Corporate Bribery

Bribery and corruption lawyers at St Pauls have experience with bribery legislation and corruption cases, assistance with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and the negotiation and monitoring of Deferred Prosecution Agreements.

What Is Bribery Law?

Bribery law is covered by the Bribery Act 2010 and is a complete reworking of the old bribery legislation, both from statute and common law, by setting out four offences that can be committed by both individuals and corporate defendants. It came into force on 1st July 2011.

The purpose of the Bribery Act is to encourage companies to ensure and demonstrate that they have adequate procedures in place to prevent any breaches of bribery legislation. As well as this, the Act has penalties in place for individuals or companies that partake in bribery.

Acts of bribery are defined under four main offences:

• Active bribery (the offering, promising, and giving of a bribe)
• Passive bribery (the requesting, agreeing to receive, or accepting of a bribe)
• A discrete offence of the bribery of a foreign public official
• A new offence of failure by a commercial organisation to prevent a bribe from being paid to obtain or retain business or a business advantage

Being found in breach of the Bribery Act 2010 could result in criminal prosecution, an unlimited fine and up to 10 years’ imprisonment, applicable to the directors of a company, as well as the company itself.

Why Choose St Pauls Chambers Corporate Bribery Lawyers?

Bribery lawyers at St Pauls Chambers are well-versed in bribery legislation and anti-bribery policy. Our expert bribery and corruption lawyers have experience with:

• Bribery and corruption cases
• Advising internal corporate investigations
• The self-report processes
• Assistance with the serious fraud investigation
• Negotiation and conclusion of a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA)
• The monitoring of compliance with the terms of a DPA

St Pauls Chambers corruption barristers are highly proficient in complex bribery and corruption law cases and have represented in notable cases. In July 2019, John Harrison KC made legal history by securing the first-ever bribery law acquittal for a client following a Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA).

St Pauls’ bribery lawyers understand bribery and corruption investigations can have serious reputational and financial repercussions for individuals and companies involved. The experience of our corruption and bribery lawyers transcends a wide area of expertise to provide all levels of advice and advocacy. At St Pauls, not only do you benefit from the experience of our expert barristers, but the knowledge and experience of all of our supporting members.

We have been fortunate enough to have received instructions in this new area of bribery law and corruption and, as far as we are aware, are the only set outside of London to have done so. If your client is being investigated for bribery or corruption, please contact us.