Dealing with Harassment & Discrimination Complaints

Kathie Allen is the Founder and Principal Investigator of Allen Morris Investigations LLC, a licensed California private investigation firm based in Orange County. She will present on her program called “Responding to Harassment and Discrimination Complaints: Critical Steps for Business Owners.” Kathie recognizes that most business owners are not prepared when a harassment, discrimination, or misconduct complaint lands on their desk. Yet the first twenty-four to forty-eight hours are often the most critical. In the time we have at our breakfast event, Kathie will share a practical, structured guide to handling workplace complaints with clarity and confidence. Attendees will learn how to recognize protected complaints, determine when an investigation is required, preserve evidence, avoid common liability-creating mistakes, and decide when to involve HR, counsel, or an outside investigator. The session also covers early warning signs, essential documentation, neutrality expectations, and the importance of trauma-informed communication during initial reports. Kathie hopes to demystify the investigation process and provide actionable steps for responding to allegations before attorneys become involved. Participants will leave with a clear framework they can apply immediately to ensure fairness, compliance, and organizational integrity.