Anti-Bribery and Corruption
Corruption is a major risk for companies, which often has serious consequences such as the engagement of criminal liability.
Although these prosecutions can sometimes be concluded by negotiated justice agreements between the authorities and the companies, by way of a judicial public interest agreement ("CJIP") or a deferred prosecution agreement, the criminal risk is significant and everything must be done to limit it.
Companies are also exposed to heavy civil consequences (e.g. cancellation of contracts tainted by corruption) through arbitration, which has become a real means of combating corruption (whether at the stage of the award or of the review of arbitration awards by the trial judges).
In addition, in order to prevent and detect corruption, the implementation of an anti-corruption compliance program with a code of conduct, a risk mapping, staff training, whistle-blower mechanism and internal investigation appears essential. The latter is moreover imposed by more and more extraterritorial legislation, such as the Sapin 2 law, the UK Bribery Act or the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
As such, we provide advice and expertise to best meet the needs of companies, whether at the stage of prevention of corruption, in the event of prosecution by the authorities, or during allegations of corruption in arbitration proceedings.
Your challenges
Implementing an effective anti-bribery compliance program to avoid allegations of bribery in domestic or transnational criminal proceedings or arbitration cases.
Effective and appropriate tools for the prevention and detection of corruption
While the implementation of an anti-bribery compliance program is a legal obligation for certain companies, it also strengthens their reputation by securing the risk of criminal proceedings.
Handling internal corruption alerts
The handling of alerts must meet the highest standards of confidentiality protection and give rise to a rapid and effective response to end the practice and take appropriate steps against the perpetrators and improve the prevention of corruption.
Corruption risk analysis in a proposed acquisition of a target company
Now, acquiring companies can be held liable for acts committed by the acquired company. The acquisition of a company must be preceded by a full anti-corruption due diligence.
Identifying and responding to any deficiencies in the companies' anti-bribery programme
Improving an anti-bribery compliance program is an on-going and essential process. Each identified deficiency should be an opportunity to make the necessary changes to ensure that the identified incident does not happen again.
Support and defence in multi-jurisdictional proceedings
The company faces possible criminal prosecution, possibly by a plurality of prosecuting authorities (DOJ, SFO, PNF) in the context of international criminal cooperation.
Improving the compliance programme after the conclusion of a negotiated justice agreement
Under a negotiated justice agreement relating to bribery, the company may be required to take steps to improve its compliance programme.
Our way
Tailor-made support regarding the implementation of compliance programs or for the implementation of a litigation strategy in the event of criminal or arbitration proceedings.
Fifteen years of experience in supporting the prevention and detection of corruption
We have acted as an independent anti-corruption compliance expert and monitor in the context of resolution agreements negotiated between global French groups and the World Bank.
Expertise on the most effective measures to prevent and detect corruption within the business
We provide our clients expertise in establishing robust and effective anti-bribery compliance programmes. We assess and propose modifications as need be, to codes of conduct, risk mapping, alert line procedures, third party assessment (due diligence, monitoring), accounting and financial audits and controls, or to carry out all employee training and awareness raising.
Conducting internal investigations with the most innovative tools to reach the optimal solution
We conduct extensive internal investigations sometimes supported by artificial intelligence to determine the level of corporate risk, assess the adequacy of compliance programs, and build the most favourable litigation strategies for our clients when faced with prosecution.
Tailor-made support before the prosecution and control authorities
We assist our clients in sensitive and complex criminal, civil or administrative proceedings related with corruption and having an international dimension. We defend their interests during negotiations with the criminal prosecution authorities (PNF, DOJ, SFO) or during inspections conducted by the French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA).
A strong inter-professional and international network of trusted partners
Thanks to our trusted partners (experienced and specialised foreign attorneys, forensics, strategy and risk management consultancies, alert processing system providers), we offer our clients the most comprehensive service possible at the lowest cost.
Quality intervention in the handling of corruption allegations in international commercial arbitration
We assist our clients in arbitration proceedings, exequatur or annulment of awards, in particular when allegations of corruption are raised before the arbitration tribunal. Our knowledge of both arbitration proceedings and criminal issues allows us to have a global and precise vision to resolve such legal issues.
