Professional Services Firm Resolves Hostile Work Environment Claim

The Challenge

A 140-person accounting firm received a formal HR complaint from a senior associate alleging a hostile work environment involving a high-revenue partner generating $2.1M annually. The complaint described demeaning comments, exclusion from client development, and retaliation. The firm had no investigation protocol and no HR department.

The Catapult Approach

Catapult conducted structured confidential interviews with all parties and 9 witnesses over 3 weeks. A written findings report with credibility assessments was produced under privilege. Catapult then facilitated a resolution process, structured a formal corrective action plan for the accused partner including mandatory coaching, and redesigned the firm complaint intake and investigation protocols.

Results

• ✓Investigation completed in 6 weeks with a written findings report accepted by all parties
• ✓No litigation filed — complainant remained with the firm and received formal remediation
• ✓Accused partner placed on a successful 6-month corrective action plan with coaching
• ✓Formal Harassment & Investigation Policy adopted and all managers trained within 60 days
• ✓New anonymous complaint intake process implemented
• ✓Managing partner avoided estimated $400K+ in potential EEOC/litigation exposure