The priorities will impact non-US companies who may face a US DOJ with a renewed emphasis on combating corporate crime.

By Stuart Alford QC, Nathan H. Seltzer, and Christopher M. Ting

In a recent speech that has garnered significant attention, the Deputy Attorney General of the United States, Lisa Monaco, highlighted several important changes regarding how the US Department of Justice (DOJ) will pursue corporate crime during the Biden Administration. Latham’s in-depth analysis of the speech and its potential impact can be found here.

In addition to reinforcing prior statements that the Biden Administration will prioritise the prosecution of corporate and white collar crime, the speech touched on several areas that may be of particular relevance to UK and other non-US companies. This blog post highlights some of those areas.

New SFO Director reaffirms her intentions and priorities for the agency.

By Stuart Alford QC, Nathan Seltzer, and Christopher Ting

Fifty days have passed since Lisa Osofsky took over at the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), pledging to be a “different kind” of director. In her first days, Osofsky set out her priorities for the agency, which included:

  • Improved cross-border coordination
  • Improved corporate engagement
  • Continued use of Deferred Prosecution Agreements
  • Use of technology in investigations

This blog post will analyse what Osofsky has accomplished since joining the SFO, including her first major strategic decision, a further explanation of her priorities, and key personnel changes.

ENRC Appeal

In her first major strategic decision for the SFO, Osofsky decided not to appeal the ruling in Director of SFO v Eurasian National Resources Corporation to the Supreme Court. On 5 September, the Court of Appeal overturned a High Court decision in favour of the SFO’s interpretation of legal professional privilege and reaffirmed the boundaries of litigation privilege if litigation is reasonably in contemplation. Amidst speculation that the SFO would further appeal that judgment, Osofsky issued a statement on 2 October that the SFO would not take the decision to the Supreme Court.

New director Lisa Osofsky confirms her focus on cross-border and corporate cooperation.

By Stuart Alford QC, Nate Seltzer, and Clare Nida

On 3 September 2018, in her first speech, after only one week as head of the UK’s Serious Fraud Office (SFO), Lisa Osofsky laid out her plans for the agency.

Upon announcement of her appointment, Latham identified possible priorities for the new director here. As predicted, Osofsky’s unique cross-border and corporate experience is shaping the SFO’s