At Tucker Arensberg, we understand the delicate and complex nature of internal investigations. Our team of experienced attorneys and investigators can help you navigate these situations effectively and efficiently.

An investigation can be directed by an outside entity, sought by the company’s Board of Directors, or requested by management. It is essential to gather the facts and provide the client with a comprehensive understanding while maintaining minimal disruption to an organization.

An internal investigation involves a comprehensive evaluation of potential liability. This includes developing a factual record and understanding which facts are relevant, identifying legal issues with which clients should be concerned, and directing the practical aspects of the investigation.

The attorneys of Tucker Arensberg have the skill, expertise, and experience necessary to conduct a detailed, objective, and, when required, confidential investigation. Our diverse group of nearly 90 attorneys possesses the capability of not only conducting the investigation but also assembling and leading diverse individuals with specialized backgrounds to provide a comprehensive assessment of the situation. We work with current and former law enforcement investigators and officials, current and former government officials, and nationally recognized experts in their respective fields to provide a comprehensive and thorough investigation and factual record while cooperating with the necessary government agencies when appropriate.

Diverse and Seasoned Team

Our team of experienced attorneys and investigators brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every internal investigation. With a combined experience spanning decades, our team members have successfully handled complex cases across various industries. Our team includes:

• Jeremy V Farrell has conducted numerous internal investigations into a variety of allegations relating to improper conduct in the workplace, including discrimination, hostile work environment, retaliation, and compensation-related concerns, as well as broader concerns relating to things like potential patient care issues, conflicts of interest, and other violations of state and federal law.  He has also defended internal investigations conducted by clients and their agents in employment-related disputes brought in court or before government agencies like the EEOC.
• Heidi R. Freese is a highly respected attorney with over twenty years of experience in federal investigations. Heidi’s experience as the former Federal Public Defender for the Middle District of Pennsylvania provides her with the unique combined experience of a Chief Court Unit Executive and an attorney with extensive experience defending clients who are the subject of federal and state criminal investigations. Heidi has assisted clients in a variety of white-collar investigations involving state and federal agencies and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Office of Inspector General (OIG), Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health.

• Albert S. Lee specializes in assisting businesses and executive boards with internal investigations, ensuring decisions are grounded in a comprehensive factual background. He provides strategic legal advice to help companies address workplace allegations such as discrimination, harassment, hostile work environments, misconduct, and scandals. Conducting dozens of investigations annually across diverse industries—including healthcare, education, financial services, and non-profit organizations—Albert brings a depth of experience and insight to each case. In addition to leading investigations, he trains internal personnel to conduct effective, compliant investigations, equipping organizations with the tools to proactively manage workplace issues.
• Michael P. Leahey has extensive experience representing public and private companies in conducting internal investigations into critical issues such as environmental compliance, workplace safety, and regulatory reporting. He has also managed numerous grand jury and regulatory agency investigations, giving him unique insights into the complexities of these processes. These experiences enable him to proactively advise clients on potential risks and challenges, ensuring thorough and effective internal reviews that address both legal and regulatory obligations.

• Jerry J. Russo has conducted internal investigations addressing a wide range of sensitive and complex matters, including death investigations, workplace sexual harassment allegations, unsafe work conditions involving potential OSHA violations, and other quasi-criminal issues. His experience can provide valuable support in cases involving potential fraud allegations. Jerry’s investigations have spanned both school and business settings, giving him a versatile perspective in handling diverse workplace challenges.

• Barbara A. Zemlock is a seasoned attorney with over 30 years of experience representing individuals and businesses in criminal cases, including in internal investigations. Barb has been involved in internal investigations involving allegations of misconduct in an array of industries and businesses, including in the construction industry, healthcare, government, and with general business practices. Barb’s experience includes representing individuals and businesses in criminal and regulatory investigations involving state and federal agencies and regulatory bodies, including the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the  Office of Inspective General (OIG), Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General, Pennsylvania Office of Inspector General, the State Ethics Commission, the Pennsylvania Department of State, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs, and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Barb’s deep experience in appellate law,  professional licensure law, and grand jury practice provides clients with a comprehensive understanding of the legal landscape.

State/Federal Regulatory Investigations and Prosecutions

We combine seasoned investigators and defense attorneys with other professionals who possess extensive experience in highly regulated industries. Our group assists clients with cases involving:

Federal Agencies

• U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
• Office of Inspector General (OIG)
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
• U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (HHS)
• Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)
• U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
• Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
• U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

State Agencies (Pennsylvania)

• Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General
• Pennsylvania Offices of Inspector General
• Pennsylvania Ethics Commission
• Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (Pa. DEP)
• Pennsylvania Department of Health
• Pennsylvania Department of Banking and Securities

Other State and Local Agencies

• Delaware Department of Justice
• Local Law Enforcement
• Pennsylvania Game Commission

Why Choose Tucker Arensberg for Your Internal Investigation?

• Impartiality and Expertise: We conduct objective investigations with a focus on uncovering the facts, regardless of the outcome. Our team boasts diverse legal backgrounds, including a former Federal Public Defender, prosecutors, and seasoned civil litigators, allowing us to address a wide range of issues.
• Experience Across Industries: We have successfully handled internal investigations for public entities, private companies, educational institutions, and non-profit organizations. Our clients have ranged from health care and long-term care to banking and municipalities to retail and hospitality.
• Tailored Approach: We understand that each investigation is unique. We work closely with you to develop a customized plan tailored to the specific needs of your case, ensuring a cost-effective and timely resolution.

Types of Investigations We Handle:

• Workplace Misconduct: Sexual harassment, assault, violence, discrimination, retaliation, bullying, hazing, theft, embezzlement, and other misconduct.
• Policy Violations: Identify and address violations of your organization’s policies and procedures, including conflicts of interest and OSHA matters.
• Whistleblowing Complaints: We take whistleblower complaints seriously and can help you investigate them thoroughly and fairly.
• Title IX Matters: Our team is well-versed in Title IX regulations and can guide you through the investigation process.
• Employee Benefits Issues: Investigate potential issues with benefits administration or compliance.
• Data Security Incidents: Our team can help you investigate data breaches and develop a response plan.

Representative Experience:

• Supervised investigations of investment fraud, including undercover operations, and assisted federal agencies with prosecution of fraud.
• Conducted internal investigations for non-profit and corporate entities involving employee misconduct.
• Conducted workplace harassment investigations.
• Represented physicians under investigations for alleged STARK and Anti-Kickback Statute violations and other False Claim Act allegations.
• Investigations of employees alleged to be in violation of corporate policies.
• Investigations of companies for alleged violations of federal and state law.
• Successfully represented a small manufacturer subject to investigation by the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry & Security for a suspected Export Administration Regulations (EAR) violation.
• Resolved government agency investigations.
• Reorganized warehouse distribution business following IRS investigation into improper tax scheme of owners.
• Attorney General investigation into alleged predatory tactics of online retail establishment involving Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law.