Companies to Look for DOJ Proof on Leniency Pledge, Lawyers Say

Corporations will want to see proof in upcoming settlements before they buy into the Justice Department’s new pledge to go easier on businesses that self-report internal misconduct, white collar lawyers say.

DOJ Criminal Division chief Kenneth Polite unveiled a concrete roadmap Jan. 17 for corporations—including repeat offenders—that voluntarily disclose missteps to avoid charges and receive significantly reduced fines, provided they meaningfully cooperate.

That will jump-start conversations with corporate clients about whether it’s now worth the risk in certain scenarios to inform the department of uncovered wrongdoing, defense attorneys said.

Their clients will want the Justice Department to demonstrate resolutions that ...