Companies often need to determine what happened before they can determine what to do about it. When suspected misconduct may create criminal exposure or attract government scrutiny, the investigation itself can have significant consequences.
Appelbaum Law conducts and advises on internal investigations involving suspected fraud, theft, financial misconduct, employee conduct and other allegations with potential criminal implications. The firm represents organizations conducting their own investigations as well as companies responding to simultaneous or subsequent inquiries from law enforcement.
The investigative team is built around the particular issues involved and may include attorneys, investigators, forensic accountants, digital-forensics professionals and other specialists. The firm also works alongside general counsel, boards, corporate counsel, employment counsel and other advisers when criminal-law experience is needed as part of a broader response.
Led by former prosecutor Sharon Appelbaum, the team approaches investigations with an understanding of the questions government authorities may ultimately ask, the evidence they are likely to consider and the decisions that can affect the organization’s position if law enforcement becomes involved.
Investigations Involving Parallel Government Scrutiny
An internal matter can become a criminal matter quickly. A company may discover suspicious financial activity, receive allegations involving an employee or executive, or learn that law enforcement is already investigating conduct connected to the organization.
Appelbaum Law works with clients to establish the relevant facts, preserve privilege, identify and review evidence, conduct witness interviews and assess potential criminal implications. When an investigation runs parallel to a government inquiry, the firm can also manage the intersection between the two, including communications and requests for information from investigating agencies.
Financial Misconduct and Corporate Fraud
Suspected fraud or misappropriation may require a coordinated legal, investigative and financial response. Appelbaum Law works with forensic accountants, investigators and other professionals as appropriate to trace transactions, examine communications, determine what occurred and evaluate the company’s legal position.
The firm’s experience includes domestic and cross-border investigations involving alleged employee fraud, misappropriation and diversion of corporate funds.
Representative Matters
Healthcare Services Company | Internal Investigation and Parallel Law-Enforcement Investigation
Served as independent outside counsel to a multi-site healthcare services provider investigating allegations of employee misconduct while a parallel law-enforcement investigation was underway. The investigation included witness interviews conducted with a licensed investigator, review of supervision, scheduling and compliance records, preservation of privilege and management of the company’s communications with the investigating agency.