Process

How this works.

While each investigation has its nuances, there is a typical flow to the process, and it can be helpful to have an overview to demystify what an investigation often involves. If you are contemplating an investigation, understand that a fulsome review of a situation can take time, but a seasoned investigator will be able to balance the need to be thorough with the need for a prompt resolution of a challenging situation.

I am usually hired by an organization’s general counsel’s office or outside law firm and start with an overview of the complaint with the lawyer and lead administrator at the school or company. During this initial consultation, I make it clear that any conclusions I draw will be my own. The aim of the investigation is to determine whether an institution’s policy has been violated, so it is important to start with a review of the relevant guidelines.

I can help the organization to draft notices of investigation or introduce me to the parties involved. Typically, the complainant interview comes first, followed by witness interviews, and then the respondent, with the understanding that I may have follow up interviews. Depending on geography and the desires of the participants, and whether students are involved, I conduct interviews either in-person or over video, but either way, with a trauma-informed and common-sense approach.

I review any relevant student and personnel files and other information, including social media activity, texts, email, photographs, and videos. I make determinations of what information is relevant, who is credible and why, whether there is any corroborating information about the allegations, and then draft findings. In consultation with the client and legal counsel, we determine whether an oral report is sufficient, or whether policy or other considerations dictate that my findings be memorialized in a written report.

Do you think you should investigate?

If you think an incident warrants an investigation, please reach out.