Start with appointment and service history
Appointment letters, joining papers, service book extracts, confirmation orders, transfer orders, promotion records and seniority material help establish the employee's position before the dispute arose.
Collect inquiry and disciplinary documents
If disciplinary action has begun, keep the charge-sheet, reply, inquiry notices, inquiry report, statements, evidence summary and any interim suspension or subsistence allowance records together in one file.
Add all representations and appeals
Representations made to the department, reminders, appeal memos, mercy petitions or other internal remedies should be arranged in date order along with proof of submission and any response received.
Note the deadlines carefully
Service matters often carry strict internal or court-related timelines. A short note showing the date of the adverse order, the date it was received and the next deadline can be extremely helpful in the first consultation.