Alston & Bird has bolstered its global anti-corruption compliance capabilities with the addition of Isabelle De Smedt as a partner in the firm’s Brussels office. Joining from Nixon Peabody LLP, De Smedt represents companies in anti-corruption and fraud investigations related to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, UK Bribery Act, and other government enforcement programs worldwide.
“With governments worldwide strengthening their cross-border anti-corruption enforcement activity and collaboration, Isabelle brings significant experience and skill counseling clients on a broad range of regulatory and compliance mandates, particularly in the health care and life sciences industries,” said Brett Jaffe, Alston & Bird partner and co-chair of the firm’s Litigation & Trial Practice Group. “Together with our leading practices in government and internal investigations, health care, and life sciences in the U.S., Isabelle’s addition as an experienced regulatory and compliance partner in the EU will benefit clients in anticipating and preparing for heightened attention from the U.S. Department of Justice, UK Serious Fraud Office, and other regulators worldwide in anti-bribery enforcement.”
With extensive experience in the U.S., Europe, Africa, Asia, and Latin America, De Smedt advises clients on day-to-day compliance issues and the actions needed to develop effective anti-bribery and anti-corruption compliance programs. Her industry specialties include health care, life sciences, and related sectors, with considerable strengths counseling multinational health care companies, laboratories, and contract research organizations.
Additionally, De Smedt brings significant experience leading cross-border risk assessments and internal investigations and guiding clients through complex enforcement proceedings and government investigations. She also works with multinationals on complex mergers and acquisitions and other transactions, where she conducts and supervises anti-corruption due diligence into third-party agents, distributors, and other business partners.
“Isabelle is a fantastic addition to our Brussels office and our broader government and internal investigations teams in the U.S. and Europe,” said Rich Willis, partner in charge of Alston & Bird’s Brussels and London offices. “She is one of the leading compliance lawyers in the EU and will play a key role in helping clients on both sides of the Atlantic ensure they understand the global anti-corruption landscape and have strong compliance policies and procedures in place, especially across borders.”
Source: www.alston.com
