White-collar defense and corporate crime
We help the world’s leading companies and financial institutions manage corporate criminal risk and respond to allegations, investigations and prosecution
In an increasingly regulated world, legislators and law enforcement authorities are intensifying scrutiny in areas such as price fixing, fraud, insider trading, money laundering, tax evasion and terrorist financing.
Penalties can be severe. The reputational damage associated with even a high-profile investigation or prosecution – regardless of the outcome - can be hard to reverse.
Freshfields delivers coordinated, multi-jurisdictional advice. We mitigate risk, protect client interests and safeguard reputation. We help upgrade policies and controls to insulate operations from the impacts of increased exposure.
Our team – which includes former senior prosecutors from around the world – provides local expertise and global reach. We offer a track record of success in investigations and at trial.
Freshfields has been involved in some of the most high-profile corporate criminal investigations in the world. Our clients include major international blue-chip businesses, who trust us with their most complex and sensitive multi-jurisdictional matters.
For example, we recently represented a major global bank in investigations by multiple enforcement authorities into an alleged scheme to manipulate the setting of the Libor, Euribor and other benchmark rates.
We advised a famous automotive brand in connection with an investigation into a global data leak incident caused by an insider threat, involving regulatory engagement in the EU and US.
We served as trial counsel for the former CEO of a biopharmaceutical company charged with securities fraud.
These cases – and many others like them – are hugely complex. In response, our experts manage simultaneous investigations, coordinate global logistics, develop a consistent defence strategy across jurisdictions and lead fact-finding efforts across international borders.
We offer a similarly comprehensive response to any white-collar issue, whether risk mitigation, criminal defense or crisis management. Clients rely on Freshfields to handle every level of their most complex and significant corporate crime matters.
Highlight experience
Representing one of the world’s largest banks in investigations by the US Department of Justice and Commodity Futures Trading Commission, the UK Financial Conduct Authority, the European Commission, and other state and national enforcement authorities
Into an alleged scheme to manipulate the setting of the Libor, Euribor and other benchmark rates.
