A PRACTICAL CHECKLIST
Pause. Preserve.
Plan your response.
If you have received an interview request, disciplinary notice, or proposed separation agreement, these steps can help you prepare for legal advice.
1. Keep the complete notice.
Save the notice and its attachments, along with the email or envelope that delivered it. Record when you received it. Identify every interview, response, grievance, or appeal date mentioned. If instructions are unclear, flag the question promptly.
2. Create an accurate chronology.
List key events, participants, and dates. Distinguish what you personally observed from what someone told you. Do not guess or alter records to fill gaps.
3. Preserve only through lawful means.
Keep relevant documents and messages you are authorized to possess. Do not delete, edit, or selectively alter relevant material. Do not access restricted systems, forward confidential agency information, or retrieve other employees’ records without authorization. Ask counsel about appropriate preservation and records requests.
4. Gather employment documents.
Useful materials may include your employment or appointment letter, applicable handbook and policies, relevant evaluations, disciplinary history, written complaints, and any proposed release. You do not need every document before requesting a consultation.
5. Identify parallel proceedings.
Tell counsel about criminal inquiries, certification issues, EEOC filings, internal grievances, benefit questions, or pending court matters. One process can affect another, and deadlines may run separately.
6. Get advice before an irreversible decision.
Discuss any compelled interview, resignation request, settlement, or waiver before acting when possible. Do not ignore an order or deadline on the assumption that you will be granted extra time. Avoid public commentary about a pending matter and discuss any communication restrictions with counsel.
When requesting a consultation
Start with your name, safe contact details, employer, the general type of matter, and any imminent deadline. Wait for the firm’s instructions before sending confidential documents or a detailed account. Representation begins only after conflicts review and a written engagement agreement.
TAKE THE NEXT STEP
Let’s talk about what comes next.
Call or text 704.880.9388, or use our firm’s inquiry form. Tell us the general issue and any upcoming deadline.