From the Trenches: An In House Counsel Perspective, and Roadmap, on Regulatory Investigations and Audits

Governmental investigations and audits can be the bane of any in- house/general counsel’s existence.  They upset a motor carrier’s operations, wreak havoc with daily operations and scheduling, trouble and upset employees (often unnecessarily), and risk broad yet simultaneously microscopic (and unwelcome) assessment of internal processes, procedures and practices – all by persons with the full weight of federal governmental authority behind them.  These investigations/audits can emanate from various governmental agencies and must be prepared for before (on a long term and short term basis) and, as importantly, during any such investigation.  This panel will review the various types of governmental investigations and audits that can arise for a general counsel, including investigations, audits,  and inquiries from FMCSA/DOT, NTSB, NHTSA, OSHA, CBP, and others.  The panel will didactically outline the step-by-step processes of the unfolding of these investigations.  The panel will also give practical advice and consult on how to prepare for them once noticed, and how to handle them once they are in progress.  It will be a critical component of the working knowledge base for all general counsel.