Dechert Strengthens Cross-Border Investigations Team in France

Dechert LLP has announced the strategic relocation of national partner Karen Coppens from London to Paris, a move that will bolster the firm’s cross-border investigations practice. Since the enactment of anti-corruption law Sapin II in 2017, France has demonstrated its clear intention to become a key anti-corruption enforcer alongside the U.S. Department of Justice and the UK Serious Fraud Office.

Ms. Coppens is an experienced white collar crime and investigations lawyer who advises governments, multinational organisations (including boards and audit committees) and individuals under investigation and interacts with authorities including the Parquet National Financier, French investigating judges, the UK Serious Fraud Office and the UK National Crime Agency (and their international counterparts). Her practice focuses on complex multi-agency and cross-border investigations involving international fraud, corruption and money laundering.

In 2019, Ms. Coppens was named "Rising Star – Litigation" at the Euromoney Women in Business Law Awards and was shortlisted by C5 for the Mentor Award of the Year for Advancement of Women in Compliance. She was also recognised in the 2018 editions of Global Investigations Review "Women in Investigations" which highlights 100 women from around the world for their accomplishments in the sector, and in Global Investigations Review’s GIR 30 for her contribution to one of the top 30 investigations teams in this area of law.

The relocation of Ms. Coppens will further enhance Dechert’s ability to offer coverage for clients facing investigations from authorities across multiple jurisdictions, providing integrated and strategic advice to ensure clients’ interests are protected by coordinated global settlements. Dechert’s cross-border investigations practice has been involved in many of the most significant investigations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa.

Ms. Coppens will also work alongside disputes experts in Paris, including commercial litigation and compliance partner Jacques Sivignon, as well as litigator and former vice-chair of the Paris bar Laurent Martinet. Dechert’s globally recognised international arbitration group also has a significant presence in Paris, where the team has a strong reputation for large commercial and investment disputes.

"Paris is a key component of our European and global cross-border investigations capability," said Hector Gonzalez, chair of Dechert’s global litigation practice. "Karen’s move is well-timed given the evolving regulatory landscape in the French market."

"Having a dedicated white collar and investigations specialist like Karen will be of great benefit to clients serviced by our Paris office," added Alain Decombe, Dechert’s deputy chair for international operations and Paris managing partner. "The firm continues to support the development of our Paris team in advising clients worldwide."

Ms. Coppens has written extensively on Sapin II and French deferred prosecution agreements (conventions judiciaires d’intérêt public), and on managing multi-jurisdictional investigations. She has also spoken on the subject at high-profile conferences in Paris and London. She is bilingual, speaking fluent French and English.

About Dechert

Dechert is a leading global law firm with 26 offices around the world. We advise on matters and transactions of the greatest complexity, bringing energy, creativity and efficient management of legal issues to deliver commercial and practical advice for clients.