Intelligent CEO's anticipate unanticipated problems. Hopefully a business never needs a disaster recovery plan, but having one helps everybody sleep better at night.
In a similar vein, few business owners or corporate boards can anticipate that an employee will engage in illegal conduct. When it happens, the effects of the crime can be devastating on the health and stability of the business. If it involves a highly publicized incident, the public relations problem is in and of itself a nightmare, let alone the frenzied need to consult with a phalanx of lawyers to determine what can and can't be done in the aftermath.
What would happen if federal agents showed up at your door with a search warrant? Do you know what you would do? Would your corporate transactional lawyer know what to do? Would you know how to get your hard drives back? What would happen if an employee was using the company computer to traffic in internet pornography and housed the images on your server? What liability would the company have if somebody knew or should have known about illegal employment practices involving undocumented workers?
The lawyers Sumpter & Gonzalez work with business owners to develop a protocol for minimizing business interruption and damage control when these unforeseen events arise. In addition to preparing customized Action Plans, the lawyers meet with and present to the Board about the potential scope of liability in the state and federal criminal justice system. Typical presentations and education sessions include discussions on what is and isn't protected under the attorney-client privilege in a corporate environment; why companies get into more legal trouble after a federal investigation commences than before it began; policies on compliance with and the limits of compelled cooperation with law enforcement investigation; document retention and destruction policies.
For more information, we are happy to schedule a phone consultation. |
