrocket Your Produc…

Managing Toxic Employees: Strategies For Leaders To Effecti…

Hiring and Retaining Employees in this Crazy Economy

Harassment, Bullying, Gossip, Confrontational and Disruptiv…

Project Management for administrative professionals


Excel Power Skills: Master Functions, Formulas, and Macros …

Outlook - Master your Mailbox - Inbox Hero Inbox Zero


Copilot and HR: An Introduction for HR Professionals


California Meal and Rest Breaks: What You Don't Know Can Co…

Bootcamp for New Managers and Supervisors: Develop These Es…

Policy Pops: Navigating DEI in the 2025 Workplace: Strategi…

Emotional Intelligence: Mastering the Emotions of Great Lea…


How To Conduct An Internal Harassment And Bullying Investig…

How to Manage the Legal Landmine of the FMLA, ADA and Worke…

The Importance of the first 5 seconds when presenting

Managing Difficult Employee Conversations

Female to Female Hostility @Workplace: All you Need to Know

How to Write Effective Audit Observations: The Principles f…


FDA Proposes Framework to Advance Credibility of AI Models