Workplace investigations, particularly those involving senior-level employees or members of the C-Suite, or allegations of discrimination, sexual harassment or bullying, can present a myriad of risks and challenges. Acting swiftly when these situations arise is crucial to prevent further harm, preserve evidence, maintain trust among employees, and ensure a fair and timely solution.
Our expertise
Sitting alongside our global employment advisory lawyers, we have a dedicated global team who are experienced in workplace investigations. Across more than 70 offices, our workplace investigations team supports leading, international organizations in managing high-profile, multijurisdictional, and time-sensitive workplace issues, including allegations of serious misconduct relating to all forms of harassment and discrimination, disciplinary mismanagement, whistleblowing, and union/works council issues.
As a global firm with local expertise, we are well-versed in managing issues of privilege, disclosure, and data privacy, and, as part of our multidisciplinary Investigations, Compliance & Ethics group, we support clients in addressing potential regulatory, civil, criminal or reputational risks that can arise in the course of a workplace investigation, as well as handling the employment law issues arising from other internal and external investigations. With teams in jurisdictions across the world, we not only have a clear view of the local regulatory landscape but also understand the market and cultural nuances to help clients with complex cross-border investigations.
Unrivalled experience in navigating key risks
Investigations management

We are equipped to support with the most complex workplace investigations, whether involving senior leaders, complaints from a larger volume of employees, or sensitive whistleblowing situations. With the meticulous planning of our specialists, we lead investigations with a seamless and integrity-driven process, combined with thoughtful integration of specialized e-Discovery tools and technology. We pride ourselves on designing a process in which you and your employees can trust and are uniquely positioned to advise on cross-border investigation matters that require global coordination combined with deep, local expertise. Our footprint and ability to combine a global and local approach means organizations benefit from our international reach by helping to navigate internal resource challenges in markets without operations, safe in the knowledge that we have the deep-rooted experience to ensure local cultural norms are carefully considered and reflected in our work.
Reputation and crisis management

Effective reputation and crisis management hinges on making sound decisions under pressure and, sometimes, amidst public scrutiny. Our team has extensive experience advising on high-profile situations, including serious senior misconduct, and collaborating closely with internal teams as well as external advisors on the most appropriate approach and communications strategy to manage legal and PR risk, along with experience of advising organizations on their approach to government relations.
Cultural implications, risk management and remediation

We also advise organizations on proactive risk management and remediation measures to strengthen their culture and business and assist in implementation of investigations strategies to enhance efficiencies, including:
- Root cause analysis of all alleged violations to design and implement immediate and effective remediation programs to mitigate future risk.
- Audits of earlier workplace investigations and how outcomes have been handled to understand what the experience is for the reporter and identify any systemic issues in the way these issues are managed, and how to address those in future.
- Risk assessments or audits in relation to workplace culture to identify potential blind-spots and pressure points that can be proactively managed before issues arise.
- Working with our employment advisory lawyers, we also help clients with tailored training programs to help mitigate problems before they arise, as well as policies and procedures.
Litigation

While we strive to help businesses resolve workplace investigation matters internally, certain circumstances can trigger a transition from investigation to litigation. Organizations must be prepared to act swiftly and lawfully, ensuring that investigations are not only thorough but also legally defensible. Our lawyers are equipped to navigate all phases of litigation, from trials and appeals to pre-trial settlements, ensuring robust representation in sensitive situations. We are regularly instructed to defend clients in their most sensitive and reputationally significant employment disputes, and our litigators are known for their proactive, commercially attuned approach, ensuring that client priorities are reflected in every stage of the litigation process. With over 650 employment specialists globally, we offer seamless cross-border litigation support. Our team combines global coordination with local expertise, ensuring consistent, high-quality representation in every jurisdiction where our clients operate.