Labor lawyer here. I would respond but in a professional and succinct manner, refuting the points that are factual untrue and committing to a high standard of performance going forward.

However it sounds like there is merit to the issues?

I would not submit a rambling memo ... That itself might be grounds for termination (assuming he is at will) as it shows poor judgment.

Are the unprofessional behaviors strictly related to his work (more objective??) or are they about him and his personality (more subjective/matter of fit with the company culture??)?

Talk to an labor/employment lawyer on how to respond and tell him to get a new job quickly.

I wish I could go into all kinds of detail here, but god forbid it shows up in someone's google search...

A relative received a three page long disciplinary memo outlining several "unprofessional" behaviors in the workplace and we are trying to help him out. Is it even appropriate to write a response to this kind of a memo? It outlines the behaviors and then lists several remedial measures to take. The recipient of the letter has drafted a long winded response basically denying the behaviors (allegations without substance) and making excuses, and also added in a bunch of hooey about "what is professionalism?" at the beginning that reads like a 5th grade essay. We're trying to get him to tone down the response, but he's adamant about "the truth." I think it would be better to submit a perfunctory response stating he'll toe the line and stay employed until he finds something else.

Whaddya think?