Expert Witness Services: Investigation Quality Reviews
Serving courts, counsel, institutions, and agencies nationwide
Independent evaluation of investigations against recognized professional standards
Overview
At CLEAResources, we provide independent expert opinions on whether internal, private, or civil investigations were conducted in a manner consistent with recognized professional standards. Many organizations conduct investigations without realizing that a botched investigation can create as many problems as the allegation that initiated the investigation in the first place. While there is no one methodology or law that provides mandates for an effective investigation, there are professional principles that must be followed for an investigation to be credible and reliable. Our work brings clarity to the credibility, reliability, and sufficiency of an investigation—without advocacy.
What kinds of investigations do we evaluate? Any type of internal, private, civil, or administrative investigation, including: employment and Title IX investigations; background investigations; workplace harassment/discrimination investigations; retaliation and whistleblower claim investigations; ethics & compliance inquiries and investigations; public-sector and law enforcement administrative investigations; EEO/HR investigations; policy and code-of-conduct violation investigations.
Our Services Include
- Expert opinion reports and testimony (deposition, trial, arbitration).
- Independent evaluation of investigative adequacy.
- Methodology and process review (independence, objectivity, legality, scope, planning, notices, witness interviews, evidence handling, documentation, findings).
- Standards mapping and gap analysis against widely recognized domestic and international principles.
- Remedial recommendations and best-practice enhancements, if requested.
Independent. Objective. Standards-based.
Why retain CLEAResources
- Standards-grounded: Opinions reference widely recognized guidance and principles of investigations (e.g., ISO Standards, Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency).
- Plain‑English reports: Accessible analyses that help judges and juries understand complex investigative processes.
- Balanced evaluation: We identify strengths and shortcomings—and assess whether any deficiencies were material to outcomes.
- Proven experience: CLEAResources’ Founder Amy McDougal, JD, CCEP, has decades of experience conducting, supervising, managing, and evaluating investigations of various scope and context, including sexual assault and sexual abuse offenses.
- As a United States Air Force Judge Advocate General, Ms. McDougal supervised investigations conducted by the U.S. Air Force Security Forces Investigators, the Office of Special Investigations, and other Department of Defense investigative authorities.
- As a Special Assistant United States Attorney, she managed and supervised investigations conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigations.
- As in-house counsel and as President of CLEAResources, she has conducted, managed, and supervised internal corporate investigations and external civil and administrative investigations for her public sector and commercial clients.
Core Service Areas
Workplace & Employment Investigations
Independent review of employer investigations into harassment, discrimination, retaliation, bullying, workplace violence, policy/code-of-conduct violations, fraud and whistleblower claims. Includes assessment of legality, investigator neutrality, scoping, interview approach, evidence handling and chain of custody, documentation, findings, thoroughness, and corrective action alignment.
Private Investigations
Review of private investigations by individuals or entities licensed or unlicensed to do private investigations.
Public Sector & Law Enforcement Administrative Matters
Standards-based review of internal affairs and administrative investigations for adequacy, documentation, chain-of-custody, and policy alignment; analysis of whether deviations—if any—were material.
Evaluation Framework
We examine whether the investigation was:
1. Legal where it was conducted.
2. Properly scoped and authorized (clear issues framed; roles and independence defined).
3. Impartial and fair (e.g., free from conflicts of interest, even‑handed party treatment, opportunity to respond).
4. Methodologically sound (planning, witness selection/sequence, questioning/interview strategy, credibility assessment, thoroughness, corroboration).
5. Evidence‑based (relevant evidence identified, collected, preserved, and analyzed; reliability considered; documentation complete).
5. Well‑documented (contemporaneous notes, interview memos, documentary/exhibit management, clear findings and rationale).
6. Timely and proportional (reasonable timelines; appropriate resources commensurate with allegations).
7. Conclusive and supported (findings tied to facts and applicable policies/standards; recommendations aligned to findings).
Qualifications
Amy E. McDougal, Esq., CCEP
Founder, CLEAResources
- Former United States Air Force Judge Advocate General
- Former Special Assistant United States Attorney (Eastern District of Virginia)
- Certified Corporate Compliance & Ethics Professional (CCEP) by the Society of Corporate Compliance & Ethics
- Formerly certified as a Victim Advocate (Intermediate) by the National Organization of Victim Advocates
Curriculum Vitae Available Upon Request
Engagement Map
1. Conflict check & scope call (no charge): Identify parties for conflicts check, define issues, venue, deadlines, and record volume.
2. Document intake: Investigative report, exhibits, interview notes, communications, policies, and related materials.
3. Analysis & standards mapping: Structured review with cross‑references to recognized principles, guidance, policies, and applicable laws.
4. Draft opinion: Preliminary findings for counsel review (where permitted).
5. Final report & testimony: Rule‑compliant report (as required), deposition/trial preparation, and testimony.
Turnaround
Expedited timelines may be available for an additional fee.
Fees
- Hourly rates for file review, conferences, analysis, report drafting, and testimony.
- Retainer required upon engagement; travel billed at actuals.
- Written engagement agreement provided.
Jurisdictions & Availability
Matters nationwide. Remote and on‑site work available by arrangement.
Contact
CLEAResources
Email: amy.mcdougal@clearesources.com
Phone: (703) 909‑8884
Intake form: at top of this page
Please include case caption, forum, deadlines, and a brief description of issues.
When you’re ready to protect your organization from its greatest legal risks…
Your choice is CLEAR