Modern wooden house on a hillside with tall grasses, a lake, and mountain range in the background.

Investigations

In your investigation, the process is as important as the product. A sound approach leads to supported outcomes and gives you the confidence to make decisions.

Our Investigative Approach

  • Legally Sound

    Our investigations are conducted in accordance with applicable policies, legislation and judicial consideration of fair and effective investigation practices. Courts and adjudicators increasingly scrutinize both the investigation process and outcome - and ours are built to withstand that review and you can have confidence to rely upon both.

  • Discrete

    Discretion is critical to both those affected by the investigation and the organization itself. Our investigations safeguard confidentiality and our seasoned judgment effectively manages complex risk and potential organizational impact.

  • Impartial

    We are a neutral firm - we do not provide legal advice to organizations or other individuals. Our process is unfettered by familiarity or our past involvement. Our only focus is the process and investigation before us. We deliver our findings in a respectful, direct and unjudgmental manner.

  • Timely

    Timeliness is critical. At the very least, those involved are anxious or upset. At worst, your organization is left in a holding pattern awaiting an outcome. We have been in your shoes and move as quickly as possible without compromising quality and fairness.

  • Reputable

    We are experienced lawyers with a strong command of both the legal and investigative principles involved in assessing conduct. Our C-Suite and Board experience gives us first-hand insight into the strain an investigation places on your organization and the work required to reset, restore and realign afterwards.

  • Practical

    We have been in your shoes and we understand first-hand the practical results you are looking for. No academia. No fishing expeditions. Just clear and concise answers to give you the confidence to take the next steps.

Types of Workplace Issues

At Southbend, we have the experience to assist with a broad spectrum of issues in your workplace or institution including:

  • Sexual harassment

  • Psychological harassment and bullying

  • Systemic discrimination

  • Micro-aggressions

  • Code of Conduct violations

  • Respectful workplace complaints

  • Psychological health and safety

  • Hostile and toxic work environments

  • Policy breaches

  • Conflict of interest concerns

  • Employee misconduct

  • Abuse of authority

  • Financial impropriety

  • Incivility

Discrimination including:

  • Age

  • Sex and gender

  • Sexual orientation

  • Gender identity and gender expression

  • Racial and colour

  • Place of origin and ancestry

  • Marital status and family status

  • Religious beliefs

  • Physical, mental and emotional disability

  • Source of income

  • Criminal record

In addition to investigation services, we can also assist in strengthening your culture with proactive training and assessments.

Scenic mountain lake reflection with rocky shoreline and snow-capped mountains under a cloudy sky at sunset.