Compensation Evidence Guides
Define the question. Organize the evidence.
Use these practical prompts to prepare a compensation or earnings-loss scope discussion. Begin with the purpose, relevant period and available records before selecting comparisons or developing projections.
Reasonable compensation
Begin with the compensation question, the role being evaluated and the period under review. Describe responsibilities, decision authority, time commitment and business context before choosing comparison data. Explain why the selected market fits the assignment and where judgment may be needed.
Preparation checklist
- The question and intended use.
- Role duties, authority and time commitment.
- Period and relevant organizational context.
- Compensation elements to include.
- Available records and comparison sources.
- Assumptions, limitations and missing information.
For the initial discussion: Which role, what purpose and which review period?
Role and market matching
A title is a starting point for research. Document the work, required expertise, decision authority and organizational scope. Then consider the relevant industry, geography, recruiting market and source dates. Keep salary, incentives and other rewards distinct when explaining the basis of a comparison.
Preparation checklist
- Role purpose and main accountabilities.
- Organizational scope and decision authority.
- Relevant market and geography.
- Compensation elements being compared.
- Source dates, populations and definitions.
- Strong matches and material differences.
For the initial discussion: How many roles are in scope, and what decision will the comparison support?
Earnings-loss assumptions
Define the comparison scenarios and period before projecting earnings. Separate observed records from estimates, and make each assumption visible. Check occupation, geography and reference dates when considering labor-market information. Explain how alternative assumptions change the calculations and which records could help resolve uncertainty.
Preparation checklist
- Assignment and comparison scenarios.
- Period under review.
- Earnings and employment records.
- Role and labor-market context.
- Wage, salary and benefit-cost definitions.
- Projection assumptions, alternatives and gaps.
For the initial discussion: What stage has the analysis reached, and how ready are the supporting records?
Prepare for an initial discussion
Keep a note of the topic, scope, relevant period and record readiness for a later discussion. To begin, use the existing conflicts-check flow and provide the contact details and party names requested there. Do not share confidential facts or documents before clearance.
These are general educational prompts. They do not assess an individual matter or determine reasonable compensation, damages or any legal conclusion.