Compliance

Year by year, the number of regulations that must be complied with continues to increase. Neglecting them can result in severe sanctions. To effectively manage the risk of legal non-compliance in the company and ensure the safety of the business, it is necessary to design and implement an appropriate Compliance system.

The purpose of the Compliance system is to minimise the risk of facing legal sanctions, financial losses, or reputational damage (credibility for customers, contractors, shareholders, investors, and the public opinion).

We have established an interdisciplinary team composed of specialists from various legal fields to provide comprehensive support in Compliance. Their professional experience and specialised knowledge are a guarantee of ensuring compliance in every area of the company’s operations. Our team’s work is particularly focused on ensuring the compliance of the company’s operations with criminal law regulations and guaranteeing legal security to both the entire entity and its governing bodies and managers.

We understand that a crucial aspect of a proper Compliance system is the implementation of whistleblowing. We support our clients in: designing security procedures, identifying business processes and areas vulnerable to irregularities, and training employees in whistleblowing.

When implementing the Compliance system, we guide the client through a systematic process aimed at reducing legal risks for the management team and ensuring proper protection for the company against negative consequences of actions or their absence.

 The implementation process consists of three stages: due diligence investigation, development of procedures, and training for management and employees.

Firstly, we conduct a due diligence investigation during which:  

• we identify risk areas and individuals with a significant impact on the company’s risk profile,
• we identify crimes that may be committed in connection with the company’s operations,
• we conduct an audit of existing company procedures,
• we map the risks of potential violations,
• we present solutions related to procedures that need to be implemented or modified.

 In the next step, we develop Compliance procedures and support their implementation. Within this phase:

• we draft customized Compliance procedures (regulations), such as an anti-corruption policy, vendor verification procedures, and a procedure for handling law enforcement inspections,
• we modify existing procedures (regulations),
• we implement changes in the organizational structure of the entity and clearly define the scope of responsibilities for individual bodies, units, and key employees,
• we establish a whistleblowing system, including dedicated anonymous reporting channels and regulations for conducting internal investigations,
• we verify the proper implementation of procedures through testing and controls.

 We provide trainings for management and employees as part of finalising the implementation of Compliance procedures, but also as a separate training service. The scope of training includes:

• procedures of operating internal procedures within the company,
• procedures of operating the whistleblowing system – guidelines for the whistleblower,
• procedures in case of law enforcement actions or the commission or threat of prohibited acts.

 In addition, for companies with a Compliance department, we offer additional services. We support our clients in the following ways:

• we provide ongoing legal support for the Compliance Officer on an ad-hoc basis or as part of a retainer package. The service includes preparing legal opinions (e.g., regarding the classification of a specific event as a crime) as well as email and phone consultations, 
• our experienced criminal law specialists participate in internal investigative proceedings,
• we assist in detecting irregularities and crimes committed to the detriment of the company or by individuals for whose actions the company is responsible,
• we represent companies in criminal, civil, and administrative proceedings,
• we conduct Compliance checks and audits, particularly focusing on the adequacy of procedures from both legal and operational perspectives,
• we provide specialised trainings, particularly in the field of economic and fiscal crimes that may arise in connection with the company’s operations.

If you need support in Compliance matters, our interdisciplinary team is at your disposal. Feel free to reach out to us!