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Internal investigations lawyers
Internal investigations may be conducted for a range of different reasons. It might be necessary to undertake urgent enquiries regarding concerns over conduct by a business function or an individual, or an investigation might be prompted by matters arising during business-as-usual reviews. You may also wish to proactively review the adequacy of your policies and procedures to identify potential areas of risk.
When should you carry out an internal investigation?
Law enforcement agencies, regulators and other stakeholders expect businesses to demonstrate good corporate governance. In recent years, this expectation has extended beyond addressing financial health, and criminal or regulatory misconduct, to include corporate culture, values and behaviors.Whether it is suspected employee fraud, insider trading, bribery, accounting irregularities, sexual misconduct or allegations of bullying or harassment, a failure to adequately address concerns in your business can increase your potential exposure to criminal, regulatory or reputational risk.
Our strategic approach to mitigate risk
Our team of internal investigations solicitors are well-placed to guide you through your investigation and advise on any necessary remediation steps. Our team have deep experience in conducting business internal investigations for both private and public companies, colleges and universities, charities and associations across a wide range of sectors including sport, life sciences, financial services, construction, manufacturing and energy. As an internal investigations legal firm, we have defended corporations and their former and current senior executives against prosecution or enforcement action.As experienced internal investigation solicitors, including financial regulators, former prosecutors and criminal barristers, we will work with you to effectively and efficiently manage the risks through targeted investigation and remediation, while navigating through the simultaneous employment, commercial and reputational considerations that may arise.
During an investigation, our internal investigations solicitors can arrange for the collection, retention and review of all data (including digital devices), conduct interviews with witnesses, prepare reports of findings and make recommendations. Where appropriate, our internal investigations lawyers can also advise on reporting obligations, including decisions on whether to self-report and liaise with law enforcement agencies and regulators, including the FCA and the Charity Commission.
Every situation is different. As an internal investigations law firm with a difference, we adopt a tailored, strategic approach to help you effectively manage and mitigate risk.
Track record
Bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion
Conducting a series of complex and parallel internal investigations into allegations of bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion for a European headquartered corporate with global operations.
Internal investigation into fraud, tax avoidance and suspected bribery
Assisting in respect of a corporate client’s Latin American subsidiary.
Internal investigation into senior management
Advising a business in respect of significant suspected incorrect revenue recognition practices involving senior management.
Advising a renowned sports and leisure plc
Conduct of an internal investigation for a well-known sports and leisure plc following allegations of financial impropriety resulting in underpayments to HMRC and significant interest from the SFO and FCA. Following the conclusion of our investigation, we advised the Board on engagement with the SFO.
Advising directors and the audit chair of a financial services firm
in respect of an employee fraud within an overseas subsidiary, restatement of company accounts and repeated failure to comply with the Companies Act. Advised on engagement with auditors, regulators and in respect of a complaint to the ICAEW, successfully representing a number of directors facing prosecution for offences under the Companies Act.
Assisting a national charity to locate stolen funds
Conducted an internal investigation into suspected employee fraud for a national social welfare charity. In tandem, we were able to successfully obtain a Norwich Pharmacal order allowing our client to locate the stolen funds.
Biotechnology company
Engaged to conduct an internal investigation for a listed biotechnology company following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and National Counter Terrorism Security Office regarding a potential breach of containment level requirements for dangerous pathogens.
Financial services sector
Instructed to conduct an internal investigation for a financial services firm in respect of concerns related to the CEO's conduct.
Internal investigation following alleged employee misconduct, bribery and corruption
Acted for a global real estate firm following whistle blower allegations of employee misconduct, bribery and corruption. At the conclusion of the investigation, we supported the company's global anti-corruption team to assist with additional multi-jurisdictional ancillary investigations.
Internal investigation for high-profile performing arts institution
Following allegations of employee misconduct and theft made by a whistle blower we were instructed to conduct an internal investigation. At the conclusion, we advised on reporting obligations to the police and Charity Commission and advised the trustees on employment and data protection issues arising from the investigation.
Internal investigation into alleged furlough fraud
Conduct of an internal investigation into whistle blower allegations of widespread abuse of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ("furlough fraud") and advising on engagement with HMRC.
Internal investigation into bribery concerns
Instructions arising in respect of a contract for services with the Libyan government.
Listed company
Advised on suspected incorrect revenue recognition practices and senior management level fraud within a listed company, in particular on approval of the company accounts and dealings with its auditors, regulators and law enforcement agencies.
Premiership Football Club
Expedited internal investigation into allegations of gross misconduct.
Bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion
Conducting a series of complex and parallel internal investigations into allegations of bribery, corruption, fraud, false accounting and tax evasion for a European headquartered corporate with global operations.
Advising a renowned sports and leisure plc
Conduct of an internal investigation for a well-known sports and leisure plc following allegations of financial impropriety resulting in underpayments to HMRC and significant interest from the SFO and FCA. Following the conclusion of our investigation, we advised the Board on engagement with the SFO.
Advising directors and the audit chair of a financial services firm
in respect of an employee fraud within an overseas subsidiary, restatement of company accounts and repeated failure to comply with the Companies Act. Advised on engagement with auditors, regulators and in respect of a complaint to the ICAEW, successfully representing a number of directors facing prosecution for offences under the Companies Act.
Assisting a national charity to locate stolen funds
Conducted an internal investigation into suspected employee fraud for a national social welfare charity. In tandem, we were able to successfully obtain a Norwich Pharmacal order allowing our client to locate the stolen funds.
Biotechnology company
Engaged to conduct an internal investigation for a listed biotechnology company following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive and National Counter Terrorism Security Office regarding a potential breach of containment level requirements for dangerous pathogens.
Internal investigation following alleged employee misconduct, bribery and corruption
Acted for a global real estate firm following whistle blower allegations of employee misconduct, bribery and corruption. At the conclusion of the investigation, we supported the company's global anti-corruption team to assist with additional multi-jurisdictional ancillary investigations.
Internal investigation for high-profile performing arts institution
Following allegations of employee misconduct and theft made by a whistle blower we were instructed to conduct an internal investigation. At the conclusion, we advised on reporting obligations to the police and Charity Commission and advised the trustees on employment and data protection issues arising from the investigation.
Internal investigation into alleged furlough fraud
Conduct of an internal investigation into whistle blower allegations of widespread abuse of the Coronavirus Job Retention Scheme ("furlough fraud") and advising on engagement with HMRC.
Premiership Football Club
Expedited internal investigation into allegations of gross misconduct.
Internal investigation into bribery concerns
Instructions arising in respect of a contract for services with the Libyan government.
Internal investigation into fraud, tax avoidance and suspected bribery
Assisting in respect of a corporate client’s Latin American subsidiary.
Recent recognition
Our team
Carl Newman
Partner | London
Michael Chik
Partner | Hong Kong
Claire Christy
Partner | London
Elaine Aarons
Partner | London
Harvey Knight
Partner | London
Meriel Schindler
Partner | London
Shashi Nathan
Partner | Singapore
Hugh More
Partner | London
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