Comprehensive Handbook on Internal Investigations Launched by BRANDL TALOS Lawyers
Vienna, Austria - In response to increasing concerns around workplace misconduct such as corruption, fraud, and bullying, the law firm BRANDL TALOS has released a new handbook titled Praxis Handbook for Internal Investigations in Companies. Authored by legal experts Alexander Stücklberger and Christopher Schrank, this extensive guide aims to fill a notable gap in the Austrian legal literature regarding internal investigations.
While the practice of conducting internal investigations has been commonplace in Anglo-American jurisdictions for years, Austria has seen limited resources dedicated to this area until now. The new handbook serves as a comprehensive manual for organizations facing potential crises. It guides businesses through the entire process, from the initial suspicion of wrongdoing to the final report, detailing relevant legal frameworks, identifying common pitfalls, and offering practical solutions.
Key questions are addressed within the handbook, including: Under what circumstances is an internal investigation warranted? How do serious allegations such as fraud or corruption differ from less critical compliance breaches or workplace conflicts? Additionally, it elaborates on how companies can secure evidence that holds up legally in court.
The authors emphasize that internal investigations are not merely about uncovering wrongdoing; when executed effectively, they can serve as a central instrument for crisis management. They create structured processes that help rebuild trust and maintain organizational functionality in challenging times. Furthermore, the handbook addresses the implications of the recently enacted whistleblower protection law, which mandates that companies take whistleblower reports seriously, protect the anonymity of those reporting, and comply with legal standards when establishing reporting channels.
Stücklberger and Schrank highlight the delicate legal landscape surrounding internal investigations, stressing that these processes are not exempt from legal scrutiny and must adhere to labor laws, data protection regulations, and criminal law standards. Their goal was to produce a practical guide that serves as a resource for both legal professionals and companies.
The Praxis Handbook for Internal Investigations in Companies is available for purchase from Linde Verlag, priced at 79 Euros. Interested parties can order the book through the publisher's website.
This publication is aimed at corporate legal advisors, compliance officers, executives, and external consultants who wish to act decisively in crisis situations.
For further inquiries, the authors are available for interviews.