Investigations That Hold Up: Retaliation-Proof Processes and Credibility Assessments
This program equips HR professionals with practical tools to conduct workplace investigations that withstand scrutiny while minimizing retaliation risk. Using real-world scenarios and enforcement trends, the session explores why retaliation claims present significant enterprise risk and how everyday management decisions can unintentionally create liability. Participants will learn to identify protected activity, recognize subtle forms of adverse action, and implement consistent, defensible investigation processes. The program emphasizes credibility assessments, documentation discipline, and proactive HR intervention to prevent process breakdowns that lead to claims.
Key Objectives
1. Identify common forms of protected activity, including informal and nontraditional complaints.
2. Recognize actions that may constitute retaliation beyond termination, including subtle workplace changes.
3. Evaluate investigation processes for risks related to timing, tone, and decision-maker bias.
4. Apply consistent documentation and disciplinary practices to reduce exposure to retaliation claims.
5. Conduct credibility assessments that support defensible, well-reasoned investigation outcomes.
Daveante Jones
Partner/Attorney at Wright Lindsey Jennings
Daveante Jones is a Labor & Employment partner at Wright Lindsey Jennings in Little Rock. He helps employers build healthy and compliant workplaces through practical and tailored advice regarding: employment agreements & personnel policies; employee & management training; day-to-day issues like accommodation & leave requests, disciplinary action & termination decisions; internal, and state & federal agency investigations; internal wage audits; and state & federal court lawsuits—including class & collective actions—involving claims under civil rights and wage & hour laws, and claims related to employment agreements, covenants not to compete & trade secrets. Daveante is a highly sought speaker and author for the HR community. He was one of 30 attorneys competitively selected to participate in the National Employment Law Council Academy and, in 2024, he received the Rising Star Award from the NELC. A cum laude graduate of the University of Arkansas School of Law, he is a graduate of Leadership Arkansas Class XVI, and has been recognized by Arkansas Business as a 40 Under 40 honoree (2025) and "20 in their 20s" honoree (2020).
Please Note: Speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.