Best Practices for Conducting Internal Investigations Part 2

Michael Dawkins, Attorney, Baker Donelson, Jackson, MS:

Michael is a member of the firm’s Government Enforcement and Investigations Group. His law practice consists mostly of white-collar criminal defense, conducting internal investigations and counseling clients on environmental compliance and enforcement. His education and background as an accountant facilitate his investigation and management of cases involving allegations of the material misstatement of financial statements due to fraud or error and matters relating to financial statement auditor compliance with Generally Accepted Auditing Standards. He has represented individuals and companies investigated for or charged with various crimes, including financial, accounting and tax fraud, public corruption, health care fraud, theft of trade secrets, crimes against the environment, mail fraud and wire fraud. Mike has conducted various internal investigations and “shadow” investigations of federal grand jury investigations. 

Sean Sarsfield, BKD Director Forensics & Valuation Services:

Sean is a Director with BKD’s Forensics & Valuation Services division and leads its Houston and Mississippi forensics practice, providing forensic accounting, fraud investigation, business interruption and litigation support services. For over twenty years Sean has provided advice to attorneys, executives, and shareholders to assist them throughout the dispute process. He has extensive experience guiding his clients through the duration of the legal process, from initial fact gathering and discovery through arbitration, mediation, and trial. This includes preparation for the deposition of fact and opposing expert witnesses, providing financial opinions through expert witness reports and testimony, and assistance with trial preparation. Sean provides fraud detection and forensic accounting services for the investigation of allegations of embezzlement, misappropriation of assets, financial reporting fraud, and breach of fiduciary duty.