Bernadette C. Sargeant

Overview

During her career in private practice and as counsel to various federal government agencies, Bernadette has amassed deep and varied experience as investigating counsel. She has developed a strong reputation as a reliable, insightful and efficient investigator. Her experience as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, counsel in the Department of Justice’s Office of Professional Responsibility and the Ethics Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, combine to make her an ideal workplace investigator, sensitive to the myriad issues that arise in internal and government investigations and ongoing operations under consent decrees.

Bernadette has extensive litigation experience. She has tried over 30 jury trials and dozens of non-jury and administrative trials.

Bernadette also leads clients through government investigations and helps them comply with codes of ethics and conduct and other requirements.

While she works with a range of employers and organizations, she has particular experience with energy companies, having previously served as an attorney with the Enforcement Division of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and with non-profit organizations including professional associations.

Experience

Bernadette has had over 30 jury trials and has served as lead counsel in a variety cases.

Bernadette has conducted dozens of investigations into the most sensitive topics including workplace discrimination and harassment and violations of internal codes of conduct.

She provides practical, efficient and insightful counseling and advice to clients needing to address workplace situations in real time.

Bernadette has served as outside counsel reviewing progress and investigating complaints of workplace discrimination and harassment for an electrical contractor operating under a consent decree arising from the settlement of federal race discrimination lawsuit.

She has experience defending government contractors in litigation with the OFCCP involving affirmative action plan compliance and pay discrimination claims.

Bernadette trains line supervisors and others at private business and government agencies on how to recognize, address and avoid discriminatory workplace harassment and hostile work environments.

She has argued and won numerous appeals both in private practice and in government service.

Bernadette is Chair of the DC Board on Professional Responsibility. She previously served as Chair of the Board's Rules Committee.