Steptoe’s investigations and enforcement practice is distinguished by its focus on matters that sit at the intersection of law, policy and enforcement, where legal risk is inseparable from geopolitical, regulatory and commercial dynamics. For the tenth consecutive year, Steptoe has been named to the Global Investigations Review GIR 30, underscoring its position among the world’s leading international investigations practices.

What sets Steptoe apart is the depth of its experience advising on investigations that arise not only from alleged misconduct, but from shifts in sanctions policy, trade enforcement priorities, and national security regulation. The practice advises on FCPA and other anti bribery and corruption matters, as well as economic sanctions, export controls, AML and fraud, frequently in situations involving parallel civil, criminal and regulatory exposure across multiple jurisdictions.

Steptoe’s investigations work is inherently global. The firm regularly represents clients headquartered in Europe, Asia and South America, alongside US companies engaged in global trade and international operations, particularly where investigations intersect with sanctions, export controls and other trade related regulatory regimes. These matters often demand co ordinated, multi jurisdictional responses, carefully balancing legal exposure with policy, commercial and reputational considerations.

As enforcement becomes more politicised and globalised, Steptoe is trusted for investigations where strategic judgement is as critical as legal analysis.