Internal and Regulatory Investigations - Schärer Rechtsanwälte

Internal and Regulatory Investigations

Companies are increasingly subject to regulatory scrutiny and face rising compliance obligations. When potential compliance violations are suspected—which, in the worst case, may lead to criminal or civil liability for the company or its governing bodies—internal investigations allow decision-makers to secure critical information and mitigate legal exposure.

Our firm has extensive experience conducting complex internal investigations, including matters involving white-collar offenses, anti-corruption, workplace discrimination, data protection, and antitrust/competition law. We support companies and individuals through every phase of an investigation, from the initial risk assessment and evidence preservation to communications with regulators and the courts.

We also advise on whistleblowing and help establish effective internal reporting systems. Our goal is to protect your interests and strengthen your compliance strategy for the long term.

Expertise

  • Bribery and Corruption — Assessing and evaluating allegations of corrupt conduct.
  • White-Collar Crime — Investigating fraud, embezzlement, and other asset-misappropriation offenses.
  • Tax Investigations — Supporting proceedings involving domestic and cross-border tax offenses.
  • Antitrust and Competition — Conducting internal reviews of potential anticompetitive conduct.
  • Disclosure and Financial Reporting — Examining irregularities in financial statements and related disclosures.
  • Employment Law Violations — Investigating allegations of discrimination, harassment (including bullying), or sexual harassment.
  • Compliance Reviews — Identifying control gaps and remediating weaknesses in internal control systems.

Internal Investigation Process

A successful internal investigation requires a systematic, well-structured approach. Below is a typical sequence conducted in close coordination with the client: