Laddey, Clark and Ryan is a law firm which has chosen to limit its practice to specific areas of the law; one of which is Employment Law. Each of our attorneys is well versed in his or her practice area. The Employment and Labor Practice Group attorneys regularly speak, write, advise and defend our clients on a wide range of employment law issues, and also conduct internal investigations.  We deliver the expertise, not the rates, of a national employment law firm.

Most businesses will have to conduct investigations regarding allegations of wrongful conduct in the workplace.  An important aspect of an employer’s duty to employees is to conduct an investigation upon the receipt of a complaint or when the potential for a complaint exists.  Prompt and thorough investigations, in accordance with company policies and procedures, not only are beneficial for all employees, but also protect the employer should claims of harassment, discrimination, threats or other allegations be made.

Legal counsel should especially be consulted to conduct internal investigations when there is an actual or apparent conflict of interest for the person who generally acts as the investigator within the employer’s organization; when a complaint is especially egregious; when discipline or termination is foreseeable; and when criminal charges are likely.  Laddey, Clark & Ryan has extensive experience in conducting internal investigations, and providing prompt and thorough reports, for both private and public sector employers.

Utilizing a properly trained impartial investigator, without any conflict of interest, and with proper legal expertise, is a crucial step in protecting employers.  We provide internal investigation services, including:

• Review of your policies and procedures;
• Interviews of the complainant, harasser, and relevant witnesses;
• Summary of all witness interviews and evaluations of credibility;
• Gathering and review of relevant documents;
• Preparation of a chronology identifying key dates, events and employees;
• Consideration and evaluation of the consistency of witness statements; and
• Conclusions based upon the totality of the circumstances.

At the end of the internal investigation, we will provide you with a written report that includes:

• The initiating complaint;
• Reasons for and goals of the investigation;
• Summary of interviews of each person interviewed;
• Summary of different parties’ positions, including specific allegations;
• Credibility of witnesses;
• Facts determined by the investigation;
• Analysis of the allegations and facts;
• Recommendation for appropriate action; and
• Proposed corrective action.

If we can be of any assistance please do not hesitate to contact us.

Practice Group Attorneys

Thomas N. Ryan, Esq.
Ursula H. Leo, Esq.
Michael S. Garofalo, Esq.
Jessica A. Jansyn, Esq