Internal Investigations to clarify possible legal offences are becoming increasingly important. We are at your side in all legal matters when it comes to conducting discreet Internal Investigations in connection with possible criminal offences in your organisation.
Careful clarification is essential
Cases of suspicion of potential criminal offenses must be taken seriously and investigated diligently. The economic existence of companies can be at stake if criminal offences are suspected within their own ranks. A thorough investigation of incidents is essential from a liability law perspective, regardless of whether the company is the victim of the criminal offence or the offence can be attributed to the company itself in terms of the association’s responsibility.
In complex cases or sensitive accusations, companies and public institutions often call on specialised experts to support them in their Internal Investigations. In addition to law firms, auditing companies are sometimes also involved. Lawyers and auditors can work as a team to efficiently process the incidents and complement each other in their work.
Legal support for Internal Investigations as the key to avoiding liability
The assessment of criminal allegations requires in-depth knowledge of Commercial Criminal Law and Corporate Criminal Law. When selecting the investigation methods and conducting the Internal Investigation, numerous other legal requirements must be observed in addition to criminal law, including corporate, civil, labor and data protection law. Within the scope of application of the Whistleblower Protection Act (HSchG), special provisions must also be taken into account, which may supersede general provisions.
When engaging a lawyer to assist with the Internal Investigation, the company benefits above all from the lawyer’s duty of confidentiality and the strict confidentiality provisions. The lawyer examines the allegations independently and objectively. In addition, correspondence with the lawyer and the lawyer’s work products are legally protected from access by the state (keyword: prohibition of seizure and confiscation).
Your experienced lawyer for internal investigations
Dr. Elias Schönborn has extensive expertise in the legal support of Internal Investigations. In addition to his specialisation in criminal law, he is particularly proficient in the cross-sectional matter of the Internal Investigation of potential compliance violations and is a certified Compliance and Whistleblowing Officer. Dr. Schönborn is a recognised specialist author and regular speaker on this subject.
Our services at a glance:
- Initial Legal Analysis of suspicious circumstances and reporting obligations
- Development of a roadmap for necessary investigation steps
- Legal Support of an Internal Investigation
- Checking the legal admissibility of securing and viewing documents and data
- Legal Support for auditors and data forensics experts in Internal Investigations
- Advice on the usability of investigation results in state proceedings
- Analysis of secured information from a legal perspective
- Support in employee interviews
- Legal Opinions on Internal Investigations
- Recommendations for action on Compliance Adjustments
- Assistance with legal steps such as filing a criminal complaint or asserting Claims for Damages (private participation)
- Advice and representation in the event of the initiation of criminal proceedings and coordination of a parallel Internal Investigation in the course of Criminal Defense
- Measures taken in the course of Compliance Defense during an ongoing Internal Investigation