Help! Is it time to get your lawyer on the line?

• Position: Compliance Corner

Say HR just received a subpoena for the employment records of an employee. How should you respond? Maybe your company doesn't have a general counsel. Maybe you don't even have an HR office--it's just you! Then what do you do?

Many day-to-day HR issues can be handled without consulting an attorney--if you have a sufficient level of knowledge or experience. That said, there are some situations where contact with an outside employment attorney is practically a must. Here's how to respond to several specific situations:

Summons and complaint

If you receive a letter from an employee that threatens a lawsuit over a recent employment decision, seek advice right away from your outside attorney.

The same holds true...