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Webinars
TRACE hosts webinars on a variety of regulatory compliance topics on a monthly basis. Webinar recordings are available in the members-only Resource Center and can be used for ad hoc training or as part of a comprehensive global training program coupled with our eLearning. Select webinars are open to the public. Advanced training, available through TRACEpro, includes a selection of our recorded webinars.
Public
Sanctions Update: “Hot Button” Sanctions Issues and What Lies Ahead for Global Business
Tuesday, 19 July 2022 | 1:00 PM ET (5:00 PM GMT)
During this session hear from global trade experts, Darshak S. Dholakia and John Bedford, Partners at Dechert LLP, as they provide an overview of “hot button” sanctions issues, focusing on Russia and China. Addressing the key issues confronting global companies as of the date of this webinar, M. Dholakia and Mr. Bedford will each highlight what global businesses need to focus on when engaging in trade or financial transactions. The discussion will include tips to help companies operate in compliance with rules from multiple jurisdictions. Please come prepared with your most pressing questions for Mr. Dholakia and Mr. Bedford as ample time will be allowed for Q&A.
CLE credits are available for this webinar in the following states only – TX, VA, NY, NJ, CA. Additional instructions on how to obtain CLE credits will be provided during the webinar.
SPEAKER BIOGRAPHY
John Bedford
Partner
Dechert, LLP
John Bedford is an experienced litigator and investigations lawyer who advises leading financial institutions, corporations and high-net-worth individuals on financial crime compliance, commercial litigation, white collar investigations and international arbitration. Mr. Bedford has over a decade of experience representing clients in domestic and international disputes and investigations covering a wide range of industries, including financial services, e-commerce, payment services, manufacturing and life sciences.
The Legal 500 UK 2022 has recommended Mr. Bedford for "investigation-heavy litigation", describing him as "very forensic… very good at investigating possible irregularities", and "one person worth following" with "a strong academic background" and "full of common sense". He is also described as a "hardworking, intelligent and experienced [litigator] who work[s] well with the bar."
Mr. Bedford has advised corporations and board committees on the conduct of investigations into allegations of bribery, corruption, money laundering, fraud and breach of domestic and international sanctions and/or export controls. These matters have involved prosecutors, regulators and enforcements agencies, including the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the National Crime Agency (NCA), the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Parquet National Financier (PNF). He also has extensive experience on corporate compliance monitorships.
Mr. Bedford regularly undertakes financial crime compliance advisory work, including drafting and implementing policies and procedures and advising Money Laundering Reporting Officers (MLROs) on their reporting obligations under the SAR regime. He also conducts training sessions for clients on these topics.
In addition, Mr. Bedford maintains a general dispute resolution practice and his cases are frequently multi-jurisdictional and involve issues of significant importance. He has particular experience litigating disputes relating to complex financial products and issues arising in restructuring and insolvencies.
Prior to joining Dechert, Mr. Bedford served in the dispute resolution group of another major international law firm.
Darshak S. Dholakia
Partner
Dechert, LLP
Darshak S. Dholakia primarily advises on compliance with international trade laws, including economic sanctions programs administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), anti-money laundering (AML) provisions of the USA Patriot Act, the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and other anti-corruption laws, and export controls (Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Part 110 and 810 nuclear export control regulations). Mr. Dholakia regularly conducts internal investigations, develops compliance programs, oversees risk assessments, conducts due diligence for corporate transactions, obtains export controls classifications, and interacts with government agencies in relation to compliance and enforcement-related proceedings as well as trade-remedy disputes.
Mr. Dholakia also advises clients in connection with transactions implicating national security reviews conducted by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). He has represented foreign investors and acquirers and domestic sellers and targets in connection with many dozens of investment transactions, and, when necessary and appropriate, he has negotiated national security agreements in order to secure CFIUS approval.
Mr. Dholakia is co-author of the United States chapter of Global Legal Insights - Bribery & Corruption, a book covering bribery and corruption law in 27 jurisdictions that provides an overview of the law and enforcement regime, enforcement activity during recent years, issues relating to investigation and enforcement decisions, corporate liability and proposed reforms in the years ahead. Mr. Dholakia also has authored articles for the Global Trade and Customs Journal and the Anti-Corruption Report and has provided commentary for Bloomberg and Law360. In recognition of his significant work on pro bono matters, Mr. Dholakia has made the Capital Pro Bono Honor Roll numerous times, an initiative sponsored by the District of Columbia Court of Appeals and the Superior Court of the District of Columbia.
Prior to joining Dechert, Mr. Dholakia was an associate in the international trade and investment group of an international law firm. He also previously clerked in the United Nations Office of Legal Affairs.