Internal Investigations
In today’s legal and regulatory environment, the need for organizations to promptly investigate and respond to allegations of misconduct is more important than ever. The cost of ignoring these allegations can be severe, including the loss of grant funds, debarment, waiver of critical defenses in litigation and regulatory enforcement proceedings, legal liability, increased legal fees, fines and costs and even corporate criminal prosecution.
- Conducted an internal investigation for a well known Fortune 500 consumer packaged goods company into allegations of age and race discrimination in decisions related to employee compensation, promotions, and discipline.
- Conducted an internal investigation for a state government agency into allegations that the agency took improper enforcement action against a licensee for political purposes.
- Conducted an internal investigation for a state government agency into allegations that its policies governing alternative education had a disparate impact on minorities.
- Conducted an internal investigation for a mid-sized medical billing firm into allegations of race discrimination in the workplace.
- Investigated and litigated a case against a regional archdiocese concerning allegations brought against a priest by a former altar boy.
- Many dozens of investigations at institutions of higher education concerning allegations of research misconduct.
- Conducted an investigation at a state university concerning allegations and concerns of undue influence by the university’s football program and athletic department in Title IX investigations.
When faced with allegations of wrongdoing, corporations, educational institutions, non-profit groups, and other entities rely on Cohen Seglias’ Internal Investigations Group to expose waste, fraud, abuse, and other misconduct within their organizations in a confidential and cost-effective manner. Our attorneys conduct comprehensive internal investigations that discreetly uncover the truth so that our clients can make informed and legally defensible decisions.
We have advised clients in internal investigations in response to whistleblower complaints, complaints of sexual or racial harassment in the workplace, matters under investigation by government agencies, auditing irregularities, and matters subject to civil or administrative litigation. In addition, we assist schools, colleges, and universities with thorough, prompt, and impartial Title IX and student conduct investigations.
Our attorneys also represent individual targets of internal investigations and provide representation and defense against misconduct allegations, including investigations into allegations of scientific misconduct. We have particular experience in cases involving allegations of misconduct that are the subject of parallel government investigations as our Group includes a former state investigator and prosecutor.