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Workplace Investigation Lawyers in Los Angeles
Whether you have filed a complaint, been accused of misconduct, or are dissatisfied with your employer’s investigation, our workplace investigation attorneys protect your rights throughout the process and hold employers accountable for inadequate or biased investigations.
Schedule a free consultation today to discuss your workplace investigation matter with a trusted Los Angeles attorney.
What Are Workplace Investigations?
A workplace investigation is a formal inquiry conducted by an employer (or third-party investigator) into complaints of employee misconduct, discrimination, harassment, retaliation, safety violations, or other workplace issues. Under California law, employers have a legal obligation to promptly and thoroughly investigate complaints of harassment, discrimination, and other unlawful conduct.
California Government Code section 12940(k) requires employers to take reasonable steps to prevent and correct discriminatory and harassing behavior — which includes conducting prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations when complaints are made. The failure to investigate properly can create independent liability for the employer.
Workplace investigations become legally significant for employees in several contexts: when you file a complaint and the employer’s investigation is inadequate or biased, when you are the subject of an investigation and your due process rights are at stake, when the investigation results in adverse action that you believe is unjustified, and when your employer retaliates against you for participating in an investigation.
At Novian & Novian, our workplace investigation attorneys protect employees on all sides of the investigation process. We ensure that investigations are conducted fairly, that your rights are respected, and that employers are held accountable for investigation failures.
How Can a Workplace Investigation Lawyer Help?
A workplace investigation lawyer advises employees during the investigation process, challenges biased or inadequate investigations, and pursues claims when employers fail to meet their legal investigation obligations. Having legal representation during a workplace investigation can significantly affect the outcome.
Our workplace investigation attorneys at Novian & Novian advise employees on their rights during investigations, prepare employees for investigation interviews, review investigation reports for bias or inadequacy, challenge adverse actions resulting from flawed investigations, and pursue claims against employers who fail to investigate or who conduct sham investigations.
If you are involved in a workplace investigation, contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation. Our Los Angeles attorneys will protect your interests and ensure the investigation process is fair.
What Our Clients Say
“I filed a harassment complaint and my employer’s so-called investigation was a sham. Novian & Novian documented the failures and held the company accountable for not taking my complaint seriously.”
— Former Client, Los Angeles
“I was accused of misconduct at work and the investigation felt completely one-sided. Novian & Novian advised me through the process and ultimately proved the investigation was biased.”
— Former Client, Century City
“Novian & Novian helped me navigate a stressful workplace investigation with confidence. Their guidance was invaluable and the outcome was far better than I expected.”
— Former Client, Westwood
Why Should You Choose Novian & Novian for Your Workplace Investigation Matter?
Novian & Novian has advised employees in workplace investigations across California for over 35 years. We understand investigation procedures, employer obligations under FEHA, and the rights of both complainants and respondents.
Our attorneys know that workplace investigations can be stressful and career-defining moments. We provide strategic guidance and aggressive advocacy to protect your interests throughout the process.
Deep Knowledge of Investigation Requirements
We understand FEHA’s investigation requirements, best practices for workplace investigations, and the standards courts apply when evaluating investigation adequacy.
Representation for Complainants and Respondents
Whether you filed the complaint or are the subject of the investigation, we protect your rights and ensure the process is fair and thorough.
Experience Challenging Flawed Investigations
We have successfully challenged employer investigations that were biased, incomplete, predetermined, or conducted in bad faith — resulting in overturned findings and significant compensation for our clients.
No Fees Unless We Win on Resulting Claims
When investigation failures lead to claims for discrimination, harassment, or retaliation, we handle those cases on a contingency fee basis.
Strategic Guidance Throughout the Process
We prepare employees for investigation interviews, review correspondence and reports, and provide real-time guidance to protect your interests at every stage.
FAQs
Below are answers to some of the most common questions:
Is My Employer Required to Investigate My Complaint?
Yes. Under California Government Code section 12940(k), employers must take reasonable steps to prevent and correct discriminatory and harassing conduct. This includes conducting prompt, thorough, and impartial investigations of employee complaints. Failure to investigate can create independent employer liability.
Do I Have the Right to a Lawyer During a Workplace Investigation?
While employees do not have an absolute legal right to attorney representation during internal workplace investigations, having an attorney advise you before and during the process can protect your interests, ensure your statements are accurate, and guard against unfair treatment.
What If the Investigation Is Biased?
If you believe the investigation is biased — for example, the investigator has a conflict of interest, witness testimony is ignored, or the outcome appears predetermined — an attorney can document the bias and pursue claims based on the employer’s failure to conduct a fair investigation.
Can I Be Fired Based on an Investigation?
Employers can take adverse action based on investigation findings, but the investigation must be prompt, thorough, and impartial. If you are fired based on a flawed investigation, you may have claims for wrongful termination and failure to investigate.
What Should I Do If I Am Being Investigated at Work?
Cooperate with the investigation, tell the truth, document your own account of events, keep copies of relevant communications, and consult with an employment attorney before and during the process. Do not destroy evidence or attempt to influence witnesses.
Can My Employer Retaliate Against Me for Participating in an Investigation?
No. California law prohibits retaliation against employees who file complaints, participate in investigations, or provide witness testimony. If you experience adverse treatment for your participation, you may have a retaliation claim.
Facing a Workplace Investigation? Protect Your Rights.
Our Los Angeles workplace investigation attorneys protect employees throughout the investigation process. Contact Novian & Novian for a free consultation today.
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