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  • What to Do When Engaging Outside Counsel

What to Do When Engaging Outside Counsel

  • 07/14/2026
  • 11:15 AM - 1:00 PM
  • Grand Street Café, 4740 Grand Ave., Kansas City, MO 64112

Registration

  • All access members only - code required.
  • Monthly program sponsors and annual business partners only - code required.
Register

A workplace complaint reaches your desk. The allegations are serious, the individuals involved are senior leaders, and the organizational risk is real. Should the matter be handled internally—or is it time to engage outside counsel?

This session provides clear guidance for making that decision. Participants will learn when to retain an external attorney investigator, how to establish appropriate boundaries to preserve investigative integrity, and how to avoid common missteps that can escalate workplace issues into costly litigation. Attendees will leave with a practical, decision-making framework to help ensure the right approach is taken—before urgency limits available options.

About Our Speaker: 

Dr. Dwayne Smith is a recognized authority in workplace investigation law and a nationally respected speaker and consultant. He is the founder of Workplace Law Solutions, where his practice focuses on workplace investigations, conflict resolution, organizational consulting, and collegiate athlete representation. Dr. Smith is also the host of Shifting the Power Balance, a podcast that examines real-world workplace conflict scenarios and provides practical guidance to help organizations resolve issues proactively and mitigate legal risk. In addition, Dr. Smith serves as an adjunct professor at Saint Louis University’s School of Education, where he teaches Advanced School Law. He is licensed to practice law in both Missouri and Kansas. Dr. Smith has conducted more than 100 internal investigations for Liberty Public Schools, and through Workplace Law Solutions PC, he conducts investigations for both public‑ and private‑sector employers. He also delivers training programs for business owners, executives, and organizational leaders focused on legal compliance, risk management, and building productive, respectful workplaces. Outside of his professional work, Dr. Smith enjoys spending time with his family in Missouri, playing pickleball, and attending live music events.

Agenda:

  • 11:15 - 11:30 am - Registration & Networking
  • 11:30 am - Noon - Buffet Lunch
  • Noon - 1:00 pm - Program

This session has been submitted for 1.0 hour of SHRM recertification credit. This program has also been submitted for 1.0 hours of general credit toward aPHR®, aPHRi™, PHR®, PHRca®, SPHR®, GPHR®, PHRi™ and SPHRi™ recertification through the HR Certification Institute® (HRCI®).



Cancellation Policy: Cancellations received within five business days of the event will be refunded. Late cancellations will not be refunded after food/beverage guarantees have been placed.


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