Ted Wells, a senior partner in the New York law firm of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison, has been appointed by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to direct an independent investigation into issues of workplace conduct at the Miami Dolphins and to prepare a report for the commissioner, which will be made public.
“Ted Wells will independently direct the investigation and submit a report to me,” Goodell said. “Mr. Wells will conduct a thorough and objective investigation. He will ensure that we have all the facts so that we can address this matter constructively. We have worked previously with Paul Weiss and have great respect for the firm. Ted Wells will have full authority to investigate as he deems appropriate. He is on the job as of today and will undertake to complete his work as promptly as possible. Consistent with doing a thorough investigation, we have not imposed a specific timetable on him.”
The National Law Journal named Ted Wells one of “The Decade’s Most Influential Lawyers” in 2010. His recent experience in conducting special investigations includes both the Syracuse University basketball team sexual harassment case and the NBA players union leadership dispute. In the latter, he was hired by the NBA players union and generated the report that led to a change in the head of the union.
“I am pleased to accept this appointment by Commissioner Goodell,” Wells said. “My task is to assemble the facts and present my findings to the commissioner. I will do so fairly and comprehensively so that Commissioner Goodell can address this matter properly. I will begin my work immediately and report my findings to the commissioner as soon as practical.”
Wells received his undergraduate degree from Holy Cross, an MBA from Harvard Business School, and a degree from Harvard Law School. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers.
