Internal Investigations and Audits: Preserving Privilege and Managing Risk

Presented by Kara M. Maciel, Nicholas W. Scala, and Kimberly Cole

Internal investigations and compliance audits are critical tools for identifying risk, responding to incidents, and demonstrating good-faith compliance—but if not handled carefully, they can create new legal exposure. Issues such as preserving attorney-client privilege, managing sensitive witness interviews, and preparing defensible investigation reports arise across both workplace safety and labor and employment matters, regardless of industry or organizational structure.In this webinar, we will examine best practices for conducting privileged investigations and audits that withstand scrutiny from regulators, plaintiffs’ counsel, and internal stakeholders. The program will provide actionable guidance on coordinating across legal and operational teams and avoiding common pitfalls that can jeopardize privilege or credibility.

Participants will learn about:

• Establishing and preserving attorney-client privilege and work product protection in investigations and audits
• Conducting effective witness interviews, including best practices when translation or interpretation is required
• Coordinating investigations across safety, HR, and leadership teams without undermining legal protections
• Preparing investigation and audit reports that are accurate and aligned with strategic objectives
• Common missteps that can expose employers to regulatory, litigation, or reputational risk