Attorney General Alberto Gonzales was directly involved in various stages of the process of firing eight U.S. attorneys, contrary to what Gonzales has publicly said, his former top aide told the Senate Judiciary Committee on Thursday.

NPR: Former Gonzales Deputy Contradicts Boss's Story

Thomsen cited Aguirre's "inability to work effectively with other staff and his unwillingness to operate within the Securities and Exchange Commission process" as the reason for his firing in September 2005, weeks after Aguirre was given a positive review, but days before his one-year probationary period at the agency was to expire.

FORBES: Congress Takes On SEC

This is the due process period put in place to ensure that the actual reasons behind firing the teacher are legitimate.

FORBES: Firing Teachers with Due Process

Make sure that letting your employee go is the last step in a careful, thoughtful, fair, and transparent process that started long before the actual firing.

FORBES: If You Have To Fire An Employee -- Here's How To Do It Right