Soulez Larivière Avocats was among the first, back in the 2000s, to advise and represent – alongside US colleagues – a French company in its negotiations with the US Department of Justice (DoJ), leading to the signing of a deferred prosecution agreement (DPA) in 2013.
The firm supports its clients in matters of compliance and settlement negotiations by offering a bespoke solution.
When a company faces potential criminal liability and seeks to assess the extent of the risk to which it is exposed, or when a report or ethics alert requires further investigation, our attorneys assist their clients in conducting and monitoring internal investigations.
These investigations cover risks related to integrity violations (fraud, corruption, international economic sanctions), as well as psychosocial risks (including various forms of harassment) and violations of human rights, environmental protection, and health. The firm’s experience with cases involving a strong technical component enables us to handle matters that require rapid adaptation to a specific and technical environment.
When an investigation requires a multidisciplinary team (forensic experts, auditors, specialists), the firm deploys the appropriate resources and, when necessary, draws on the services of its network of preferred partners in France and abroad.
The internal investigations conducted by our firm are carried out in accordance with high ethical standards, ensuring, in particular, that the rights and procedural safeguards of the individuals involved are fully respected, as well as the employees’ right to privacy and compliance with CNIL and GDPR regulations. These measures ensure the effectiveness and credibility of the investigation should it lead to disciplinary action or require reporting to the authorities of matters concerning the criminal liability of the individuals involved.
The law firm SOULEZ LARIVIERE AVOCATS is a pioneer in providing guidance to corporations and their executives on anti-corruption matters, as well as on the prevention of human rights and environmental violations.
This support takes the form of pragmatic and operational solutions designed to prevent or put an end to such violations.
With a focus on prevention, the firm provides its clients with comprehensive risk assessment and management so that they can implement a general compliance policy that respects employees’ rights, including the right to report ethical concerns.
Drawing on its pioneering expertise in anti-corruption, the firm provides step-by-step guidance to companies and their executives to ensure compliance with the obligations under the Sapin II Act, the Duty of Vigilance Act, and various international economic sanctions. As a specialist in enforcement, the firm also supports its clients in their dealings with the French Anti-Corruption Agency, whether proactively or during inspections.