Strategic Intelligence
Every Case, Every Client
About Us
Founded by former federal investigator Michelle Tavares, the firm specializes in complex financial investigations, executive background intelligence, asset tracing, and financial forensic analysis.
Our work supports civil litigation, criminal defense investigations, regulatory matters, and mergers & acquisitions due diligence.
Standard & Proof Investigations provides forensic accounting, investigative due diligence, and litigation support services to law firms, corporations, and defense teams nationwide.
Our Services
Investigative Due Diligence
(Mergers & Acquisitions)
Standard & Proof Investigations conducts investigative due diligence for investors, law firms, and private equity firms evaluating corporate transactions.
Investigative due diligence involves reviewing corporate structures, executive histories, financial relationships, and potential regulatory exposure to identify risks that may affect an acquisition or investment decision.
Our investigations identify:
• undisclosed litigation or regulatory exposure
• reputational and integrity risks
• beneficial ownership structures
• undisclosed business interests
• financial irregularities or fraud indicators
Services include:
• executive and founder background investigations
• corporate ownership and beneficial ownership mapping
• litigation and regulatory exposure analysis
• reputational risk and media intelligence research
• financial red flag and fraud risk analysis
Litigation Support & Financial Investigations
We provide investigative and forensic accounting support to attorneys involved in complex civil and criminal litigation.
Our work helps legal teams uncover financial evidence, analyze complex transactions, and develop investigative findings that support litigation strategy and court proceedings.
Forensic accounting and litigation specialists regularly assist attorneys by analyzing financial records, investigating fraud, and preparing clear reports that simplify complex financial issues for courts and juries.
Services include:
• financial forensic analysis
• fraud and corruption investigations
• asset tracing and financial flow reconstruction
• corporate and executive background investigations
• witness identification and investigative research
• litigation-ready investigative reports and evidentiary summaries
These investigations frequently support matters involving:
• financial fraud
• securities litigation
• white collar defense
• shareholder disputes
• regulatory investigations
Corporate Intelligence &
Background Investigations
We conduct corporate intelligence and executive background investigations to help clients understand the individuals and organizations involved in litigation or business transactions.
Corporate intelligence investigations may include analysis of public records, litigation history, regulatory filings, and corporate relationships to identify undisclosed risks or conflicts of interest.
Services include:
• executive and corporate background investigations
• corporate structure and ownership analysis
• litigation and regulatory history research
• reputational intelligence and media analysis
• professional licensing and business records research
These investigations support litigation strategy, regulatory matters, and investment decisions.
Who Are We
Michelle Tavares, CFE, CAMS
Founder
Michelle Tavares is a forensic accountant and financial crime investigator with more than 15 years of experience conducting complex financial investigations for federal enforcement agencies and major litigation matters.
She is the founder of Standard & Proof Investigations, an investigative consulting firm providing litigation support, financial investigations, and due diligence services.
Prior to founding the firm, Michelle served in investigative roles with several U.S. federal agencies including:
• U.S. Department of Justice
• Department of Homeland Security
• Federal Trade Commission
• Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
Her work has supported major financial crime investigations, international corruption cases, and securities litigation, contributing to matters involving over $1 billion in asset recovery and enforcement actions.
Michelle holds a Master of Legal Studies from American University Washington College of Law and professional certifications including:
• Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE)
• Certified Anti-Money Laundering Specialist (CAMS)
• Certified Financial Crime Specialist (CFCS)
She is licensed as a Private Investigator in the Commonwealth of Virginia and provides investigative services nationwide.
Contact Us
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