⚠️ Disclaimer: This case study represents a composite of real-world executive protection and investigative scenarios handled by The Grafton Group. Details have been fictionalized to protect client confidentiality, but the threats, techniques, and outcomes reflect actual field experience.
CASE STUDY
Safeguarding a Global Law Firm from Escalating Threats
How executive protection ensured the safety of a global law team from workplace violence.
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
International Legal Associates had endured 10 months of inappropriate behavior from an employee, which progressed to explicit threats and intimidating actions, fostering an untenable workplace. Following the employee’s termination, the threats intensified, prompting fears of physical harm. The firm’s president and CFO, drawing on a decade-long professional relationship with Tim O’Rourke, contacted The Grafton Group for urgent assistance. Immediate action was required to protect personnel and monitor the individual’s activities discreetly.
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 advanced technical surveillance countermeasures (TSCM), open-source intelligence (OSINT), 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.
Results:
– Executive and staff safety was secured without incident
– The disgruntled employee’s activities were neutralized through legal channels, leading to intervention by authorities
– 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.
Contact Tim O’Rourke today for a confidential consultation.
We’ll help you secure your team—quietly and effectively.
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.
What makes executive protection different from traditional security?
Traditional security guards a perimeter. We protect what leads it.
At The Grafton Group, executive protection extends beyond proximity—it’s a disciplined system designed to safeguard leadership teams, work environments, and decision continuity. We combine physical security, behavioral intelligence, and digital countermeasures to keep executives and workplaces secure in volatile conditions.
Can you protect our executive team across multiple cities or countries?
Yes. Whether your leadership operates from a single headquarters or multiple global offices, The Grafton Group ensures continuity of protection wherever business takes you.
Our network of vetted agents, local law enforcement contacts, and international resources enables discreet coverage for board meetings, conferences, and corporate travel—coordinated seamlessly across borders.
What if the threat originates online or anonymously?
In today’s world, the first sign of danger often appears on a screen, not a doorstep.
Our teams monitor open-source intelligence, social channels, and digital threats to detect early indicators of targeting, harassment, or insider compromise. By integrating cyber intelligence with physical protection, we bridge the gap between digital risk and real-world safety—protecting both people and reputations.
How quickly can The Grafton Group respond to a threat?
Readiness is built into our operations. With regionally positioned teams and established travel protocols, we can mobilize executive protection and threat management support within hours.
For emerging workplace incidents or targeted threats, we coordinate rapidly with corporate security, HR, and law enforcement—restoring safety before disruption spreads.
How does executive protection support workplace violence prevention?
Executive protection isn’t just about guarding individuals—it’s about stabilizing environments.
The Grafton Group works directly with HR, Legal, and Corporate Security to assess behavioral indicators, identify escalating risks, and design protective strategies before incidents occur. We provide discreet coverage during high-stress events such as terminations, reorganizations, or public controversy—keeping teams safe, confident, and operational.
What can organizations do to strengthen their internal safety posture?
Safety starts with awareness, not alarm.
We help companies establish multidisciplinary threat assessment teams, implement clear escalation protocols, and train managers to recognize early signs of behavioral concern.
From executive offices to field operations, The Grafton Group builds layered defenses that combine people, policy, and protection—so potential threats are addressed before they become crises.
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.