⚠️ Disclaimer:This case study represents a composite of real-world corporate investigations conducted by The Grafton Group. Names, locations, and details have been fictionalized to protect confidentiality, but the investigative methods and results are authentic.
CASE STUDY
Preventing Workplace Violence: Safeguarding a Global Law Firm from Escalating Threats
Swift action. Strategic protection. A crisis averted before it escalated.
When a Miami-based global law firm faced escalating threats from a terminated employee, creating an unsafe environment for executives and staff, operations were disrupted and safety concerns mounted. With the potential for violence looming, the firm engaged The Grafton Group for immediate protection and surveillance. Our specialized teams intervened swiftly, averting a near-fatal incident and restoring security within days.
Client Profile:
Name:
“International Legal Associates, LLP” (Fictional)
Client Type:
Global law firm
Location:
Miami, Florida
Case Type:
Workplace violence prevention—threat assessment, executive protection, and surveillance
At-Risk Individuals:
Executives, staff, and firm operations
The Situation
International Legal Associates had faced a prolonged ordeal over a span of 10 months, during which they experienced a range of inappropriate behaviors from an employee that escalated to explicit threats and acts of intimidation, ultimately creating a hostile and untenable workplace environment. After the decisive termination of this employee, the threatening behavior only escalated further, leading to significant concerns regarding the safety and physical well-being of staff members. In light of these alarming developments, the firm’s president and CFO, who had built a trusted professional relationship over the past decade with Tim O’Rourke, promptly reached out to The Grafton Group to seek urgent assistance. It became imperative to take immediate and effective action to not only ensure the safety of personnel but also to discreetly monitor the activities of the individual in question.
The Grafton Group was tasked with deploying protective measures and surveillance to mitigate risks without alerting the subject or disrupting firm operations.
‘The Challenge
This case extended beyond standard security protocols. The disgruntled employee exhibited unpredictable behavior, with a history of escalation that suggested potential for violence. Prior internal efforts to manage the situation had failed, and law enforcement involvement was limited due to insufficient evidence for immediate action. The investigation demanded rapid deployment, 24/7 coverage, and coordination with legal constraints to ensure all actions were admissible and ethical. Any misstep could exacerbate tensions, invite legal repercussions, or fail to prevent harm.
How The Grafton Group Responded
Our response commenced with an expedited threat assessment, leveraging our 365/24/7 readiness team. A two-person executive protection detail was dispatched immediately to Miami, providing close personal security for key executives and staff through discreet positioning, secure transportation, and on-site monitoring. This included implementing access controls, emergency response protocols, and real-time communication channels to ensure rapid de-escalation if needed.
Within 48 hours, a three-person surveillance team was mobilized to monitor the former employee’s movements and communications covertly. Utilizing open-source intelligence (OSINT) along with several private databases, and physical tailing techniques, the team tracked patterns of behavior while maintaining legal compliance. Collaboration with local authorities was established for contingency support, and all strategies emphasized de-escalation and prevention over confrontation.
What We Discovered
Surveillance revealed the individual was actively planning confrontational actions, including attempts to access firm premises and communications indicating intent to harm specific executives. Our teams documented erratic movements and escalating online activity that corroborated the threats. This intelligence enabled proactive interventions, such as alerting authorities to a potential breach and positioning protective assets to intercept any approach.
The Outcome
The combined efforts of the protective and surveillance teams thwarted a near-fatal confrontation, preventing harm and averting organizational fallout.
• Executive and staff safety was secured without incident
• The disgruntled employee’s activities were neutralized through legal channels, leading to intervention by authorities and getting the former employee assistance.
• Firm operations resumed normally, avoiding reputational damage or legal exposure
• Comprehensive documentation supported subsequent restraining orders and internal policy enhancements
Time Saved: Estimated 3-6 months of disrupted operations and legal proceedings
Value Preserved: Protected firm assets, employee well-being, and multimillion-dollar client relationships from potential loss
Client Perspective (Fictionalized)
“We were navigating a crisis that threatened our people and our practice. The Grafton Group’s swift, professional response gave us the security we needed to focus on our work again—without compromise.”
— J.R., President, International Legal Associates, LLP (name changed for privacy)
When Threats Escalate—We Stand Ready to Protect
From immediate executive safeguarding to discreet threat monitoring, workplace violence cases require expertise, speed, and discretion. The Grafton Group specializes in high-stakes protection and surveillance—with the experience and resources to prevent crises before they unfold.
Trust Your Instincts. Act Before the Damage Is Done.
The most dangerous threats often come from within—and they rarely announce themselves. From internal fraud to sabotage and misconduct, The Grafton Group conducts discreet corporate investigations that uncover the truth without tipping off your team or halting your momentum.
Contact Tim O’Rourke today for a confidential consultation.
We’ll help you secure the evidence—and your organization.
Call (813) 658-9438 | (727) 648-3510 | (954) 353-8904 | (407) 374-8721 or Request a Private Consultation
FAQs
Explore answers to the most common questions about our investigative services.
How does The Grafton Group help organizations prevent workplace violence?
The Grafton Group uses a proactive, intelligence-led approach to workplace violence prevention. Our team conducts threat assessments, background checks, digital forensics, and behavioral analysis to identify and mitigate risks before they escalate. We work directly with HR and legal departments to create safe, compliant environments.
What experience does The Grafton Group have with investigating workplace violence incidents?
With over two decades of experience in corporate investigations and technical surveillance, The Grafton Group has handled a wide range of workplace violence cases—from threats and intimidation to sabotage and insider threats. Our specialists use proven investigative methods to uncover the source of issues while preserving evidence for legal action if necessary.
What are the signs of potential workplace violence that The Grafton Group looks for?
We monitor for red flags such as escalating employee conflicts, sudden changes in behavior, access control violations, and anonymous threats—whether verbal, written, or digital. The Grafton Group leverages behavioral threat assessment frameworks and technical tools to identify patterns early and act fast.
Can The Grafton Group assist after a workplace violence incident has already occurred?
Yes. The Grafton Group provides rapid-response investigation and post-incident analysis following acts of workplace violence. We identify the root cause, preserve digital and physical evidence, assist with law enforcement coordination, and implement corrective strategies to prevent recurrence.
Get the Answers You Need Today
Contact us now to discuss your case and find out how our investigative services can help you uncover the truth.