Internal Complaint Investigations

Improperly handled investigations concerning employee complaints can create significant costs for a company, including excessive financial liability, the loss of valued personnel and a tarnished reputation.

When an employee files an internal discrimination or harassment complaint, an employer’s best option in mitigating risk is to retain a neutral, third party to conduct the investigation. An independent investigator can greatly reduce potential liability by ensuring that the investigation is impartial. It also guarantees that the employer receives advice regarding corrective or preventive actions.

Foster Employment Law has handled a wide range of sensitive investigations for public and private employers. Our extensive experience in these matters enables us to quickly respond when an outside investigation is required.

We provide employers with thorough, unbiased investigative services, designed to objectively discover the underlying facts, and identify potential training and development needs. Investigative results are delivered in a comprehensive and confidential written report.

In addition, we offer training on how employers can conduct their own investigations. Our attorneys will train your Human Resource or management personnel on the appropriate investigation techniques, including:

• Conducting timely investigations
• Balancing confidentiality issues
• Ensuring proper documentation
• Identifying witnesses
• Maintaining neutrality
• Interview techniques
• Reaching and reporting conclusions