Legal support for internal investigations & compliance violations
Today more than ever, companies are confronted with compliance requirements and regulatory obligations. Suspected breaches of the law, white-collar crime or internal irregularities can have significant financial, reputational and criminal consequences.
A carefully planned and professionally conducted internal investigation is therefore essential in order to clarify the facts, take legally compliant measures and, if necessary, improve the compliance system.
Pragal & Prinzenberg has many years of experience in the design, implementation and legal support of internal investigations.
We support companies in discreetly and efficiently investigating compliance violations, allegations of corruption or other irregularities – always with the aim of protecting the company as far as possible from criminal, civil or regulatory consequences. In certain cases, self-disclosure to the authorities may also be an option.
Of central importance is that no investigation is conducted “for its own sake”; it must always be embedded in an overarching strategy for managing the compliance crisis.
The defence strategy does not necessarily have to rely on “full cooperation”. It may equally consist of a determined defence against the allegations, using all procedural means available.
Unlike large audit firms, we not only bring substantial experience in conducting internal investigations, but also possess first-hand insights from the roles of corporate defence counsel, individual defence counsel, and former compliance officer (Ms Kristina Konrad).
These combined perspectives enable us to assess internal investigations not only from a compliance standpoint, but also through the lens of criminal defence — a decisive advantage for companies and for affected individuals such as managing directors, board members, executives and employees.
Legal support in internal investigations, compliance violations & corporate crises
- Clarification of suspected internal cases – investigation of irregularities and criminal offenses (e.g. allegations of bribery or fraud).
- MeToo investigations – The so-called MeToo movement has recently fundamentally changed the way German companies deal with suspected cases of sexual assault and has thus created a need for action with regard to the prevention and investigation of suspected cases. We would be happy to advise you on the special features and pitfalls of these investigations, which are particularly sensitive for the company’s reputation.
- Preservation of evidence and legal assessment – analysis of internal data and documents, taking into account risks under commercial criminal law.
- Communication with authorities – coordination with public prosecutors, supervisory authorities and internal compliance departments..
- Risk minimization & prevention – development of legally compliant measures to avoid future violations, taking regulatory requirements into account.
Strategic legal advice on internal investigations & compliance risks
Internal investigations entail considerable financial and criminal law risks and must therefore be conducted with the utmost care.
Our experience as individual and corporate defense counsel provides us with a unique strategic advantage: we know how law enforcement agencies think and act and can advise you on the best course of action.
Whether you are a company, an executive, or an employee – we support you with our expertise in business criminal law, strategic foresight, and discreet advice.
Contact us for a confidential consultation – we help you mitigate risks and protect your business.
Your advantages at a glance
- Comprehensive, interdisciplinary expertise: Experience in internal investigations from an in-house perspective, combined with decades of defending companies and individuals in economic and criminal law matters.
- Open-ended, strategic advice: Defence strategies ranging from “full cooperation” to a determined defence against allegations using every procedural avenue available.
- Discreet problem-solving: Efficient fact-finding, legally robust measures and sustainable prevention — always with a clear focus on protecting the organisation and its reputation.
