Internal investigations

Given the importance of good corporate governance and corporate responsibility, we understand that internal investigations should be managed swiftly and discreetly.

Our internal investigations lawyers’ aim is to ensure that businesses quickly identify and resolve any misconduct identified. The result being to minimise the risk of the commencement of lengthy regulatory or criminal investigations, as well as ‘trial by media’.  We also support our clients commence, or defend, any related civil action that may flow from the misconduct identified.

How our internal investigations lawyers can help

We work with our clients to assemble a bespoke team of leading practitioners that will respond effectively to your issue. Members of our team will work together with our regulatory, civil fraud, employment, corporate, commercial, data protection and cyber security lawyers, as appropriate, to ensure that you have all the experts you need by your side.  We also provide support to firms following the conclusion of an internal investigation. In collaboration with your in-house legal and compliance teams, as well as relevant regulatory authorities and/or other stakeholders, we will identify lessons learned and support you to implement operational and governance frameworks to minimise the risk of further wrongdoing.  As well as managing the whole investigation and remediation process for our clients, we can also act as independent investigators should you and your current legal advisors require an independent third party to conduct a fact-finding investigation, which can then form part of a broader response to allegations raised.

Our team also regularly represents senior individuals who are either the subject of an internal investigation or who are called to assist as a potential witness. Assisting and cooperating with internal investigations is fraught with difficulties for employees and may lead to increasing the legal and regulatory risks faced by the individual. With our experience of acting for corporates, we support senior individuals in these difficult circumstances and advise on how to achieve the delicate balance of cooperating with your current or former employer or firm and protecting your own position and reputation.

Internal investigations experience

• Led two independent fact-finding investigations on behalf of the Confederation of British Industry, following the allegations of misconduct and criminality reported by The Guardian.

• Led an internal investigation on behalf of the Audit Committee of a listed corporate following allegations raised of bribery and corruption involving senior executives. This instruction involved navigating complex issues of privilege and liaison with the firm’s auditors.

• Led an internal investigation in a listed corporate following the discovery of fraud and potential mistreatment of accounts. This investigation involved liaison with the City of London police as well as regulatory authorities.

• Advised a number of UK and overseas law firms on investigations into allegations of sexual harassment, including advising on regulatory requirements including reporting to the SRA and BSB.

• Led an independent investigation into allegations of misconduct against a law firm partner of a Magic Circle law firm.

• Represented current and former senior executives (up to C-Suite level) of a major retail bank, participating in a high-profile independent internal review being conducted by a High Court Judge.

• Represented a number of senior executives (including those who are Senior Managers or Certified Staff in regulated firms) who are the subject of internal investigations or who have been called to assist as primary witnesses.

• Advised a listed corporate in relation to its obligations following the discovery of discrepancies in its financial statements, including advising on action that could be taken against the auditors.

• Advised a brokerage and investment banking firm following allegations of bribery and money laundering by one of its brokers. This investigation involved the UK and US authorities.

• Led an internal investigation in a multinational corporation in an investigation following one of its journalists being charged and subsequently convicted of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice.

• Conducted an independent assessment in a brokerage firm in relation to its money laundering systems and controls following concerns raised by the FCA.