Sargeant Bernadette

For employers and organizations in the District of Columbia facing sensitive workplace issues, complex internal investigations, or the intricacies of employment and compliance law, Bernadette C. Sargeant offers a depth of expertise that is truly invaluable. In a city characterized by its regulatory environment and diverse workforce, navigating labor laws, conducting fair and thorough investigations, and ensuring ethical conduct are paramount. Bernadette Sargeant is a distinguished attorney with a remarkable career marked by significant experience in both private practice and various federal government agencies, positioning her as a leading authority in employment investigations and compliance.

Her background as an Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia, coupled with roles as counsel in the Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility and to the Ethics Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives, provides her with a unique and comprehensive understanding of the legal and ethical landscape. This extensive experience enables her to guide clients through a wide array of situations, including government investigations, audits, and the development of robust ethics and conduct codes. Bernadette Sargeant has built a strong reputation as a reliable, insightful, and efficient investigator, making her an ideal choice for addressing workplace discrimination, harassment, and other sensitive internal matters. For any entity in Washington, DC, seeking to uphold integrity, mitigate risk, and foster a compliant workplace, Bernadette C. Sargeant offers the strategic guidance and seasoned advocacy necessary to achieve positive outcomes.

Bernadette C. Sargeant's office is conveniently located at 4545 42nd St NW #101, Washington, DC 20016, USA. This address places the practice in a prominent and accessible area of Northwest Washington, DC, specifically within the lively Friendship Heights neighborhood. This location is particularly beneficial for clients seeking professional legal services within a well-established and easily reachable part of the city.

Friendship Heights is renowned for its excellent public transportation access. The office is situated a very short distance from the Friendship Heights Metro Station, which is served by the Red Line. This direct Metro access makes it incredibly convenient for individuals commuting from various parts of Washington, DC, Maryland, and even Virginia, offering a seamless connection to a major transportation hub. Additionally, numerous Metrobus routes operate along Wisconsin Avenue NW, which is in close proximity to 42nd Street NW, providing further public transport options and enhancing connectivity.

For clients who prefer to drive, the 42nd Street NW location offers relatively easy access, and Friendship Heights provides a range of parking options, including metered street parking and several commercial parking garages in the vicinity. The accessibility of this location underscores Bernadette C. Sargeant's commitment to serving clients efficiently and conveniently within the District of Columbia, ensuring that individuals and organizations can readily access her specialized legal expertise.

Bernadette C. Sargeant specializes in a critical and nuanced area of law, providing expert counsel primarily in employment investigations, compliance, and related labor law matters. Her services are tailored to assist employers and organizations in navigating complex workplace challenges and regulatory requirements.

• Employment Investigations & Compliance: A core area of her practice. This involves conducting sensitive internal investigations into allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, and violations of internal codes of conduct. She also guides clients through government investigations and audits, helping them develop and implement robust compliance programs.
• Labor, Employment & Benefits: Providing comprehensive advice on a broad range of labor and employment issues, helping clients navigate federal and state regulations concerning employee relations, wages, hours, benefits, and workplace policies.
• Employment Litigation: Bernadette Sargeant has extensive litigation and trial experience, having tried over 30 jury trials and dozens of non-jury and administrative trials. She represents clients in disputes related to employment, including defending against claims of discrimination, harassment, retaliation, and wrongful discharge in state and federal courts.
• Legal Ethics & Professional Responsibility: Drawing on her experience as Chair of the DC Board on Professional Responsibility, she advises clients on adherence to codes of ethics and conduct, as well as other professional responsibility requirements. This is particularly valuable for regulated entities and licensed professionals.
• Workplace Training: She provides training to line supervisors and other personnel at private businesses and government agencies. This training focuses on how to recognize, address, and avoid discriminatory workplace harassment and hostile work environments, promoting proactive compliance and a healthier workplace culture.
• Government Investigations & Audits: Guiding clients through various government investigations and audits, ensuring effective and efficient responses while protecting their interests and ensuring compliance with regulatory bodies.
• Review of Affirmative Action Plan Compliance: With experience defending government contractors in litigation with the OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs), she provides expertise in reviewing and advising on affirmative action plan compliance and pay discrimination claims.
• Appellate Practice: Bernadette Sargeant has argued and won numerous appeals both in private practice and in government service, demonstrating strong advocacy skills at higher court levels.

Bernadette C. Sargeant's practice is distinguished by a collection of impressive features and highlights that underscore her deep expertise and make her a premier choice for employment and compliance legal needs in Washington, DC.

• Extensive Government Experience: A significant differentiator is her background as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of Columbia, and as counsel in the Department of Justice's Office of Professional Responsibility and the Ethics Committee of the U.S. House of Representatives. This unparalleled insider's perspective on government investigations, ethics, and regulatory enforcement is invaluable to her clients.
• Highly Experienced Investigator: She has amassed deep and varied experience as investigating counsel, particularly known for conducting sensitive internal investigations related to workplace discrimination, harassment, and violations of internal codes of conduct. Her reputation as a reliable, insightful, and efficient investigator is well-established.
• Seasoned Litigator and Trial Attorney: Bernadette Sargeant brings extensive litigation and trial experience, having tried over 30 jury trials and numerous non-jury and administrative trials. This hands-on courtroom experience ensures robust representation when cases escalate to litigation.
• Chair of the DC Board on Professional Responsibility: Her role as Chair of the DC Board on Professional Responsibility (and former Chair of its Rules Committee) speaks volumes about her commitment to legal ethics and her deep understanding of professional conduct standards. This position highlights her authority and trusted standing within the legal community.
• Recipient of the DC AUSA Association Robert A. Shuker Memorial Award: In November 2024, she received this prestigious award, which recognizes a former Assistant U.S. Attorney for significant contributions to the administration of justice, embodying qualities such as integrity, scholarship, hard work, wit, and exceptional demeanor. This accolade further cements her reputation for ethical and effective legal practice.
• Focus on Proactive Compliance and Training: Beyond reactive litigation, Bernadette Sargeant proactively assists clients with compliance requirements, including training for supervisors on preventing workplace harassment and discrimination, fostering healthier and more compliant work environments.
• Specialized Experience with Energy Companies and Non-Profits: Her particular experience with energy companies (including a previous role with the Enforcement Division of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) and non-profit organizations, including professional associations, demonstrates her ability to tailor legal solutions to industry-specific regulatory landscapes.
• Guidance through Government Investigations and Audits: She possesses a proven ability to effectively and efficiently guide clients through complex government investigations and audits, minimizing disruption and ensuring adherence to regulatory mandates.

As a highly specialized and experienced legal professional focusing on employment investigations and compliance, Bernadette C. Sargeant's practice operates on a model of providing bespoke legal solutions rather than generalized "promotions" or "special offers." The value she delivers is rooted in her unique expertise, extensive government background, and tailored strategic guidance for complex corporate and organizational challenges.

Legal services in this niche area are typically structured around the specific needs of the client, whether it involves conducting a sensitive internal investigation, navigating a government audit, or developing comprehensive compliance programs. Therefore, potential clients in Washington, DC, should anticipate a professional fee structure based on the scope and complexity of the required legal work, rather than discounted rates.

However, like many reputable legal professionals, Bernadette C. Sargeant would likely offer an initial consultation. This serves as a crucial opportunity for prospective clients – be it a corporate entity, a non-profit organization, or a government contractor – to discuss their specific challenges, understand the potential legal pathways, and assess how her specialized expertise can best serve their objectives. Such consultations are invaluable for establishing a clear understanding of the legal landscape and the strategic approach required.

Clients are encouraged to directly contact the office to inquire about scheduling a consultation and to discuss their specific needs. The firm's commitment is to provide clear, insightful, and practical legal advice that protects clients' interests and ensures compliance in today's intricate employment and regulatory environment.

For organizations and employers in the District of Columbia and beyond seeking expert legal counsel in employment investigations and compliance, Bernadette C. Sargeant can be reached at the following contact points:

• Address: 4545 42nd St NW #101, Washington, DC 20016, USA
• Phone: (202) 363-2030
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-363-2030

Prospective clients are invited to utilize these contact details to schedule a consultation. The office is prepared to discuss your specific needs and outline how Bernadette C. Sargeant's extensive experience and specialized knowledge can provide effective solutions for your employment and compliance challenges.

For businesses, government contractors, and non-profit organizations operating within the District of Columbia, Bernadette C. Sargeant stands out as an exceptionally suitable and vital local legal resource. In a city that is a nexus of federal regulation, diverse workforces, and constant policy evolution, the need for expert guidance in employment investigations and compliance is not just a preference, but a critical necessity.

Bernadette Sargeant's unparalleled background, including her significant tenure as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and her roles within the Department of Justice and the House Ethics Committee, provides her with an intimate understanding of the governmental and regulatory landscape that is unique to DC. This insider's perspective is invaluable for local entities navigating federal investigations, audits, or complex ethical dilemmas. Having an attorney who has contributed to and understands these frameworks from the inside out means clients receive strategic advice that is deeply informed and highly effective.

Furthermore, her expertise extends beyond just compliance; it encompasses proactive measures like workplace training and robust litigation experience. This comprehensive approach ensures that local businesses can not only react effectively to challenges but also implement preventative measures to foster a compliant and healthy work environment. Located conveniently in Friendship Heights with direct Metro access, her office ensures that this high level of specialized legal support is easily accessible throughout the District. For any organization in Washington, DC, looking to mitigate risks, ensure ethical operations, and resolve complex employment issues with the highest degree of professionalism and insight, Bernadette C. Sargeant offers precisely the expertise and local relevance needed.