We advise companies, boards of directors, executive boards, and executives on risks and proceedings related to white-collar crime. This includes the legal assessment of potential property, document, or organizational offenses, preparation for criminal proceedings, and coordination with internal investigations, authorities, and other advisors involved.
Criminal Liability of Corporate Bodies
When economic problems arise, the question often arises as to whether, in addition to civil or regulatory consequences, members of the board of directors or executive management may also face personal criminal liability. We analyze roles, decision-making processes, and potential breaches of duty.
Parallel Proceedings and Multiple Risks
White-collar crime cases often overlap with FINMA proceedings, civil disputes, internal investigations, or employment-related measures. Statements or documents in one proceeding can have implications for another. We coordinate the legal strategy across the various proceedings.
Securing the defensive position early on
Even initial internal investigations, searches of premises, or inquiries from authorities can shape the course of subsequent proceedings. We help define responsibilities, secure documents, and structure communication channels.
Reputational and Business Impacts
Criminal charges can significantly harm business relationships, licenses, and reputation. In addition to the defense, it is therefore often necessary to consider governance, internal communication, and regulatory obligations.
Our advisory services combine criminal law analysis with an understanding of corporate organization, financial market regulation, and internal governance. We assist with the early identification of risks, in ongoing proceedings, and in investigating matters that may have criminal law implications.
We review facts to identify potential risks under white-collar criminal law and, in particular, assess the liability of corporate officers, executives, and employees. In doing so, we also take into account internal policies, guidelines, and control mechanisms.
We provide support during preliminary investigations and criminal proceedings, prepare submissions and interrogations, and coordinate the defense strategy with the other legal and regulatory aspects of the case.
In cases of suspected misconduct, we help companies investigate the matter internally and present the findings in a way that enables senior management and the board of directors to make sound decisions.
We are assessing whether organizational measures, guidelines, or control processes should be adjusted to reduce criminal liability risks and clarify responsibilities.
Our legal practice combines legal expertise with practical investigative experience. Lukas Lezzi previously served as an investigating judge and auditor in the military justice system. This experience is particularly valuable in structuring complex cases, evaluating evidence, preparing for and conducting interviews, and developing a robust litigation strategy.
Through additional training in forensics (CAS), we combine legal analysis with an understanding of forensic investigation methods, the preservation of evidence, and structured fact-finding.
Proceedings under white-collar criminal law often do not occur in isolation. We take into account potential implications for proceedings before FINMA and other authorities, as well as for governance, compliance, and corporate law responsibilities, and coordinate our approach across various proceedings.
We consider not only the individual criminal charge, but also the company’s decision-making processes, areas of responsibility, information flows, and control systems. This allows us to assess personal and corporate risks in a differentiated manner.
Not every instance of suspicion calls for the same response. We help you objectively assess risks, determine the necessary steps to take, and avoid disproportionate measures.
You will work directly with the attorneys in charge and receive an immediate assessment of the legal risks and possible next steps, even in time-sensitive situations.
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