International business leaders and in-house counsel gathered at the Patton Boggs office in Doha yesterday for an “in-depth briefing” on recent developments in the US and UK anti-bribery laws, implications and compliance measures.
Patton Boggs partner and International practice chair Joseph Brand led a discussion on the US Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) and the UK Bribery Act with co-host Nicholas Barclay, a partner at the London-based law firm of Macfarlanes seconded to Patton Boggs in Doha.  
The first in a series of briefings to be held by Patton Boggs in the region, the seminar was aimed at fostering a more comprehensive understanding of the anti-bribery laws among the US and UK companies partnering with local agents in the Mena region and promote compliance.
“The new Department of Justice Resource Guide on FCPA offers helpful insights to guide compliance,” said Brand.
“We are delighted to have presented the first in what we hope will be a successful series of seminars that will help businesses operating in the Gulf to be compliant,” said Susan Bastress, managing partner of the Patton Boggs Doha office.
In his practice, Brand advises sovereign governments, multinational enterprises, international financial institutions, educational institutions and non-governmental organisations on mergers and acquisitions, financings, regulatory compliance, corporate governance and dealings with the US government.
A member of the Middle East Institute’s Board of Governors and an American University of Sharjah trustee, Brand also advocates on behalf of clients in matters involving human rights.  
While in Doha, Brand will also be speaking at the AMCHAM Qatar Distinguished Speaker Series before travelling to Kuwait for a presentation hosted by the US embassy there.