Internal Harassment Investigations
Expertise led by W-LEGAL
The increase in reports of moral or sexual harassment within companies has led to a corresponding rise in internal investigations conducted by employers. Any allegation of moral or sexual harassment requires an immediate and structured response from the employer. Conducting an internal investigation is not merely good management practice: it directly contributes to compliance with the legal duty to prevent occupational risks. Failure to investigate may undermine any disciplinary procedure and expose the employer to liability. A rigorous investigation therefore provides both legal protection and an effective mechanism for internal regulation. W-LEGAL assists companies throughout the entire process of conducting internal harassment investigations.
Why conduct an internal investigation?
An internal investigation makes it possible to:
When conducted with due respect for the rights of the defence, an internal investigation constitutes admissible and fair evidence. The resulting report can provide a sound basis for the employer’s decisions, provided that the individuals concerned have been able to present their observations and the findings are corroborated.
W-LEGAL's role as investigating counsel
W-LEGAL acts as independent investigating counsel, combining methodological rigour, neutrality and legal security. Our engagement may be initiated:
Our support includes:
Our support includes:
Confidentiality and legal security
Instructing a law firm provides an enhanced framework of confidentiality, as lawyers are bound by professional secrecy in relation to their client. This enables the company to manage a sensitive situation securely while relying on high-level legal expertise.
Instructing a lawyer provides numerous safeguards
In addition to the fact that an investigation conducted by a lawyer is protected by the professional secrecy governing the profession, W-LEGAL has proven professional expertise in legally characterising the facts. Determining whether a given situation amounts to sexual or moral harassment or, more simply, misconduct capable of giving rise to disciplinary action is above all an exercise in legal qualification. For this reason, W-LEGAL’s lawyers are often best placed to provide an objective legal assessment of a highly emotional factual situation and to reach a legally appropriate conclusion.
Beyond the investigation: preventing recurrence and restoring working relationships
W-LEGAL’s approach does not stop at establishing the facts. Where relational or organisational difficulties are identified, we also assist the company in restoring constructive working relationships and implementing measures designed to prevent similar situations from recurring.
Are you dealing with a harassment report?
W-LEGAL assists you at every stage of the internal investigation through an approach that is legal, operational and strategic.
