Anti-bribery and corruption

Companies which carry on business in the UK are now subject to an onerous anti-corruption legislative framework.  Organisations operating in jurisdictions or industries that are susceptible to corruption are at particular risk.

The Bribery Act 2010 (which came into force on 1 July 2011) includes a strict liability corporate criminal offence of failing to prevent bribery, which can be defended only if it can be shown that procedures were in place to prevent such an event (read our Q&A about this).

In the UK, there has been increased emphasis on enforcement. The Serious Fraud Office (‘the SFO’) has moved up a gear, securing high profile civil and criminal convictions against both individuals and companies. There has also been noticeable interaction between the SFO and overseas authorities in order to secure global settlements.

Our service

We advise in relation to all legal issues arising from corruption, both domestically and globally.

Specifically:

• we have experience working with organisations to avoid criminal or regulatory liability by advising on appropriate systems and procedures
• if corruption within your organisation is suspected, we can assist with internal investigations, and the interface with the criminal and regulatory authorities

We have an expert understanding of the interplay between multiple linked proceedings arising in corruption cases - civil, criminal, regulatory and disciplinary.

We also have significant multi-jurisdictional capability. With offices around Europe, and contacts in most key jurisdictions, so we are ideally placed to support and co-ordinate an international approach.

FT Innovative Lawyers Report 2011

Field Fisher Waterhouse has been commended in both the Anti-bribery and Corruption and Finance categories in this year's the FT Innovative Lawyers Report. Read more >