Ethics & Compliance

Presentation

Companies now operate in an increasingly regulated environment, where reputation has become a critical asset.
More than ever, organizations must embed a genuine culture of ethics and compliance at the very heart of their operations.

We deliver agile, cross-disciplinary legal expertise across all areas of corporate compliance — anti-corruption, duty of vigilance, economic sanctions and export controls, competition, and data protection.

Our expertise covers all aspects of compliance and business ethics:

Anti-corruption (Sapin II Law, UK Bribery Act, FCPA)
Whistleblower protection (EU Whistleblower Protection Directive, Waserman Law, Sapin II Law)
Duty of vigilance and respect for human rights and the environment (French Duty of Vigilance Law, CS3D, Green Deal)
Non-financial reporting and CSRD
Economic sanctions and export controls
Anti–money laundering and counter-terrorism financing
Personal data protection (GDPR, French Data Protection Act)

We help our clients navigate complex regulatory landscapes and engage effectively with supervisory authorities.

Our integrated approach enables us to intervene throughout the entire compliance and ethics value chain: risk assessment, design of internal policies, training, audit, crisis management, and defence.

Related distinctions 4

GOVERNANCE

Formalization of top management’s and key functions’ commitment (“tone at the top”)
Definition of the role, powers and resources of control functions, including the compliance officer and their teams
Structuring of reporting lines and delegations of authority among the governing, control, and supervisory bodies, executive management, and operational departments
Management of reputational aspects: coordination with crisis communication agencies, review and drafting of press releases, assistance in preparing key messaging, etc.

COMPLIANCE PROGRAMS & LICENSING

Design and implementation of compliance programs and action plans: risk mapping, code of conduct, third-party assessment, training, disciplinary framework, control mechanisms, internal procedures and policies
Audit of existing frameworks and benchmarking against industry standards
Coordination and alignment of the various compliance pillars (anti-corruption, vigilance, GDPR, economic sanctions and export controls, AML-CFT, fraud, etc.)
Assistance with authorisation or licensing procedures before supervisory authorities (creation, extension, withdrawal)

TRAINING

Training for corporate officers and exposed personnel: case studies, crisis simulations, awareness sessions on business ethics and integrity
Training on applicable regulations (Sapin II Law, duty of vigilance, international sanctions, etc.): regulatory updates, practical workshops, and tailored sessions

THIRD-PARTY ASSESSMENTS & AUDITS

Advisory services in connection with due diligence on strategic third parties (KYC, KYS, KYP)
Audit of contracts and strategic or high-risk operations
Acquisition audits: document review, drafting of Q&A, analysis of potential transfers of criminal liability, review or drafting of acquisition contract clauses, etc.
Drafting of bespoke contractual clauses: compliance representations, audit rights, information disclosure, reporting obligations, termination clauses, payment and monitoring terms, etc.

WHISTLEBLOWING & INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS

Implementation of whistleblowing and internal investigation procedures
Management of internal investigations: definition of scope, resources, dedicated teams, interview conduct, etc.
Collaboration with other partners (forensic or business intelligence firms)
Liaison with French and/or foreign authorities in the context of judicial proceedings
Assessment of investigation outcomes: closure, voluntary disclosure to authorities, liability actions, disciplinary measures, executive removal, contract termination, etc.
Definition and implementation of remediation measures

SUPERVISION & ENFORCEMENT

Assistance and defense before regulators in supervisory or disciplinary proceedings (AFA, ADLC, CNIL, AMF, ACPR, ECB, HATVP, Ombudsman, supervisory authorities, professional disciplinary bodies, etc.)
Support in monitoring measures ordered by regulators
Coordination with foreign counsel in multi-jurisdictional matters and management of defense teams
Support in resolving conflicts of laws, regulations, or interests (blocking statutes, data retention, etc.)
Assistance and defense in litigation relating to duty of vigilance, misleading commercial practices, greenwashing, etc.
Assistance and defense in criminal proceedings (investigations, judicial inquiries, negotiation of settlements with prosecutors – CJIP, CRPC – and representation before criminal courts)
Management of reputational aspects

Recongnitions

Rankings