Under the umbrella of ESG, as companies around the world face increased scrutiny from stakeholders and the public, more is at stake than ever before. Sullivan & Cromwell’s top-ranked lawyers work with companies, boards and individual directors to identify potential cultural, litigation and reputational risks before they materialize.
S&C has broad experience in conducting clients’ most sensitive and complex corporate culture and workplace internal investigations, including those stemming from allegations of discrimination and racial bias, sexual harassment, and other forms of widespread misconduct. We understand the external and internal business implications of this type of investigation, including its potential to disrupt employee productivity and morale, as well as its import to the company’s reputation with corporate partners and customers. We take a multidisciplinary approach to all matters, tapping into the expertise of our lawyers in the Firm’s Labor & Employment, Criminal Defense & Investigations, Corporate Governance, Corporate Governance Litigation, and Crisis Management practices.
The Firm also regularly investigates, reports on and resolves whistleblower claims and retaliation allegations brought against senior executives and corporations in a variety of industries. The Firm also routinely works with clients to create policies and procedures to address potential legal risks, including with respect to social responsibility, Human Capital Management, and diversity and inclusion.
S&C’s Corporate Culture, Workplace Investigations & Whistleblower Litigation Group includes eight former federal and state prosecutors; former bank regulatory counsel; and leading practitioners in banking, employment and securities and commodities regulation and enforcement.
The Firm regularly advises clients on concerns regarding:
- federal and state False Claims Act claims;
- potential violations of federal and state law;
- information technology and compliance concerns; and
- employee complaints of co-worker misconduct, including harassment, financial misconduct or other violations of corporate policy, as well as complaints of a toxic workplace.
In addition, the Group advises clients on human resources best practices, including the implementation of policies relating to whistleblowers, employee relations, termination, harassment and conflict resolution.
Read more about our Labor & Employment practice.
