Investigations

Internal and external whistleblowers, government regulators, and private litigants increasingly identify and expose employee misconduct occurring within public and private companies, universities, and nonprofit groups. The best defense against wrongful or unlawful misconduct occurring in your workplace is a deeply embedded culture of ethics and compliance. At the heart of an effective compliance culture is a well-designed reporting and investigation policy, plan or program—one that allows the employer to address and remedy problems promptly and at the source. And for allegations that cannot be substantiated, an effective reporting and investigation program arms you with the necessary tools to address and resolve such allegations quickly, while saving the Company’s resources for investigating and resolving other reports and complaints.

A robust reporting and investigation program allows objective and credible resolution of complaints and demonstrates a company’s commitment to compliance. In our experience, internal reporting and investigation programs succeed when organizations thoughtfully build the program into their operational structure. Littler attorneys can enhance an employer’s investigation capabilities by reviewing the reporting and investigation functions, designing and drafting programs containing practical approaches, and developing investigation guidelines and escalation protocols to help create knowledgeable and engaged leadership and oversight over the program. We also offer training workshops for your investigators, which fosters a robust culture of compliance.

If you prefer, within certain parameters we can also lead investigations on your behalf. Our professionals handle the most sensitive matters – such as whistleblowing claims, fraud allegations, allegations of sexual harassment, and code of conduct violations. We use forward-thinking strategies, diplomacy, and tact to each investigation we handle. Our extensive network brings a deep knowledge regarding investigation technics in localities across the globe.

Our suite of services includes:

• Risk and operational assessments of internal reporting and investigation systems and resources.
• Legal advice and guidance before, during, and after internal investigative matters.
• Investigations of internal matters, including code of conduct violations, conflicts of interest, anti-bribery or fraud claims, financial malfeasance, related-party transactions, theft, criminal misconduct, executive self-dealing, and misuse of confidential information, technology, or other company property or resources.
• Designing and developing complaint reporting and investigation programs that best fit your business and culture, such as:
  • Launching intake channels, reporting hotlines, and case management procedures;
  • Drafting and implementing investigation guidelines and templates;
  • Designing high-risk investigation protocols;
  • Crafting internal escalation definitions for leadership and for internal and external audit functions;
  • Compiling trends and key matter reports and analyses;
  • Reviewing, revising, and strengthening codes of conduct and related policies;
  • Creating internal compliance communications; and
  • Training internal investigation and other compliance personnel.

Meeting your investigation needs, everywhere you conduct business

Littler’s leadership has made its mark on the national and global investigations landscape. We have trained clients and third parties across the United States, not only through in-house coaching and our innovative Littler Learning Group offerings, but also at our premier annual conference, the Executive Employer^®, which consistently features an investigations workshop tackling the most significant and challenging topics facing employers today.

Our deep experience and extensive footprint mean that no matter where you have facilities or conduct operations, Littler can deploy experienced counsel to help you spearhead investigations, review programs and processes, or conduct trainings. We know your business and your market, and are well-placed to coordinate multidistrict, national, and global whistleblowing matters, should the need arise. Our comprehensive Littler GPS database also offers up-to-the-minute insights into legislative and regulatory developments in this practice area and across every jurisdiction.

“Effective investigations protect your organization and keep your corporate compliance efforts running smoothly. We can offer you incisive insights, forward-thinking strategies, and creative yet practical approaches based on our decades of corporate investigations experience.”
– Kevin Griffith, co-chair, Whistleblowing, Compliance and Investigations Practice Group