InternatLaw LLC, a subsidiary of Steptoe & Johnson LLP, announced today the launch of The International Law Guides, a web-based compliance tool designed to provide global companies and their employees with detailed information on local anti-corruption laws.

“Local law is an increasingly important element of a global anti-corruption program,” said Lucinda A. Low, head of Steptoe’s Foreign Corrupt Practices Act practice. “Hard-to-access information about local practice has made making important business and strategy decisions in foreign countries a challenge. The International Anti-Corruption Law Guide puts this valuable information at the fingertips of companies with multinational interests.”

Experienced FCPA practitioners teamed with skilled local counsel to develop a comprehensive, user-friendly guide to the compliance issues facing companies today. The guide identifies and summarizes anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws, regulations, and policies for gifts, business courtesies, marketing, and facilitating or other payments and in-kind benefits provided to members of the government and private sector. Key elements of these laws, including information on bases of jurisdiction, civil and criminal liability, persons subject to jurisdiction, and penalties, are highlighted.

The guide is now available for 28 countries. Ten countries per year will be added in years two and three for a total of 45 countries in the initial three-year subscription period. Each country guide is updated annually. These countries are currently available: