Julia Steinhardt
Julia advises individuals and corporations on criminal, regulatory and internal investigations and related risk and compliance issues. She specialises in matters involving bribery and corruption, financial regulation, and business and human rights.
Prior to joining Peters & Peters, Julia worked at two large international law firms.
During this period, she advised on investigations and regulatory communications involving the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Serious Fraud Office (SFO), National Crime Agency, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and the US Department of Justice (DOJ). She also worked on high value disputes and international arbitration matters, and advised financial, payments and e-commerce businesses on complex regulatory risk and compliance issues.
In addition, she developed expertise in advising global brands on reputational and regulatory issues involving business and human rights. This included supporting clients with internal investigations, due diligence, risk assessments, training, compliance programmes and related international litigation.
During her training contract, Julia spent six months on secondment with a leading life sciences company. In this position, she assisted with criminal and regulatory investigations, disputes and commercial negotiations, and worked to strengthen the company’s culture of compliance by contributing to workstreams involving training, policies and procedures related to anti-bribery and corruption, data protection, competition and dawn raids.
Julia graduated with first class honours from SOAS and obtained a masters degree from the University of Oxford, before completing the law conversion course at the University of Law, London Bloomsbury (commendation) and legal practice course at BPP Law School (distinction).
Case examples
Corporates
Advised a regulated company regarding an investigation into money laundering and terrorist finance involving the FCA, HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) and the police.
Designed whistleblowing complaints and ABC investigations process for a leading multinational. Worked on issues raised with reporters, senior executives and other stakeholders, and assisted with briefing official representatives.
Conducted an internal cultural investigation for a high-profile business; advised on whistleblowing and privilege issues to assist with a related dispute.
Assisted a leading international start-up to identify, navigate and address regulatory compliance issues related to rules on consumer credit, payment services, and anti-money laundering during a period of rapid expansion and growing public, regulatory and government scrutiny.
Acted for a global brand following its discovery that a related party had been affected by criminal proceedings, and assisted to enforce an International Chamber of Commerce arbitration award on the client’s behalf to provide it with access to funds held by the related party.
Supported global company to liaise with: UK enforcement regarding an investigation into an international criminal network; and agricultural authorities in connection with a separate investigation.
Designed human rights due diligence questionnaire for an energy company considering whether to invest in a high-risk region.
Supported a leading global corporate in connection with alleged human rights breaches in the supply chain (which had been raised with the relevant National Contact Point), and related litigation initiated by third-party stakeholders.
Advised a mining company on human rights and security compliance in a high-risk region, developing advice and training on best practice.
Conducted anti-money laundering and financial crime due diligence for regulated clients, contributed to internal policies and developed strategies to mitigate regulatory risks.
Supported a corporate client with developing international emergency response plans, including coordinated regulatory and public communications, following a major cybersecurity incident.
Individuals
Assisted suspect in a bribery investigation involving the SFO and the DOJ.
Advised director in connection with an FCA investigation and related freezing order.
Assisted individual with an interview under caution by HMRC, resulting in a decision not to charge.
Advocated for two individuals targeted for potential extradition in the context of a campaign of politically motivated persecution.
Related expertise
- Bribery & Corruption
- Business Crime & Investigations
- Business Ethics, Human Rights & Product/Service Risk
- Compliance
- Criminal Cartels
- Criminal Fraud
- Cybercrime & Data Theft
- Dawn Raids
- FS Regulatory/FCA Investigations & Enforcement
- Internal Investigations
- International Arbitration
- Money Laundering
- Sanctions & Export Controls