Preparation for the Hearing

The hearing before the ALJ is your only chance to present everything relevant to the case. A record of the hearing will be made, and the ALJ may consider only the evidence introduced during this hearing. Further review and decisions on appeal are limited solely to the evidence introduced at this hearing.

Take time to prepare for your hearing. Know the issue or issues involved. Obtain documents that help prove your facts and provide them to the ALJ and opposing party. Also, be sure to line up witnesses which support your side of the case. To help you remember what you want to present at the hearing, you may prepare a simple chart or written summary with the key information you want to present.

Prepare all evidence and be ready to explain company records, abbreviations, technical terms, and/or symbols. Do not rely solely upon written statements of witnesses as part of your evidence presentation. (See Witnesses and Subpoenas.)