Sexual Misconduct & Workplace Harassment

• Independent Investigations
• Companies & Individuals
• Education, Religious and Other Non-Profit Institutions
• Transactions

The ongoing spate of high-profile sexual misconduct allegations in the workplace—affecting financial services firms, universities, public companies, news and media outlets, non-profit organizations, government agencies and a host of other entities—has brought the breadth of the problem and potential risks sharply to the fore. In the wake of the recent stream of allegations and accompanying swift public repercussions, companies and organizations are keenly aware of the potential for widespread legal, financial and reputational harm, and also intently focused on proactive steps to mitigate risk and ensure a positive workplace environment.

To address the range of risks presented and lessons learned from years of helping clients to navigate these matters, we have an established interdisciplinary team of lawyers at Ropes & Gray who collectively comprise our Sexual Misconduct & Workplace Harassment Group. The Group includes labor and employment specialists, government enforcement lawyers, civil litigators, practitioners versed in governance and disclosure matters, and other practice and industry experts who work together seamlessly to assist clients in responding, promptly and effectively, to the full spectrum of issues presented by claims of workplace harassment.

Our Sexual Misconduct & Workplace Harassment group includes a number of partners who served as federal prosecutors at the Department of Justice and U.S. Attorney's offices, with substantial investigative, law enforcement and trial experience. 

Independent Investigations

With a sharpened focus on issues of sexual misconduct and harassment, many organizations need the credibility and candor that a third-party review can bring. We bring a deep prosecutorial background and a high degree of emotional intelligence to bear on the most sensitive investigations. Our reputation for cost-effective fact-finding is bolstered by our international presence, which enables us to gather information and conduct interviews virtually anywhere in the world. Leveraging our cross-practice capabilities and in-house resources, we are situated to handle a range of complex investigations.

Read more about our experience and capabilities in independent investigations.

Companies & Individuals

Our attorneys advise and represent clients in investigating claims against key executives, officers and directors accused of workplace misconduct, as well as the discipline and often discharge of individuals found to have engaged in the conduct. We have a deep background in handling large, complex, high profile, and highly sensitive internal investigations. We provide valuable guidance and counseling for an array of clients—including public and private companies, colleges, universities and secondary schools, cultural institutions, athletic organizations, special committees of independent directors, boards of trustees and audit committees—in the context of handling sensitive allegations of sexual abuse, harassment and misconduct. This includes working with the client to develop effective and legally defensible strategies for the separation of those responsible for bad acts, including the negotiation of separation agreements, as well as the crafting and implementation of internal and external communication plans.

Education, Religious and Other Non-Profit Institutions

Over many decades, the attorneys who comprise Ropes & Gray’s Sexual Misconduct & Workplace Harassment practice have successfully represented many academic and cultural institutions, healthcare and social service providers, and religious organizations in sensitive situations, including claims of sexual abuse in numerous high-profile matters. We have represented these clients with respect to the investigation, defense and settlement of sexual misconduct claims, and have also assisted with the development of policies and procedures to deal with allegations of sexual misconduct. 

Transactions

Risks tied to misconduct or harassment can pose unique challenges in the transactional setting, and private equity firms in particular face complex issues because of their roster of portfolio companies engaged in a range of business activities across multiple industries and geographies, together with the special risks posed for investors who also serve as portfolio company directors. Ropes & Gray, recognized as the preeminent international law firm for private equity and as a global leader in advising on complex public company matters, has deep experience that encompasses advising on the full range of transactions, including on deal diligence, and on portfolio company compliance and monitoring.