Criminal investigations and corporate liability in international contexts

Challenges and strategies in the management of internal investigations, whistleblowing channels, and legal and employment risks in companies operating across multiple jurisdictions

In a context in which companies increasingly operate across multiple jurisdictions, the management of internal and criminal investigations—many of which are initiated through whistleblowing channels and internal processes linked to employment law and people management—presents significant challenges for companies, their executives, and their governing bodies.

This is a practical seminar in which we will address the main risks associated with the management of investigations with potential criminal and regulatory implications, with particular focus on corporate criminal liability, the duties of boards of directors, and the appropriate coordination of internal investigations and workforce management in international contexts, from the initial stage through to the definition of the defence strategy.

The programme will combine an introductory presentation with a roundtable discussion based on a practical case inspired by real-life situations. With the participation of our partners from Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Germany, and Ireland, the session will provide a comparative analysis of how response strategies and crisis situations are managed across different European jurisdictions.

The event is aimed at senior executives, board members, compliance officers and in-house legal counsel interested in gaining deeper insight into the effective management of criminal investigations with international impact.

Agenda

• 09:00 - 09:00: Registration and welcome breakfast
• 09:30 - 09:50: “Current landscape of criminal investigations and the management of legal and employment risks arising from internal investigations in Spain” – Alfredo Guerrero, Litigation Partner (Spain), and Carlos Gil, Employment Partner (Spain).

During this session, we will address the current framework for criminal investigations in Spain and corporate criminal liability, with particular focus on the duties of boards of directors and the risks arising from an inadequate response to potential wrongdoing. We will also examine the initial management of internal investigations, including the role of whistleblowing channels and their organisational and employment-law implications in the management of criminal risk.

(Session in Spanish)

• 9:50 - 10:50: Roundtable discussion: “Managing criminal investigations in international contexts” – Moderated by José Carlos Fraga, Partner in the Litigation and Arbitration team at Addleshaw Goddard Spain, with the participation of partners David Pygott (United Kingdom), David Père (France), Jörg Bielefeld (Germany) and Stephen Barry (Ireland).

Based on a practical case, the discussion will analyse its resolution from the perspective of different jurisdictions and how to coordinate an effective international strategy.

(Roundtable in English)

• 10:50 - 11:00: Conclusions and closing remarks – David Pygott and José Carlos Fraga – Addleshaw Goddard

Final reflections and key practical takeaways for companies, compliance teams, boards of directors and human resources.

(Session in Spanish)

If you have any questions about this event, please contact the Events team.