On September 23, 2024, the Criminal Division of the United States Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”) revised its Evaluation of Corporate Compliance Programs guidance (the “ECCP”). This article focuses on significant revisions detailed in the most recent installment of the guidance.

In March 2024, at the American Bar Association’s 39th National Institute on White Collar Crime, Deputy Attorney General (“DAG”) Lisa Monaco announced that the Department of Justice (“DOJ” or the “Department”) intended to create a new whistleblower rewards pilot program.

In early March 2024 at the American Bar Association’s 39th National Institute on White Collar Crime, Deputy Attorney General (DAG) Lisa Monaco’s keynote remarks previewed the development of new and significant Department of Justice (DOJ or the Department) policy initiatives. Her speech reemphasized many of DOJ’s key themes throughout the current administration, including individual accountability, the importance of strong corporate compliance programs, incentivizing voluntary self-disclosure of misconduct, and adapting to keep up with disruptive technologies such as artificial intelligence.

In 2023, DOJ announced significant updates to the Criminal Division’s Corporate Enforcement Policy, the agency’s Voluntary Self-Disclosure Policy for corporate criminal enforcement, and a new safe harbor for voluntary self-disclosures made in connection with M&A deals, all aimed at incentivizing companies to self-disclose their misconduct.

In 2023, the DOJ amplified compliance-related incentives for companies under criminal investigation (including health care companies), while the OIG has substantially revised and modernized previously issued compliance guidance and resources applicable to health care companies and providers.

Throughout 2023, the Department of Justice has prioritized voluntary self-disclosure of misconduct. The introduction of the M&A Safe Harbor Policy extends these principles to mergers and acquisitions, emphasizing the pivotal role of effective compliance programs. White Collar Defense and Government Investigations Practice Co-chair Eoin Beirne and Associate Nick LaPalme present a high-level summary of the policy, offering valuable insights into its implications for companies navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.

At the American Bar Association’s 38th Annual National Institute on White Collar Crime, Department of Justice (“DOJ”) officials announced multiple significant policy updates regarding corporate compliance.