On December 10th, 2020, the Washington Foreign Law Society hosted the first instalment of its new virtual series, Issues and Trends in International Anti-Corruption Law. Ms. Pascale Dubois and Ms. Lucinda Low featured as the first speakers of the series, which will continue in the following months with additional instalments. Both panelists have been involved in anti-corruption efforts for over two decades: Ms. Dubois is the former World Bank Vice President for Integrity and currently an International Executive Advisor and Independent Expert, while Ms. Low is a partner with Steptoe & Johnson LLP, where she leads the Compliance, Investigations, Trade and Enforcement Department.
Ms. Dubois kicked off the discussion with an overview of the origins and subsequent development of the international anti-corruption landscape. Ms. Low highlighted the broad reach of the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), and illustrated the main challenges that private corporations face in terms of compliance with domestic and international anti-corruption laws. Drawing from their extensive experience in international anti-corruption cases, Ms. Pascale and Ms. Low noticed how anti-corruption laws have become an increasingly relevant part of international commercial arbitrations, and particularly in Investor-State disputes. Both panelists underscored the exponential growth that this sector has experienced over the past ten years, and provided advice to young practitioners interested in a career in anti-corruption.
The Washington Foreign Law Society wishes to thank Ms. Low and Ms. Pascale for their insightful contribution, and invites participants to remain tuned for the next instalment of our series on Issues and Trends in International Anti-Corruption Law.
