On October 1st, members and guests of the French-American Chamber of Commerce gathered for an informative and dynamic panel discussion that addressed "Compliance Challenges for the U.S. Operations of Multinational Corporations."

Offering opening remarks, Pierre Bonnefil, Member, Epstein Becker & Green, served as panel moderator. Tom Sarakatsannis, General Counsel & Corporate Secretary, L'Oréal USA, and Rachael Akohonae, Employee Relations Partner, BNP Paribas, offered their unique perspectives and anecdotes on the ‘clash of cultures’ that may arise between a company’s headquarters and its subsidiary, and the impact of this clash on potential discrimination issues and other claims. Michael Levine, Member, Epstein Becker & Green, offered his perspectives on compliance, ethics, and Corporate Social Responsibility policies, standards and programs. He described the nature of today’s business culture, and how it is more open to CSR and compliance policies. William Milani, Head of International Labor & Employment Practice, Epstein Becker & Green, addressed internal investigations and and best practices, particularly in terms of global compliance. Offering practical advice, Mr. Milani also discussed data protection laws. Offering special closing remarks, Allen Roberts, Member, Epstein Becker & Green, addressed whistleblowing and retaliation mechanisms, and also explored differences that may arise between France and the U.S. on these issues.

The FACC thanks Epstein Becker & Green for its generous sponsorship of the panel event.