Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense: Recent Developments and Hot Topics

Date: Wednesday, Dec. 11, 2024
Time: 10:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. EST
Register by clicking here.

Webinar Agenda:

10:30 – 10:35 a.m.
Introduction – Taft’s Compliance, Investigation, and White Collar Defense Team

2024 saw several notable developments across the white collar and regulatory enforcement arena. Many of these developments have potential implications for the year ahead. In this two-hour webinar, Taft’s Compliance, Investigations, and White Collar Defense attorneys will share their views on key challenges for in-house counsel and how to manage them, highlight impactful regulatory agency and government pronouncements, as well as Supreme Court decisions, and discuss how they may shape white collar matters going forward.

Speaker: Ralph Kohnen

10:35 – 10:55 a.m.
Repercussions of SCOTUS’ Snyder Decision and Recent Precedent on Corruption Prosecutions

In a recent decision, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned the bribery conviction of former Portage, Indiana, Mayor James Snyder in an opinion that narrows the scope of public corruption law. Taft litigators Jackie Bennett, Jayna Cacioppo, and Vivek Hadley represented Snyder in two hard-fought trials. Their arguments successfully overturned decades of circuit precedent.

Speakers: Jackie Bennett / Jayna Cacioppo / Vivek Hadley

10:55 – 11:10 a.m.
False Claims Act Enforcement: A 2024 Recap and 2025 Preview

When the False Claims Act (FCA) does not make headlines in the Supreme Court’s docket, the tide of enforcement developments remains constant. 2024 served as a reminder that the tide can surge at any time, bringing with it massive settlements for the government. DOJ has also continued its focus on FCA matters related to health care and government contractors, initiated pilot programs in criminal enforcement that have implications for qui tam whistleblower incentives and concluded settlements across a range of industries and legal theories. This update will summarize recent FCA enforcement activity, provide an overview of notable legislative and policy developments at the federal and state levels, and analyze significant court decisions.

Speakers: Ralph Kohnen / Bob McBride

11:10 – 11:30 a.m.
Understanding the DOJ’s New Criminal Conduct Pilot Program – Implications for U.S. Corporate Compliance

In the past year, the DOJ has intensified its focus on corporate whistleblowing as a critical tool for identifying and addressing corporate misconduct. In April, the DOJ launched its Pilot Program on Voluntary Self-Disclosure for Individuals to encourage individuals to self-disclose misconduct involving corporations. Then, in August, the DOJ Criminal Division launched the Corporate Whistleblower Awards Pilot Program.

The DOJ’s recent initiatives and updates spotlight a trend toward leveraging whistleblowing as a key mechanism for uncovering corporate misconduct. Companies should review and strengthen their whistleblower policies to encourage reporting of misconduct and implement vigorous protections for whistleblowers.

Speakers: John R. Mitchell / Carly Chocron

11:30 a.m. – 11:55 a.m.
Guarding the Gates: Protecting Privilege During Investigations

Privilege is one of the central issues in an investigation. From the beginning to the end of an investigation, there must be ongoing consideration of the application of privilege. This discussion will focus on the crucial considerations for maintaining attorney-client privilege throughout the investigative process, including:

• the importance of attorney-client privilege and its critical role in safeguarding the confidentiality of investigative findings;
• how to assert and preserve privilege from the outset of an investigation, through the investigative stages, to the preparation of final reports; and
• advice on briefing stakeholders, fulfilling disclosure obligations, and implementing corrective actions.

Speakers: Pete Deegan / Nancy DePodesta

11:55 a.m. – 12:15 p.m.
Cracking Down on Competition: A Deep Dive into Recent Antitrust Actions and DOJ/FTC Priorities

Antitrust enforcement may look different in January. Taft partner Jeanne Cors will offer insights into what DOJ and FTC enforcement priorities may be in 2025 and will also review recent actions, including several significant policy changes and proposed rules.

Speaker: Jeanne Cors

12:15 – 12:30 p.m.
What’s Next? Looking Ahead to 2025

Looking ahead to 2025, Taft partner Dave Thomas will address pending relevant SCOTUS cases, upcoming trials to watch, and potential DOJ priorities in the coming year.

Speaker: Dave Thomas

Register by clicking here.

This seminar is pending approval for 2.0 hours of CLE credit in Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Ohio, and Minnesota. There is no cost to attend. Questions? Contact Megan Riley at mriley@taftlaw.com.