Eversheds International
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Commercial Dispute Resolution
- Areas of expertise:
The challenges
Inquiries entail intensive investigation of an issue or event. They often involve numerous documents and large numbers of witnesses. The matter being investigated may be extremely sensitive and / or it happened a long time ago. In addition, some witnesses may be suspicious and distrustful of the process and may, therefore, be reluctant to co-operate. Further, as with any dispute, there is the potential for wasted management time, unbudgeted costs and the threat of damage to relationships and reputations.
How we can help
Our team
Eversheds' inquiries and investigations team is a unique group dedicated to Public Inquiry work and undertaking other investigative work on behalf of clients in both the public and private sectors.
An unrivalled track record
We are tried and tested. We have acted on behalf of some of the largest public inquiries in the UK, including the Bloody Sunday Inquiry and the Shipman Inquiry. We have also been involved in a wide range of other inquiry and investigative work for corporate clients generally and, more particularly, clients in the health and regulatory sector, the finance sector and local government.
Cognitive interviewing skills
The team has a range of interviewing skills at its disposal, and all team members are fully trained on deployment of the correct techniques. In dealing with emotional events, such as a tragedy, or allegations of child abuse, or in seeking to find the truth as to events which took place a long time ago, the use of cognitive interviewing techniques can be an invaluable way of obtaining evidence that would otherwise not be available for consideration.
Security
We have three partners and three associates who are security cleared to 'DV' level, and a range of qualified solicitors, paralegals and secretaries who are cleared to 'SC' level. We have been involved in some of the most sensitive investigative work in the UK, and our team has developed systems and techniques to ensure the secrecy and security of the investigation being undertaken.
Inquisitorial approach
Our approach is usually to discover the truth as to what has happened, rather than seeking evidence to prove a suspicion, or espouse a particular case from the outset. The inquisitorial approach engages the witness, ensuring 'buy in' to the investigative process from all participants.
Geographical coverage and the ability to investigate in situ
The team is drawn from all our Eversheds offices. We are able to work remotely and from mobile offices, wherever the need demands.
Technology
We have devised IT systems that monitor progress and capture evidence effectively and securely, with inbuilt systems for reporting to clients on the state of an investigation. We are also able to deploy custom built Extranet facilities if required.
Legal Professional Privilege
Work undertaken by the team will attract legal professional privilege, thus ensuring that you the client remain in control of any internal investigation that may be undertaken on your behalf. This is not the case in investigations undertaken by investigators from other professions where their findings may need to be disclosed in any subsequent court proceedings.
Budget
We are able to plan and budget with you the costs involved.
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