Corporate Law (CLE)

In the battle against fraud and corruption, knowledge is power. Explore the depths of the False Claims Act (FCA) and unlock the potential for justice and reward. Join our speakers in this CLE webcast as they delve into the intricacies of whistleblowing and learn how you can make a difference while safeguarding your rights and interests.

The cannabis industry is experiencing unprecedented growth, yet navigating its legal and business landscape presents unique challenges. Enter Cannabis Unleashed: your indispensable guide to thriving in this dynamic market. Join Karl P. Frederic of Windels Marx and Whitney Hodges of Sheppard Mullin in this CLE webcast as they unveil the essential legal and business fundamentals crucial for success in this rapidly expanding industry.

In response to growing concerns about money laundering, fraud, and financial crime, the United States enacted the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) to increase corporate transparency, prevent illegal activity, and protect national security. This landmark legislation represents a significant shift in the way businesses operate, obliging many entities to report beneficial ownership information to the government. Join our panel of key thought leaders and practitioners as they delve deep into the Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) and provide invaluable insights into the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network's (FinCEN) Final Rules and critical reporting guidelines to enable participants navigate the regulatory landscape effectively and ensure compliance within their organizations.

The unceasingly evolving field of cannabis continues to bring complex regulatory challenges among businesses and legal practitioners. Although still illegal under federal law, several states and territories in the US have already legalized the use of cannabis for both medical and recreational purposes. In April 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act. If passed by the Senate, the MORE Act would abolish criminal penalties for federal cannabis offenses, decriminalize cannabis at the federal level, and expunge past federal cannabis convictions.

Preserving and protecting privilege remains a critical and challenging issue in internal investigations. Taking a misstep by disclosing sensitive information can result in damaging legal and reputational consequences. With the ethical traps, potential large number of factual witnesses who must keep information confidential for privilege to be preserved, the possible involvement of outside technical experts, and numerous other  issues that arise during an investigation, the protection of privilege is tricky.

Contracts are the lifeblood of any organization. But with overwhelming manual workloads, disorganized storage practices, and the lack of monitoring capabilities, legal departments and contract administrators constantly experience a wealth of problems in managing their contracts.

In the past years, the Department of Justice (DOJ) pursued and resolved a variety of fraud matters tied to the aggressive enforcement of the False Claims Act (FCA). The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has further prompted a significant uptick in fraudulent activities –prodding the U.S. government to strengthen fraud enforcement capabilities.

To deter the increasing number of bribery and corruption offenses among US entities, intensified Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) enforcement actions continue to be a focus area this year. Specifically, the FCPA is requiring companies to retain their company’s record “in reasonable detail, [and to] accurately and fairly reflect the transactions and dispositions of [assets]” to conform with the FCPA’s books and records requirements. Failure to comply could lead to legal lawsuits and hefty fines.

With the new administration and several notable issues continuously emerging in the backdrop, an increase in enforcement actions is expected to hound the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) landscape bringing both complexity and new compliance challenges to businesses. Significant developments affecting large corporate FCPA settlements, multi-jurisdictional FCPA matters, and increased individual enforcement need crucial consideration and anticipation from companies and their counsel.

Halfway into President Trump's administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ) provided a clearer image of its enforcement priorities for the False Claims Act (FCA).

In response to the uncertainties brought by the COVID-19 crisis, congress had passed several economic relief opportunities for distressed companies significantly impacted by the pandemic. However, along with these opportunities are heightened levels of scrutiny and enforcement efforts from the government to root out potential fraud under the False Claims Act (FCA) against companies taking advantage of these funds.