[dragonwriter]

> If you hire a lawyer, you're instantly at DEFCON 1.

No, when you hire a lawyer and provide them documentation on what has transpired and is transpiring, you are just building an arsenal to be prepared in case of further escalation.

When you have your lawyer contact the company, even then, you aren't at DEFCON 1, though that is a significant escalation (or a response to one.)

When you file legal action against the company, then you are at DEFCON 1.

[jimmywanger]

I should have been more clear.

If you ever email your coworkers, and CC your boss/fellow employees that you've done so, you're at DEFCON 1.

That implies that legal action is imminent.

If you BCC your lawyer, or just save up the information for later, that doesn't escalate the situation quite as much and allows people to back down more.