Workplace Investigations

Clients turn to Vedder’s Workplace Investigations team for practical guidance and steadiness when employment-related issues arise. Our attorneys bring substantial investigative experience across industries and jurisdictions, and we handle each matter with discretion, efficiency and a business-minded outlook.

Companies of all sizes value our business-savvy approach and trust us to precisely assess risk, address past conduct and protect their operations and reputations. Whether a matter involves a single allegation or systemic concerns, we design investigative plans tailored to our clients’ needs, reflecting facts and keeping in mind potential impacts on stakeholders.

Our clients engage us in many ways. Some solicit us to serve as independent investigators, trusting us to gather facts and present clear findings while interfacing directly with necessary parties. Others ask us to oversee their internal or third-party investigations, and to advise on best practices and legal obligations.

Beyond assisting clients with all aspects of investigations, we help them navigate the complex implications that arise from sensitive workplace matters. We work closely with our clients at all levels, developing practical strategies for dealing with unfavorable publicity, data security concerns, regulatory reporting and contractual obligations. The combined experience and knowledge of our team powers support that aligns legal guidance with business priorities.

Across all engagements, the Vedder team offers grounded and practical support aimed at helping clients move with confidence.

We conduct investigations into the full range of employee- and workplace-related allegations, including:

• discrimination
• harassment
• sexual assault
• retaliation
• health & safety
• workplace violence
• ADA accommodations
• financial mismanagement
• fraud, embezzlement
• trade secrets misappropriation
• violation of non-compete / non-solicit obligations
• misuse of company devices and data
• self-dealing
• regulatory and legal compliance
• whistleblowing
• OSHA whistleblowing
• unfair labor practices

Representative Matters

• Conducted investigation into allegations at a transportation company of racial harassment, including related allegations of threats of violence and the use of derogatory language against and towards minority employees; interviewed over 15 employees; prepared comprehensive report of factual findings; and presented findings to company and its board of directors.
• Assisted in conducting global workplace investigation for non-profit organization, including preparation for investigatory interviews of 12 witnesses, including executive-level employees, located in five different countries, review and analysis of 300 pages of documents, and drafting of investigative report.
• Spearheaded forensic and conventional investigations following exit of four employees from insulated transportation products business which exposed misappropriation of customer information, technical specifications and drawings, and successfully prosecuted federal claims for trade secret misappropriation resulting in early settlement, including compensatory damages and all of client’s discovery and litigation fees and expenses.
• Conducted investigation into allegations at an entertainment company of sexual harassment and unwelcome touching by key employee towards multiple subordinates and prepared extensive report of factual findings to be used by client in determining next steps.
• Conducted investigation into allegations at a health care client of quid pr quo sexual harassment and financial mismanagement by top-level executive by interviewing more than ten employees and prepared investigative report for client while providing legal advice to client regarding risks and exposure.