Internal investigation

A fundamental tool in the prevention, detection, and management of risk within a company, the internal investigation is increasingly implemented.

Internal investigations are meant to prove or to refute the veracity of facts likely to be at the origin of sanctions and/or an engagement of responsibility, in order to bring a fast and effective response.

Internal investigations cover all kinds of facts that are likely to be illicit and to characterize, for example, offences of harassment, corruption, money laundering or fraud. They are useful in the prevention, evaluation, and management of risk.

It now also is criminal defense argument in a context of negotiated justice, and more precisely in France, in the implementation of a Public Interest Judicial Agreement (“Convention judiciaire d’intérêt public” - “CJIP”). We regularly assist companies in conducting internal investigations, and we do so in compliance with the ethical obligations imposed on lawyers (professional secrecy and independence) and the best practices developed in this area.

Your challenges

Addressing and responding to an allegation

Effective risk management

Internal investigations are tools for assessing the legal, operational, or reputational risks to which a company is exposed, which facilitates their control.

The implementation of reporting tools

The development of internal investigations and the associated risk management are dependent on the existence, within the company, of effective reporting procedures and mechanisms, in addition to compliance with the provisions relating to whistleblower protection.

An internal investigation procedure in compliance with the best practices

Internal investigations are a sensitive exercise and must be carried out in compliance with the applicable rules, in particular those relating to the processing of personal data and those relating to the respect for the privacy of employees.

An effective and strategic response

Following an internal investigation, the company must be able to draw consequences and take corrective measures (improvement or creation of new internal procedures, disciplinary sanctions, remediation, exchange with the authorities).

A renewed use of the internal investigation

In addition to being a strategic tool for the development and securing of a company's business, the internal investigation is, since the Sapin II law, a condition for benefiting from a “CJIP” and helps to demonstrate a willingness to cooperate with the authorities.

Our way

Carrying out internal investigations and providing subsequent assistance in order to find solutions to the challenges they face.

A strong experience in the realization of internal investigations

We have been conducting internal investigations for many years for very large companies and SMEs in various sectors, which has enabled us to develop a great expertise in this area.

A precise knowledge of the internal investigation procedure led by outside counsel

We carry out internal investigations in compliance with the highest applicable standards and with our ethical obligations, in complete independence, with integrity and in compliance with professional secrecy.

A support at all stages of the investigation

According to an investigation plan discussed with the client, we collect, process and study data useful to the demonstration of the truth, we interview relevant persons, and we draft an investigation report which enables us to analyze the situation and propose the adequate remedial measures.

A team that is reactive and adaptable to clients' needs

Because internal investigations are generally synonymous with crisis situations, we are able to respond quickly and precisely to your needs.

A strong network of trusted partners

We work closely with trusted partners (such as foreign law firms, forensics, consulting and auditing firms, or suppliers of alert processing systems) in order to provide our clients with the most complete and qualitative service possible.

Clients' stories

What to do when receiving a whistleblower report?

Formulation of serious allegations of fraud and abuse of corporate assets by a former employee following his departure from the company.
Read Story

How to prepare for an interview in an internal investigation?

Summoning an employee to an interview during an internal investigation to be heard on the facts
Read Story
« To this day, no jurisdiction has had to decide the question of the lack or insufficiency of adversarial process in an internal investigation »
Julie Zorrilla
Accolades Navacelle
Stéphane de Navacelle once again in 2023 picked in
Corporate Compliance & Investigations
Sources say: "Stéphane de Navacelle deep understanding of his area of expertise and his interpersonal skills make him a great lawyer"
Navacelle once again identified in 2023
as one of the world's top 100 firms for
CROSS-BORDER INVESTIGATIONS
Julie Zorrilla recognized in 2023
as Global Leader in
BUSINESS CRIME DEFENSE
CORPORATES
Julie Zorrilla selected in
Women in Investigations 2021 as
ONE OF AN HUNDRED
EXCEPTIONAL WOMAN IN THE
WHITE COLLAR WORLD
NAVACELLE recognized once again in 2023 in
FINANCIAL MARKET & BANKING REGULATORS AND STOCK MARKET LITIGATION
Litigation & Arbitration
Stéphane de Navacelle recognized in 2023
as National Leader in
ASSET RECOVERY
NAVACELLE recognized once again in 2023
one of the top law firms
in dispute resolution
WHITE COLLAR CRIME
NAVACELLE recognized in 2023
CRIMINAL TAX LAW
Litigation & Arbitration

Latest news and insights

News & Noteworthy content from Navacelle

Analysis
13 July 2023
AFA and PNF publish a guide to anti-corruption internal investigations
On 14 March 2023, the French Anti-Corruption Agency (“AFA”) and the French National Financial Prosecutor's Office (“PNF”) jointly published a...
Analysis
13 July 2023
The Defender of Rights publishes its new guide regarding whistleblowers protection
On 30 March 2023, one year after the law of 21 March 2022 aimed at improving the protection of whistleblowers,...
Video
La bataille d'Airbus
21 June 2023
The battle for Airbus
In 2023, the aeronautic giant was prosecuted by US, French and UK authorities for suspected corrupt payments.
Event
Formation investigation - CY Université
3 April 2023
The conduct of hearing in the context of an internal investigation
Highlight on the difficulties involved in conducting interviews with the Cergy Pontoise University Business Law and Ethics Master degree students.
Event
How to collect evidence and conduct interviews
6 February 2023
How to collect evidence and conduct interviews?
Learn about the different stages and aspects of an effective internal investigation that respects the legitimate interests of those involved:...
Publication
The Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations - 7th Edition
21 January 2023
Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations (2023) – GIR
NAVACELLE co-author of the seventh edition of Global Investigations Review’s Practitioner’s Guide to Global Investigations.
Event
Ifaci demain en main - vignette
24 November 2022
Roundtable – Allegations – Investigations : The edges of tomorrow
Stéphane de Navacelle participated in IFACI's annual conference: "Demain en mains" on the theme "Allegations - Investigations : The edges...
Event
Délégation des Barreaux de France
13 October 2022
Formation – Companies and Human Rights: European Perspectives
Stéphane de Navacelle participated in the seminar on companies and human rights organised by the Délégation des Barreaux de France. ...
Analysis
11 October 2022
Internal investigation and the employer’s safety obligation
The Social Chamber of the Cour de cassation rendered a recent decision regarding an internal investigation conducted in the workplace...
Analysis
AFA and PNF Practical Guide on the internal anti-corruption investigation
14 July 2022
AFA and PNF Practical Guide on the internal anti-corruption investigation
The internal investigation, as a modulator in the detection of corruption or influence peddling, represents a fundamental tool for the...
Publication
Corporate criminal liability under french law - a decade of dramatic change
19 April 2022
Corporate criminal liability under French law, a decade of dramatic change
Introduction of the french law in the journal of Japanese Institute of International Business Law about corporate criminal liability in...
Event
The conduct of hearing in the context of an internal investigation
24 March 2022
The conduct of hearing in the context of an internal investigation
Julie Zorrilla and Stéphane de Navacelle shared about the difficulties involved in conducting interviews with the Cergy Pontoise University Business...
See all news and insights

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