Firing an Employee in 2026 - Reducing Legal Exposure After Separation
Program Overview :
Ending an employment relationship is one of the most difficult—and legally risky—tasks managers face. A single misstep during or after termination can expose an organization to lawsuits, penalties, and reputational harm. With federal and state regulations tightly governing the process, employers must proceed carefully and confidently.
Session Highlights :
Key separation errors that can trigger legal claims
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Knowing when performance support ends and corrective action begins
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A practical framework for carrying out employee separations properly
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How to run a separation meeting with the right people and messaging
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Legal requirements for ending employment due to conduct or results
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Minimizing exposure to discrimination and retaliation allegations
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Safeguards when separating older employees and protected groups
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Special risks when employees are on medical, military, or injury leave
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What to communicate—and what to avoid—during separation discussions
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Documentation essentials to support and defend termination decisions
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Managing employees who perform well but create workplace disruption
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Exit interview rules, key disclosures, and real-world examples
This session equips you with practical guidance to protect both your organization and yourself while maintaining professionalism and compliance throughout the termination process.
Joe Aitchison brings more than 30 years of experience in business management and human resources consulting, providing advisory and HR outsourcing services to organizations nationwide. His expertise spans general industry as well as complex, highly regulated sectors including multi-plant international Tier I automotive manufacturing, hospitality and gaming, retail, food processing, healthcare, legal services, benefits brokerage, and third-party administration.