Employment Investigations

Advised a global nuclear power company regarding allegations of fraudulent conduct by high-level executives pertaining to the projected financing of two new nuclear plants in South Carolina and Georgia. Helped conduct a complex, cross-border investigation into the allegations of wrongdoing and advised the company regarding the sensitive terminations of certain high-level executives.

Represented the board of directors of a Fortune 100 multinational medical device, pharmaceutical, and consumer packaged goods manufacturing company in conducting an investigation in response to several shareholder demand letters and shareholder derivative suits centered on alleged excessive executive compensation.

Represented a regional transportation infrastructure authority in connection with an enforcement action brought by the EEOC alleging a pattern and practice of Equal Pay Act violations. The district court’s rejection of the EEOC’s aggressive interpretation of the Equal Pay Act and dismissal of the case with prejudice near the outset of the case was widely publicized and noted in the EEOC’s own publications. The US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit affirmed the lower court’s dismissal.

Conducted an independent investigation into employee allegations of race discrimination, pay disparity, and hostile work environment on behalf of a global media solutions company. Advised the company’s legal department on an appropriate response to the allegations and made best-practices recommendations at the conclusion of the investigation.

Conducted a confidential internal investigation for a global educational testing and assessment organization in connection with alleged violations of the client’s government contract reported by a then-current employee-whistleblower.

Assisted a not-for-profit hospital in resolving an investigation by the US Department of Health and Human Services, Office for Civil Rights, into allegations that our client discriminated against persons with disabilities and was not compliant with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Section 1557 of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act.

Acted for a major national sporting organization in high-profile disciplinary proceedings brought against three players under their code of conduct. Assisted with the investigation, advised on the code of conduct, drafted charges, and assisted with the resolution of the matter with all players.

Conducted an investigation regarding workplace bullying, harassment, and other allegations of inappropriate employee conduct for a national healthcare client.

Conducted investigations in relation to employee misconduct for an Australian government insurer and risk adviser. Advised in relation to disciplinary procedures.

Represented an international cruise line in conducting complex and sensitive workplace investigations involving allegations of employment law violations. Provided counselling and compliance advice on hiring, training, policies, contracts, reductions-in-force, DEI&A compliance, and terminations.

Assisted a bitcoin ATM and cryptocurrency trading firm in an investigation of a former employer’s violations of non-compete restrictions and misuse of confidential information. Negotiated toward work restrictions and the return of company information or the filing of a lawsuit against the former employees and their new employer, a competing cryptocurrency company.

Conducted an independent investigation into employee allegations of an inappropriate workplace relationship, hostile work environment, and retaliation, including with respect to compensation inequities, on behalf of a regional financial institution client. As a result of the investigation, advised the client’s board of directors with regard to the separation of employment of two executive-level employees and negotiated the terms of those separations.

Completed three complex employment investigations for a software company relating to allegations of employee misconduct and breach of company policies involving numerous witnesses. Required sale structuring, general labour, and employment law advice, including representation of the company against employee disputes, changes to the employment law, and terminations.

Assisted the data security entity of a short-form video-hosting service with updating its internal investigation processes and procedures, including several guidance and template materials used by the client's investigators. Advised on the privileged nature of internal investigations and complex questions regarding the client's engagement of an individual investigator under various state laws.

Conducted an internal investigation of sexual harassment allegations for a global real estate investment company, interviewing multiple alleged victims, witnesses, and members of the Human Resources department. Drafted an investigation report and advised the Ethics Committee on recommended corrective measures and authored talking points. Developed and conducted post-investigation training for the Human Resources department.