An appeal hearing can seem like an intimidating event to an employer. Often the employer makes the mistake of focusing on the wrong issue, providing information irrelevant to the unemployment claim. Another common mistake is that the wrong person testifies at the hearing. The appeal-hearing representatives at U.I.S. will ensure that the employer’s witnesses are prepared for each aspect of the hearing.

Prior to the hearing, the hearing representative will handle all administrative issues. We will make certain that all paperwork is filed correctly and timely, documentation secured and sent to each party, and we notify the hearing officer of witnesses that will be testifying.

Before the hearing we assist in determining the proper witnesses that should testify. A comprehensive preparation session is conducted, designed to clarify and explain the procedures of the hearing. The hearing representative will clearly identify the issues to be addressed by the hearing officer and how it impacts the employer.

Each witness is provided detailed instructions on how to present their testimony during the hearing. Each document that is going to be presented at the hearing is discussed, and an explanation is given as to the document’s importance.

After the hearing, we monitor the decision of the referee. If an appeal to a hearing determination is required, the hearing representative will research and prepare an appeal to the Board of Review.

In most cases, an attorney is not necessary, but U.I.S. has access to a staff of attorneys experienced in unemployment hearings. Assistance in determining whether an attorney would be helpful to the employer is provided.