6th Circuit Credits Documentation In Age Discrimination Case

As this recent case demonstrates, consistent documentation can be your saving grace in defending a wrongful termination lawsuit, while inconsistent enforcement of rules can be your downfall.

Facts

Ramona DeBra worked as a teller for JP Morgan Chase & Company for about 12 years. In her later years at the bank, she worked at two different branches under two different supervisors. Eventually, she began spending the majority of her time at the second branch, which became her primary branch, and that branch manager, Kevin Sexton, became her primary supervisor.

DeBra wasn’t subjected to formal discipline until 2014. Before then, she generally received “meets expectations” performance ratings. However, her supervisors indicated in two of her performance reviews that her cash-handling abilities were an area for improvement. One review noted, “Ramona needs to remain focused at all times to detail and accuracy. Immediate attention to bank assets is a must.” Supervisors’