Bass, Berry & Sims attorneys Gabrielle Degelia and Emily Farmer authored an article for Corporate Compliance Insights discussing how disciplined planning and smart resource allocation can reduce the impact of internal investigations on budgets and timelines.
The first key step is to identify the right individuals to support the investigation by mapping allegations to internal departments and selecting individuals who have appropriate expertise in those areas. The scope of the issues should also be assessed as well as the need for the legal department to be involved.
Utilizing e-discovery tools, such as technology-assisted review tools, and deciding between a linear review and targeted review for the fact-finding portion of an internal investigation also helps reduce costs and time.
As the investigation draws to a close, the final steps remediation such as changes in internal systems and reporting of investigation findings to all relevant stakeholders.
“Simply put, running cost-effective internal investigations is less about penny-pinching and more about disciplined project management,” explained Gabrielle and Emily. “Choosing the right team, scoping thoughtfully, leveraging technology and focusing remediation can curb costs, shorten timelines and deliver defensible results, all while allowing for an effective internal investigation.”
The full article, “Internal Investigations That Actually Fit Your Budget,” was published by Corporate Compliance Insights on July 14 and is available online.