Patrick O’Donnell recently authored the article “The Ethical Internal Investigator” for the July 2025 issue of The Champion, a National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers journal, exploring the ethical complexities inherent in internal investigations and how legal professionals assess potential legal and policy violations.
In this article, Pat provides a comprehensive overview of key aspects of ethical considerations in internal investigations, highlighting the importance of evaluating potential conflicts of interest arising from prior engagements or relationships with decision-makers to maintain impartiality. He emphasizes an attorney’s obligation to uphold confidentiality and ensure transparent representation, with the proper application of the Rules of Professional Conduct. Pat also examines the consequences of public disclosure and the need to discuss associated risks with the client.
Internal investigations present nuanced and strategic challenges that require strict adherence to professional conduct standards. Navigating these investigations involves a thorough understanding of legal regulations and can pose a sophisticated set of issues for legal professionals.
Pat chairs the firm’s Litigation & Investigations practice and focuses on white-collar criminal defense and legal ethics. With 26 years of experience, he has successfully defended complex white-collar cases, led nuanced internal investigations, and provided guidance on legal ethics to fellow attorneys.
NACDL’s esteemed journal, The Champion, offers timely articles for criminal defense lawyers on topics like search and seizure laws, DUI/DWI, grand jury proceedings, habeas corpus, and white-collar crime.