Program Details
Play Stupid Games, Win Stupid Lawsuits: How to Fire without the Fallout
This session unpacks retaliation risks and teaches you how to discipline employees without triggering lawsuits. We’ll decode legal retaliation, spotlight common missteps, and examine how employees prove their claims. Learn to document, communicate, and fire correctly plus coach managers, handle post-exit drama, and explore smart discipline alternatives. Whether you're new or seasoned, you’ll leave with clear, real-world strategies to manage risk and stay out of court—and the tabloids.
Key Objectives
1. Identify Common Retaliation Risks to Build Legally Defensible Termination Strategies Understand what legally constitutes retaliation, recognize common triggers in discipline and termination, and proactively address red flags before they escalate into claims. Learn how to structure and document disciplinary actions and terminations in a way that minimizes legal exposure and withstands scrutiny in a retaliation claim.????? 2. Develop Proactive HR Policies to Prevent Retaliation Explore HR’s role in training managers, implementing best practices, and fostering a workplace culture that reduces the risk of being accused of retaliation.????? 3. Navigate Post-Termination Risks Gain insight into handling retaliation risks after an employee has been let go, including managing unemployment claims, references, and potential legal action.
Chris Vaught
Director at Crowe Dunlevy
Chris Vaught is a seasoned labor and employment attorney with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of workplace law. Currently serving as a Director at Crowe & Dunlevy in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Chris represents management and employers across various sectors, providing strategic counsel on compliance with federal and state employment laws, including Title VII, ADA, FMLA, FLSA, and the Oklahoma Anti-Discrimination Act. Before joining Crowe Dunlevy, Chris held the position of Deputy Attorney General for the Office of Civil Rights Enforcement (OCRE) in Oklahoma. In this role, he led a dedicated team in investigating and resolving discrimination complaints related to employment, housing, and public accommodations statewide. His leadership at OCRE was marked by a commitment to fairness and efficiency, ensuring that both individuals and businesses received equitable treatment under the law. Chris's legal acumen is complemented by his active involvement in alternative dispute resolution. As an Adjunct Settlement Judge for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma, he facilitates early resolution of disputes, helping parties avoid protracted litigation. An engaging speaker and educator, Chris frequently presents on labor and employment matters to attorneys, human resources professionals, and executive leadership teams. His recent engagements include the Oklahoma Employer Alliance's Legal Update and the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association's March Program Meeting, where he provided insights into the evolving landscape of employment law and its impact on corporate compliance strategies. Chris's dedication to the legal profession and HR professionals is further evidenced by his leadership roles within professional associations. He currently serves as Vice President of the Federal Bar Association – Northern/Eastern Oklahoma Chapter and is the Workforce Readiness Chair for the Tulsa Area Human Resources Association (TAHRA). His academic credentials include a Juris Doctor, with honors, from the University of Tulsa College of Law, where he was actively involved in the Tulsa Law Review and the National Trial Competition Team. He also holds a Bachelor of Science, summa cum laude, from Northeastern State University. Recognized for his excellence in the field, Chris has been listed in Best Lawyers in America and Oklahoma Super Lawyers publications. Since 2014, he has held an AV Preeminent® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting the highest level of professional excellence. Chris Vaught's career is characterized by a steadfast commitment to guiding employers through the intricacies of employment law, fostering fair workplace practices, and contributing to the broader legal community through education and leadership.
Please Note: Speakers and topics are subject to change without notice.