Prepare for firing once you hire an employee.(Special Section: Human Resources)

When you hire someone you begin the process of firing them.

Human resource expert David Dolfinger told this to a round table of managers last month at a seminar called "Pitfalls of Hiring and Firing in the '90s."

Dolfinger focused on the legal issues employers face when downsizing or terminating employees. He emphasized how employers can prevent litigation and how they can be prepared if it becomes unavoidable.

Colorado is an "at will" state. An employee enters a job with the understanding that he or the employer may terminate the employment at any time, with or without notice, at either's discretion. However, in Colorado, "at will" doesn't really mean …