Public Education: Workplace Investigations

We handle investigations of employment and personnel issues including employee misconduct, harassment, discrimination, retaliation, policy and conduct violations, whistle-blowing, financial improprieties, and other misconduct and discipline-related issues. We have investigated alleged wrongdoing on the part of employees, board members and high ranking officials. We have extensive expertise in dealing with both cooperative and combative witnesses. We often work with computer and other forensic experts in the gathering and analysis of evidence.

We regularly conduct investigations of student issues including allegations of code of conduct or academic policies violations. We are well-versed with California and Federal statutes and regulations concerning student rights and responsibilities. We investigate sexual misconduct allegations involving students including cases of dating violence, domestic violence, sexual assault, and stalking and claims by students of bias and discrimination. Our investigations include on- and off-campus incidents, including those that occur during internships or clinical assignments.

LCW investigators conduct prompt and appropriate investigations of on- and off-campus sexual assaults and harassment to help ensure your institution meets the U.S. Department of Education’s expectations. Our investigators are experienced at working concurrently with local law enforcement in meeting investigation obligations.

Our investigators are also attorneys who regularly advise educational institutions in drafting and updating sexual misconduct policies and training Title IX Coordinators and other members of the campus community. Our attorneys also represent educational institutions in responding to complaints filed with the Department of Education, Office of Civil Rights alleging harassment and discrimination. We are also thoroughly familiar with the overlapping requirements of these and related laws including the Education Code, Campus SaVE, Clery and FERPA.

We are state-wide experts in the laws regulating investigations involving peace officers. We conduct internal affairs investigations on a broad range of allegations, including use of force, dishonesty, conduct unbecoming, harassment, discrimination and retaliation. We are well versed in the POBR laws governing interrogations, including providing the required admonitions before interrogating subjects about allegations that could lead to criminal prosecution. In addition to our investigation services, LCW can provide an in-depth review of Internal Affairs investigation procedures, and create customized trainings for your institution.