Former U.S. Department of Justice attorney Michael W. Johnson leads an interactive, step-by-step seminar on how to lawfully and effectively write investigative reports. You will learn practical skills to efficiently write clear, thorough, and legally defensible investigative reports. You will learn how to overcome writer’s block and quickly write reports, use a template that will ensure that your reports are clear and comprehensive, and ensure that your reports are legally defensible if challenged in litigation.
Past attendee evaluations of Mr. Johnson’s investigations trainings have averaged 4.8 on a 5.0 scale.
Customized Training Delivered On-Site or By Webinar
Mr. Johnson delivers this 3.5 hour course for organizations around the world either on-site or using webinar technology. Mr. Johnson customizes the content of the course to address the specific needs of each organization’s investigators.
Clients find the training especially helpful in providing all of their investigators a clear template that they can follow in conducting their own investigations.
To learn more or discuss your specific needs, please call 703-312-9440 or contact us.
In this step-by-step seminar, you will learn practical skills to efficiently write clear, thorough, and legally defensible investigative reports. You will learn how to overcome writer’s block and quickly write reports, use a template that will ensure that your reports are clear and comprehensive, and ensure that your reports are legally defensible if challenged in litigation.
The Writing Process
• Why should I start writing the report before I interview the first witness?
• How can I use the report to structure my entire investigation and plan for each interview?
• How do I use the “Madman—Architect—Carpenter” method of writing to overcome “writer’s block” and greatly increase the speed at which I write reports?
Report Format
• What sections should I include in the report?
• How do I best document the source for each factual assertion I make?
• How do I document credibility determinations?
• Should I include recommendations for discipline in the report?
• What should I include—and not include—in the report?
Legal Considerations in Investigative Reports
• Do I always have to write a report?
• When is the attorney-client privilege applicable?
• What steps must I take to maintain the attorney-client privilege?
• Who is entitled to see a copy of the report?
• Should I retain handwritten and/or typed notes after I write the report?
• For how long should I maintain a copy of the report, interview notes and other documents?
Report Writing Manual
Each attendee receives a comprehensive, step-by-step manual, Writing Investigative Reports ($99 value) that attendees can use as a guide in writing their own reports in real life.
Michael W. Johnson is a former attorney in the United States Department of Justice, where he investigated and litigated cases against employers around the country. He was the lead attorney on one of DOJ’s first “pattern or practice” sexual harassment cases.
Michael has trained thousands of human resource professionals, ethics and compliance officers, loss prevention professionals, attorneys, and other professionals how to lawfully and effectively investigate allegations of employee misconduct. Michael has provided investigative training for organizations such as Boeing, the Coca-Cola Company, Heinz, Lockheed Martin, Northrup Grumman, and the World Bank.
The United Nations selected Mr. Johnson to consult on revisions to its policies and to provide investigative training to its staff in New York and in its peacekeeping missions in the Congo and Sierra Leone.
Michael has served as an expert witness testifying to the adequacy of employers’ internal investigations.
He is a graduate of Duke University and Harvard Law School.
Michael Johnson has provided investigations training to thousands of professionals. Past evaluations of his sessions have averaged 4.8 on a 5.0 scale. We’ve included testimonials from some of his recent sessions.
Health Care Compliance Association Conference
“Mr. Johnson provided one of the most memorable presentations of the institute. It was very enjoyable and eye- opening. Everything we’ve been taught is challenged, and important information was provided to assist in investigations.”
“Mr. Johnson was a complete surprise and delight and obviously knows his stuff. I have been in those situations where obviously someone is not telling the truth but how to tell?!! This was not only educational but entertaining!”
“By far the best session in giving me concrete skills to use. He is an exceptional speaker and very knowledgeable. Enjoyed the case studies and interaction with the audience. His use of humor is wonderful too.”
“Incredible – how much we need information like this. One of the most informative and interesting sessions of the entire week.”
“Michael was clever, engaging, and an excellent speaker with great information. I would have listened all day!”
“This session was packed, seems like a lot of people decided to attend as an alternate and it was well worth sitting on the floor for. Have him back, he is a wealth of knowledge and an excellent speaker/presenter.”
“Wonderful speaker and a packed room. Well worth sitting on the floor!”
“The speaker’s presentation style made the session very enjoyable and the content was fantastic as it really challenged how we have been trained over the years.”
“Very interactive, presented with humor (that keeps everyone engaged). There were videos to view with scenarios. Superb.”
Society for Corporate Compliance and Ethics Conference
“Michael’s style is engaging, if not riveting. He knows how to keep the audience involved and thinking, remains open to questions and differing opinions, and encourages audience interaction. He brings the subject to life and illustrates questions in a meaningful way.”
“Michael was clearly the winning speaker. He was extremely funny and kept people engaged. I learned a great deal during his session. Bring him back for more courses!!!”
“This session was the best out of all presentation given. The speaker was entertaining, yet very professional. I would recommend you use Michael for all of your seminars.”
“Mike Johnson was an exceptional speaker – he was incredibly engaging and learned. His participation was the high point of the workshop. I would strongly encourage you to engage Mr. Johnson in more seminars to teach compliance professionals, we have much to learn from him.”
“Mr Johnson was the most talked about speaker among our group. Great Class.”
“This was the best session in the Workshop, as it really provided what I needed personally to function effectively. I really wish you would make Michael Johnson available to us every so often via a webcast. This was great!”
“Funny presenter that caught my attention. Liked the video demo. And his real life examples.”
U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) Conference
“Michael Johnson – fantastic, engaging, useful handouts for future reference by HR professionals.”
“Michael Johnson- great speaker and interactive –videos were helpful”
“Michael Johnson appeared prepared and put together a cohesive presentation that included personality.”
“Michael Johnson was amazing!”
“Please bring Michael Johnson back next year!”