Investigations & Compliance

Government Investigations, Internal Investigations & Regulatory Defense: Protecting individuals, executives, professionals and businesses from the first inquiry through resolution

An investigation can have serious consequences long before charges are filed or a lawsuit begins. A request for an FBI interview, a government subpoena, an agency inquiry or a workplace misconduct complaint may put a career, business, finances or reputation at risk. Timely legal guidance can help clients understand their position, preserve important rights and respond strategically.



The Boies Law Firm assists individuals and organizations with sensitive investigative matters, including internal inquiries and civil or regulatory investigations, and with the litigation that may follow. Where a matter calls for specialized criminal or other counsel, representation and coordination are assessed based on the needs of the matter and applicable professional requirements.

Government and Agency Investigations

Federal, state and local agencies may investigate financial activity, workplace practices, tax compliance, corporate conduct and other potential violations. We help clients assess the scope and nature of an inquiry, identify deadlines and potential exposure, manage lawful document requests, and develop a considered strategy for communications with investigators.

Agencies and investigative bodies

• Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ)
• Internal Revenue Service (IRS) and tax authorities
• U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), New York State Department of Labor and related agencies
• Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) and state or local civil rights agencies
• Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and other financial regulators
• New York State Attorney General and other federal, state and local enforcement authorities

The appropriate response depends on the agency, legal process and particular facts. Mention of an agency describes the scope of inquiries clients may face; it is not a claim of particular agency-specific past results.

FBI Interviews, Government Questioning and Subpoenas

A government request to speak with someone does not necessarily mean that the person is accused of wrongdoing. Witnesses, subjects and targets may have different interests, obligations and risks. Clients should understand whether an interview is voluntary, what legal process has been issued and whether records must be preserved or produced.

• Evaluate interview requests and possible legal exposure before a response
• Communicate with investigators or government counsel when appropriate
• Prepare clients for interviews and seek to attend where permitted
• Evaluate, negotiate and respond to subpoenas, summonses and document demands
• Advise on preservation duties, confidentiality, privileges and lawful cooperation

Internal Corporate and Workplace Investigations

Investigations may also begin inside a company. Complaints about harassment, discrimination, retaliation, financial irregularities, conflicts of interest or executive conduct can require a prompt, impartial and appropriately documented response. Internal fact-finding can affect employment decisions, civil litigation and possible government inquiries.



We advise organizations and individuals involved in internal investigations. Depending on the engagement, services may include investigation planning, witness interviews, review of relevant materials, assessment of findings and counseling on remedial options. We also represent executives, professionals and employees seeking independent advice when their conduct is being reviewed or when they are asked to participate as witnesses.

Civil, Criminal and Regulatory Exposure

A single set of facts may raise parallel legal issues. An employee complaint may lead to an agency charge; a corporate review may identify potential regulatory violations; and a civil inquiry may overlap with a criminal investigation. A coordinated strategy should take account of those possibilities from the outset.

• Workplace and labor investigations, including wage-and-hour matters
• Allegations of fraud, financial irregularities or misrepresentation
• Corporate governance, conflicts of interest and fiduciary-duty concerns
• Regulatory compliance, licensing or administrative enforcement
• Whistleblower, retaliation and misconduct allegations
• Government contract, procurement or business-practices inquiries

From Early Response to Resolution and Litigation

Not every investigation leads to a formal enforcement action. Some conclude after factual clarification, cooperation, corrective steps or a decision not to proceed. Others develop into administrative hearings, civil actions or criminal proceedings. Our approach accounts for both immediate investigative demands and downstream consequences.

How we support clients



Early assessment — Identify the issues, deadlines, documents, rights and immediate next steps.

Investigation response — Coordinate communications, manage interviews and respond appropriately to compulsory process.

Independent fact-finding — Review relevant information and evaluate competing accounts when appropriate.

Resolution strategy — Explore lawful negotiated outcomes, remediation or other practical paths to resolution.

Litigation readiness — Prepare for related employment, commercial, civil or administrative disputes where within the firm’s practice.

Specialized coordination — Work with appropriately qualified co-counsel where a matter requires additional criminal, tax or other specialized representation.

Who We Represent

Individuals and professionals: People contacted by investigators or facing professional and reputational consequences.

Executives and corporate officers: Leaders facing internal scrutiny, government inquiries or potential personal exposure.

Businesses and employers: Organizations responding to agency demands, workplace complaints or internal concerns.

Employees and witnesses: Individuals asked to participate in interviews or respond to allegations.

Whistleblowers: Individuals seeking advice concerning reports of suspected misconduct and potential retaliation.

A Strategic, Litigation-Informed Approach

Investigations call for sound judgment, discretion and attention to detail. The firm’s experience in employment matters, civil rights and complex civil litigation informs its approach to evidence, witness accounts, government action and potential courtroom disputes. We focus on understanding the client’s objectives, assessing the law and facts, and identifying practical next steps without overlooking future litigation risks.

Contact The Boies Law Firm

If you have been contacted by the FBI or another agency, received a subpoena or become involved in an internal investigation, consider obtaining legal advice before providing statements or records. Preserve relevant materials and comply with applicable legal obligations; do not destroy or alter documents.



The Boies Law Firm, PLLC

535 Fifth Avenue, 4th Floor | New York, NY 10017

Office: (212) 729-0085 | Email: contact@boieslaw.com | www.boieslaw.com/contact