Steps to Conducting Internal Investigations and Preventing Corporate Wrongdoing

This 26-page research report written for executives and their lawyers features important steps to conducting an internal corporate investigation. From what first triggers an investigation to what to do when wrongdoing is confirmed, this report focuses on the key points of self-regulation. Leading attorneys address how incorporating proper procedures early on can reduce a company's risk of litigation or criminal prosecution.

Other topics include:

• whistle-blowing
• audit committees
• advantages of outside counsel
• early detection
• personal liability
• Sarbanes-Oxley
• compliance and ethics programs
• SEC Seaboard Guidelines
• document destruction
• due diligence
• forensic accounting
• The Public Company Accounting Oversight Board(PCAOB)
• NYSE and NASDAQ listing requirements
• disciplinary mechanisms; and attorney-client privilege

This Executive Report is written by:

• Jeffrey E. Jordan, Member, Arent Fox PLLC - Early Detection of Corporate Wrongdoing
• Stephen A. Best, Partner, LeBoeuf, Lamb, Greene & MacRae LLP - "Hiring Outside Counsel"
• Arthur S. Berner, Partner, Haynes and Boone LLP - The Roles of the Audit Committee and Managers
• Kenneth Kopleman, Partner, Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP - "Reasons to Conduct an Internal Investigation"
• W. Warren Hamel, Partner, Venable LLP - Conducting a Thorough Internal Investigation

About Executive Reports:

Executive Reports offer focused, hard-hitting advice from the leaders of some of America's top companies, packaged in a concise, readable format. Each research report provides readers with 3 to 5 strategies that will have a direct financial impact on their business. While not meant as a comprehensive guide, each report includes quick-hit items that can immediately impact specific business strategies. Executive authors drill down to the central issues surrounding each topic area and dispense expert advice in concise, direct language. Executive Reports feature leading professionals selected by the Aspatore Editorial Board based on their experience, research, and standing within the professional community.