Trusted by Enterprise Clients
Independent Workplace Investigations
When serious allegations arise in your workplace, you need an experienced, objective third party to conduct a thorough investigation. LM Tatum provides independent workplace investigations that protect your organization, ensure fairness, and deliver clear, actionable findings.
Why Choose Independent Investigations?
Objective & Impartial
External investigators provide credibility and objectivity that internal teams cannot
Legally Defensible
Our thorough investigative process concludes with attorney-client privileged report where you as the client hold the privilege
Experienced Leadership
Led by Lisa Tatum, former Assistant Criminal District Attorney, with 30+ years conducting sensitive investigations
Diligent Turnaround
The length of investigations depends upon their scope, complexity and the number of people and documents involved. The investigation follows the leads to relevant information necessary to address the questions to which you seek answers. An investigation takes as long as it takes. We work to avoid undue delays and to provide you with a report as soon as we can after the investigation is complete.
Types of Investigations We Conduct
We conduct comprehensive investigations across a wide range of workplace concerns, from harassment to executive misconduct.
Workplace Harassment & Discrimination
2-4 Weeks
When allegations of harassment, discrimination, or hostile work environment arise, a prompt and thorough investigation is critical. Our independent investigations provide objective findings that protect your organization and ensure fair treatment for all parties.
- Common Scenarios
- Sexual harassment allegations
- Racial or gender discrimination claims
- Hostile work environment complaints
Our Approach
We interview all relevant witnesses, review documentation and communications, analyze the applicable law and assess the legal issues based upon the facts and the law taking into consideration aspects to include witness credibility and workplace culture.
Ethics & Policy Violations
2-3 Weeks
Alleged violations of company policies, codes of conduct, or ethical standards require careful investigation to determine facts and guide appropriate action. We conduct objective investigations that support sound decision-making.
- Common Scenarios
- Code of conduct violations
- Conflicts of interest
- Misuse of company resources
Our Approach
Our investigations examine the alleged conduct against your policies and your industry standards, and the law, gather and analyze evidence, and provide clear findings.
Whistleblower & Retaliation Claims
16-20 Weeks
Whistleblower complaints and retaliation allegations carry significant legal risk and require immediate attention. Our independent investigations demonstrate your commitment to a fair workplace and legal compliance.
- Common Scenarios
- Whistleblower hotline complaints
- Retaliation after protected activity
- Misconduct reports and internal investigation reports
Our Approach
We conduct diligently investigations with particular attention to timelines, witness testimony, documentation, the law and witness credibility in performing our assessment.
Executive & Leadership Misconduct
3-6 Weeks
Allegations involving executives or senior leadership require special handling to ensure objectivity. We serve as independent investigators for boards, executive management, and HR leadership.
- Common Scenarios
- C-suite misconduct allegations
- Board member conflicts or violations
- Financial impropriety by leadership
Our Approach
We report directly to hiring body and/or its designee(s), and conduct interviews at the highest level of professionalism.
Workplace Violence & Threats
8-10 Weeks
Threats of violence, aggressive behavior, or concerning conduct require immediate investigation to assess risk and ensure workplace safety. We conduct rapid threat assessments and investigations from a legal context, working with our clients, other threat assessment professionals and law enforcement as appropriate and necessary.
- Common Scenarios
- Threats of violence or harm
- Aggressive or intimidating behavior
- Concerning social media posts
Our Approach
We conduct expedited investigations, coordinate with security and HR teams, to assess risk credibility, urgency and available remedies and provide recommendations for safety measures.
Regulatory & Compliance Investigations
2-4 Weeks
When regulatory agencies inquire about potential violations, or internal audits uncover compliance concerns, an independent investigation provides objective findings and demonstrates good faith compliance efforts.
- Common Scenarios
- State and Federal agency inquiries
- Systemic Challenges v. Individual Actors compliance issues
- Departmentwide disruption
Our Approach
We conduct investigations with regulatory requirements in mind, document findings thoroughly for potential agency review, and provide recommendations.
"Every investigation is unique. We tailor our approach to your organization's culture, the nature of the allegations, and your specific needs."
— Lisa Tatum
Why Independent Investigations Matter
An independent investigation isn't just about compliance. It is about understanding the problem, its cause, any remediation and course correction because it's about protecting your organization, your employees, and your reputation.
Objectivity & Credibility
An external investigator brings objectivity that internal HR or legal teams cannot provide, especially when senior leadership is involved or trust has been compromised.
Legal Protection
A thorough, professional investigation demonstrates good faith efforts to address concerns, provides attorney-client privilege protection, and creates defensible documentation.
Employee Trust
Employees are more likely to participate honestly in an investigation conducted by an independent third party, leading to more complete and accurate findings.
Comprehensive Reporting
Our detailed written reports provide clear findings, credibility assessments, and actionable recommendations that support informed decision-making.
Thorough, Professional, Confidential
Our Investigation Process
Every investigation follows a structured process designed to gather facts, assess credibility, and deliver clear findings you can act on.
01
Initial Consultation
We meet with key stakeholders (HR, legal, board) to understand the allegations, scope the investigation, and establish timelines and communication protocols.
02
Investigation Planning
We develop an investigation plan identifying witnesses to interview, documents to review, and key issues to address. We coordinate with your team to minimize workplace disruption.
03
Evidence Gathering
We conduct confidential interviews with complainants, witnesses, and subjects. We review relevant documents, emails, policies, and other evidence.
04
Analysis & Findings
We analyze all evidence, assess witness credibility, apply relevant legal standards, and determine findings on each allegation (substantiated, unsubstantiated, or inconclusive).
05
Written Report
We deliver a comprehensive written report summarizing the investigation, findings, credibility assessments, and recommendations for corrective action or policy changes.
06
Debrief & Support
We debrief key stakeholders on findings, answer questions, and provide guidance on implementation of recommendations and communication to affected parties.
Attorney-Client Privilege Protection
When retained as your independent attorney-investigator, our investigation reports are protected by attorney-client privilege and attorney work product doctrine. This means our communications and our communicated findings for your review and consideration, giving you the information you need to make decisions without creating additional legal risk.
What You'll Receive
Our comprehensive investigation reports provide everything you need to make informed decisions and take appropriate action.
Comprehensive Written Report
- Summary of allegations and investigation scope
- Detailed findings on each allegation
- Credibility assessments of witnesses
- Analysis of relevant policies and legal standards
- Conclusions (substantiated, unsubstantiated, inconclusive)
Actionable Recommendations
- Recommended disciplinary action (if warranted)
- Policy improvements and revisions
- Training recommendations for staff or leadership
- Risk mitigation strategies
- Follow-up actions to prevent future issues
Who We Serve
We conduct independent investigations for organizations of all sizes and across all industries.
Public & Private Companies
From startups to enterprises corporations
Nonprofit Organizations
Foundations, charities, and mission-driven entities
Government Agencies
Municipal, county, and state entities
Educational Institutions
Universities, colleges, and school districts
Churches
Hospitals, clinics, and medical practices
Professional Services and Associations
Law firms, Professional Organizations, consulting experts
Need an Independent Investigation?
When serious allegations arise, time matters. Contact us today for a confidential consultation about your investigation needs.
We will respond promptly to your inquiry.