What is investigative due diligence, and how is it different from a standard background check?
A standard background check queries automated databases — criminal records, credit history, employment verification. It reflects what someone has disclosed and what's indexed in accessible systems. Investigative due diligence goes further: it includes human source interviews, deep public record research across jurisdictions, behavioral and reputation intelligence, and field investigation where appropriate. We uncover what automated systems don't reach — undisclosed relationships, industry reputation, hidden ownership interests, and patterns of conduct that databases cannot capture.
What does a due diligence investigation actually uncover?
The scope depends on the subject and the matter, but typically includes civil litigation history across multiple jurisdictions, undisclosed business interests and ownership stakes, prior bankruptcies and judgment records, professional license and credential verification, hidden relationships with competitors or conflicted parties, prior terminations or misconduct not reflected in references, offshore or nominee-held interests, and industry reputation sourced directly from people who have worked alongside the subject.
Will the subject of a due diligence investigation know they are being investigated?
No. All investigations are conducted confidentially. We do not contact the subject directly and do not take any action that would alert them to the inquiry. Methods are professional, lawful, and non-intrusive. Investigative due diligence is routinely retained by attorneys, HR executives, and business principals without the subject's knowledge.
How long does a due diligence investigation take?
A focused executive vetting engagement typically runs five to ten business days. More complex matters — partnership due diligence involving multiple entities, offshore structures, or international components — are scoped individually at the outset and run longer. We communicate timeline and scope clearly before any engagement begins, and we do not commit to artificial deadlines that compromise the quality of the work.
When should I commission due diligence before hiring an executive?
For C-suite, board, and senior leadership appointments, investigative due diligence should be retained early in the selection process — after a short list has been established but before an offer is made. Standard pre-employment screening is typically inadequate at this level. We regularly surface information that was not visible through conventional HR screening: litigation history in other states, undisclosed competitive relationships, fabricated credentials, and reputation among peers that references will not volunteer.
Can you investigate a business partner or investor before we sign an agreement?
Yes — this is one of the most common engagements we conduct. Before committing capital, signing a joint venture agreement, or entering a significant business relationship, we investigate the counterparty across all of the areas that standard diligence misses: undisclosed interests, prior business disputes, litigation history, financial stability, and the quality of their relationships with prior partners. We deliver a documented report suitable for review by legal counsel before any agreement is finalized.
What industries or situations most frequently require rigorous due diligence?
Financial services, healthcare, real estate development, and defense contracting are sectors where comprehensive due diligence is most consequential. Situations that consistently warrant deeper investigation include cross-border transactions, counterparties with complex corporate structures, executives with gaps in verifiable employment history, and business relationships where one party controls the flow of information during negotiations. If your standard diligence process has returned incomplete results, that is itself a signal worth investigating.
Do you conduct due diligence investigations outside of Pittsburgh?
Yes. We are headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, but conduct due diligence investigations nationwide. For certain matters — particularly those involving international counterparties, offshore structures, or subjects with significant activity in foreign jurisdictions — we extend our investigative reach accordingly. Geography does not limit the scope of what we can investigate.
What information do I need to provide to start an investigation?
Typically: the subject's full name, date of birth, last known address, and any known business affiliations or associated entities. For corporate due diligence, the entity name, state of formation, and known principals. We can often develop additional identifying information as part of the engagement — the more we are given at the outset, the faster and more targeted the work.
Can due diligence findings be used in legal proceedings?
Yes. Our reports are documented, sourced, and prepared with the understanding that they may be reviewed by legal counsel or submitted to support litigation, regulatory filings, or transactional decisions. We work directly with attorneys when required and can structure deliverables to meet specific evidentiary or procedural needs.