Internal Investigations

Reviewing internal reports enables the detection of potential regulatory breaches and anticipation of their legal and reputational consequences. A rigorous assessment helps prioritize risks and define an appropriate management strategy.

Internal or judicial interviews require strategic preparation to ensure secure statements and minimize the risk of adverse interpretation. Appropriate support enables individuals to defend their position effectively while protecting the company’s interests.

Internal investigations have accelerated within French companies since the Sapin II Law, amended by the Waserman Law in 2022, which mandates the implementation of whistleblowing mechanisms. To conduct such investigations, companies often choose to engage external legal professionals, primarily lawyers.

To support employers in this process, SOLARIS AVOCATS conducts internal investigations into harassment, discrimination, breach of equal treatment, as well as fraud and corruption.

The role of investigating lawyers is not to act as advisors but to apply their legal expertise through rigorous methodology while respecting the ethical principles governing the profession: independence, neutrality, objectivity, loyalty, discretion, and confidentiality.

The Firm advises on all aspects of prevention and remediation, including:

• Drafting, implementing, auditing, and updating anti-corruption prevention and detection programs
• Developing risk mapping frameworks
• Defining and monitoring action/remediation plans
• Enhancing internal training systems
• Preparing for and managing French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA) audits
• Representation in enforcement proceedings
• Assistance and oversight of monitoring programs

In the event of an audit or judicial proceeding, effective cooperation with authorities is essential to defend the company’s interests. Proactive management of communications with regulators helps reduce potential sanctions and secure favorable outcomes.

Compliance training is an essential tool for preventing legal risks and promoting an ethical corporate culture. SOLARIS AVOCATS supports clients in designing training programs tailored to industry-specific challenges and regulatory obligations, particularly in anti-corruption, due diligence, and data protection.

Establishing clear internal procedures is essential to ensure effective allocation of responsibilities, limit liability risks, and secure decision-making.

SOLARIS AVOCATS assists companies in developing, reviewing, and formalizing their internal procedures (charters, protocols, functional organizational charts), as well as in drafting and structuring delegations of authority and signatory powers, which ensure decision traceability and strengthen compliance mechanisms.

Companies face increasing obligations regarding anti-corruption, influence peddling, and unlawful conflicts of interest, particularly under the Sapin II Law and international standards.

SOLARIS AVOCATS advises clients on implementing prevention and control mechanisms, including risk mapping, internal whistleblowing procedures, third-party due diligence, audits, and training programs.

We also support clients during French Anti-Corruption Agency (AFA) inspections and in negotiating DPAs (Deferred Prosecution Agreements – Convention Judiciaire d’Intérêt Public).

Money laundering and terrorist financing expose companies to major legal, financial, and reputational risks.

SOLARIS AVOCATS assists in implementing AML/CTF compliance programs tailored to each organization’s activities and risk profile.

International sanctions regimes, whether issued by the European Union, the United Nations, or foreign authorities (notably OFAC, United States), impose strict obligations on individuals and companies.

SOLARIS AVOCATS assists clients in analyzing embargo regimes, asset freezes, and personal or sectoral sanctions.