Performance-improvement plans and mutual separation agreements can help reduce some legal risks associated with firings.

The Apprentice, Undercover Boss, Hell’s Kitchen: All depict the highs and lows of work, including firing. Deciding whether to fire an employee involves a mix of ethical and legal considerations—and the stakes can be high.

HR Brew spoke with a variety of consultants about how HR leaders can protect their employers during the employee-termination process, while also doing right by the worker who’s losing their job.

Read Kristen Parisi’s article about the importance of documentation when terminating employees