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Security Services for Legal and Financial Offices
Security, safety, and investigative services for legal and financial offices in Northern Virginia and the Shenandoah Valley.
I am Zach Baumgart, a Certified Fraud Examiner and former federal special agent with more than 25 years of public safety and law enforcement experience. About me
Independent Advice, with Nothing to Sell
I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment. I only provide my services, so my advice is never tied to something I am selling. My only interest is giving you honest advice and the best client service.
How I Help Legal and Financial Offices
I serve legal and financial offices of every type and size, including litigation, family law, criminal defense, bankruptcy, estate planning, accounting, tax, wealth management, insurance, and mortgage practices, as well as community banks and credit unions, from solo practitioners to multi-office firms.
Security Director on Demand
- On-demand executive security advice without the overhead of a full-time employee.
- Specialized guidance on personal safety planning, threat management, travel security, and high-net-worth client security consulting.
- Confidential, independent private investigations, conducted in coordination with your counsel.
- Conduct threat assessments and develop threat mitigation plans as part of your contract.
Threat Assessment and Management
- Threats from disgruntled clients, opposing parties, and former employees can target your professionals and your staff.
- I assess and investigate threats and help you decide how to respond before a situation escalates, including high-risk client or employee terminations.
- I develop threat management and mitigation plans, and I coordinate with law enforcement as appropriate.
Emergency Procedures
- I audit, test, and review your emergency and continuity plans.
- I develop targeted response protocols for disgruntled clients, workplace violence, and Active Threat Response, commonly referred to as active shooter or armed intruder training.
- I conduct executive and staff training on personal safety, threat response, insider threat, and response plans.
Physical Security Audits
- An independent audit of your reception areas, offices, areas where client files and sensitive documents are handled, parking lots, and surrounding areas.
- I identify vulnerabilities in access control, visitor flow, and safety, and I develop actionable solutions.
Background Investigations
- Rigorous, multi-jurisdictional background screening for partners, associates, fiduciaries, and support staff.
- I use proprietary databases that are available only to licensed firms, and I analyze the results myself as a former law enforcement officer to find red flags that automatic and instant background check services miss.
How It Works
Initial Consultation
A confidential consultation by phone or virtual meeting lasting about 15 minutes. The consultation is complimentary.
Scope and Contract
I recommend the services that fit your office's needs, and a written contract sets out the scope and terms.
Work and Reports
I work with you and your team to conduct the agreed-upon work, provide regular updates, and produce final reports.
Ready to talk it through? The initial consultation is complimentary.
My Experience
I spent more than 25 years in public safety and federal law enforcement. As a federal special agent, I investigated fraud, led internal affairs and administrative investigations of allegations against senior officials, and provided threat assessment and management for senior officials. Those years taught me to keep sensitive matters confidential and to document my findings in writing, and I work in coordination with your partners, counsel, or HR team when you want me to.
I am a Certified Fraud Examiner and a licensed Virginia private investigator (DCJS), so I can investigate suspected embezzlement, fraud, and employee misconduct for your office. I was also trained as an instructor by the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency and the U.S. Department of State's Diplomatic Security Training Center. Learn more about my background.
Where I Work
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need all five services?
No. Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract.
Who does the work?
I do all of the work myself. I do not hand your project to subcontractors.
Do you sell guards, cameras, or alarms?
No. I do not sell security guards, alarms, cameras, or any other products or equipment, so my advice for your legal and financial offices is independent.
How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the services you choose and the size and needs of your office. As an example, a small, single-office law or financial practice would pay approximately $400 per month over the course of the year under a Security Director on Demand contract and would receive: a full review and updates to all emergency plans, monthly meetings and updates, monthly drills and/or training as needed, reviews of operations to ensure compliance with security plans, unlimited consultations on investigative matters, up to two initial threat assessments every month, and the ability to contact me on an as-needed basis during typical business hours.
The services listed above are just one example of what the Security Director on Demand contract covers. During our initial consultations, I can work to tailor the contract to your specific needs. For example, I can add ten Level 2 background investigations to use over the 12 months.
Will you keep our client information confidential?
Yes. Every consultation is confidential, and I will sign a nondisclosure contract on request.
Can you help when a client or an employee becomes a threat?
Yes. I provide threat assessment, threat investigation, and threat management services, including the development of threat mitigation plans. I also provide guidance on potential future threats such as high-risk client or employee terminations.
Can you investigate fraud, embezzlement, or misconduct in my office?
Yes. I am a Certified Fraud Examiner and a licensed Virginia private investigator, and I led dozens of financial fraud investigations as a federal special agent with two offices of inspectors general. I conduct confidential, independent private investigations of suspected embezzlement, fraud, and employee misconduct, in coordination with your counsel or HR team when you want me to.
Do you provide cybersecurity or IT security?
No. I do not provide cybersecurity or IT security services. My work covers the physical security of your office, emergency planning, threats, investigations, and training, and my security audit reviews how your office protects client confidentiality and sensitive documents.
Do you provide bodyguards or protective services?
No. Personal protection in Virginia requires a separate qualification and license from the Department of Criminal Justice Services. Upon your request, I can help you find and work with a properly licensed personal protection firm.
Prefer to Start with One Project?
Each of my services is available individually or as part of a Security Director on Demand contract. Legal and financial offices can often benefit from training, background investigations, threat assessment, private investigations, and travel security briefings for partners and clients. See my full list of services.
I serve legal and financial offices across Northern Virginia, including Loudoun County, Fairfax County, and towns such as Ashburn, Leesburg, Herndon, and Vienna. See my full service area.