Investigations

We specialise in investigating potential compliance breaches for corporations, institutions, and government entities. Using cutting-edge forensic technologies, we quickly uncover critical facts, mitigate legal and reputational risks, and offer strategic guidance during crises. Our expertise spans a wide range of areas, including bribery, corruption, sanctions, anti-money laundering, fraud, tax violations, ESG, cybercrime, and regulatory compliance in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, banking, accounting, and executive misconduct. We work closely with our top-tier dispute resolution and white-collar crime specialists to assemble tailored teams for each case. Additionally, we represent clients in follow-on litigation resulting from our investigations.

Our approach to Investigations

We bring vast experience and expertise to handling all types of investigations. Our approach blends strategic foresight, an in-depth understanding of corporate operations, and a wealth of specialised knowledge. Our team comprises seasoned professionals with backgrounds in senior in-house roles, legal practice, and the criminal justice system. We approach every challenge with calm and composure, even in the most high-pressure situations. Driven by passion, perseverance, and creativity, we are deeply committed to advancing our clients' goals and protecting their interests. We craft tailored strategies for each case, expertly managing critical situations while coordinating with a network of specialists, including forensic experts, PR consultants, accountants, lawyers, former prosecutors, and crisis managers, as needed.

We are independent and conflict-free

As an independent law firm based in Switzerland, we have the liberty to collaborate with any forensic, accounting expert or other advisor globally and often serve as the central coordinator for all legal representatives involved in a strategy that spans multiple jurisdictions. Our lack of affiliation with any international networks or global offices allows us to partner with the most suitable experts and lawyers for each specific investigation and work alongside our clients' existing advisors worldwide.

Our firm's independence and focus solely on dispute resolution, investigations, white-collar crime and compliance enable us to take on cases that many other firms cannot, due to conflicts of interest. We are a preferred firm for conflict referral work, trusted by some of the world's largest law firms to protect their clients' interests. This trust cements our status as premier specialists in investigations.

Track Record

  • Conducting of an internal cross-border investigation for a multinational biotech company into allegations of insider trading.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation for a Swiss multinational company into potential antitrust violations related to information sharing with competitors.

  • Conducting of an internal cross-border investigation into allegations of foreign bribery in the Middle East in connection with infrastructure projects on behalf of a Swiss company.

  • Conducting of an internal cross-border investigation into allegations of fraud and conflict of interest, involving an executive committee member in South America on behalf of a Swiss multinational company, including financial analysis, identifying conflicts, and recommending corrective actions and process improvements.

  • Conducting of an internal cross-border investigation for a Swiss multinational company into fraud allegations against a US-based executive committee member, including financial transaction analysis, assessment pursuant to corporate and employment law, strategic recommendations, and process improvements to prevent future risks.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation for a Swiss international company into allegations of sanctions violations arising from interactions with sanctioned entities.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation on behalf of a Swiss international company into allegations of fraud, conflict of interest and harassment against an executive-level employee in different countries, including assessing the impact on workplace culture and employee well-being, providing recommendations for corrective actions.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation on behalf of a Swiss company into allegations of accounting fraud against several employees, including the identification of potential discrepancies, assessment of financial records, examination of internal controls, and providing recommendations for corrective actions to ensure compliance and prevent future issues.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation on behalf of a Swiss company into allegations of fraud and accounting errors, including financial analysis and strategic recommendations for corrective actions and process improvements.

  • Conducting of a cross-border internal investigation on behalf of a Swiss multinational company into allegations of tax evasion and conflict of interest involving multiple executives, including cross-border evidence gathering, analysing financial transactions and records, assessing compliance with local tax laws, and providing strategic recommendations for corrective actions.

  • Conducting of a cross-border internal investigation, involving Switzerland and the US, for a Swiss multinational company into allegations of conflict of interest, expense fraud, and harassment against the CEO.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation into allegations of severe expense fraud against the CFO on behalf of a Swiss multinational company.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation into allegations of severe substance abuse, sexual harassment, and mobbing on behalf of a healthcare institution.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation into allegations of license test cheating by staff, including senior management, at a multinational on behalf of authorities.

  • Conducting of an internal investigation into allegations that employees of an international research institute did not comply with regulatory requirements, including representation in proceedings before grant authorities.

  • Conducting of an administrative investigation into allegations against various executives on suspicion of fraud.

  • Advising clients of all size on matters related to the Swiss blocking statutes and mutual legal assistance.

Claudia Götz Staehelin is described as follows: "She's a great technician and has a lot of experience." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2024, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

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Claudia Götz Staehelin is described as follows: "She's extremely helpful in the perspective she can bring." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2024, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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Claudia Götz Staehelin is described as follows: "She's a tremendous leader, deeply knowledgeable and empathetic." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2024, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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"Claudia has brilliant insight in complex issues." (Client in Chambers and Partners Europe 2023, White Collar Crime Switzerland)

CHAMBERS EUROPE & CHAMBERS GLOBAL

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"In particular Claudia Götz (…) are strong performers with leadership skills helpful in complex compliance investigations." (Client in Legal 500 2023, Regulatory, Investigations, Compliance)

LEGAL 500

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"Claudia Götz Staehelin is a leading expert in dispute resolution and investigations. What differentiates her from her peers is her willingness to understand the business perspective and tailor her legal services and support level to the specific needs of the client." (Client in Legal 500 2023, Regulatory, Investigations, Compliance)

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