Overview
Ophélia Claude is a partner in the Investigations and White Collar Defense practice at Paul Hastings and is based in the firm’s Paris office. Her expertise spans a broad spectrum of white collar crime, compliance, and investigations, with a strong focus on vigilance, corporate sustainability due diligence, and ESG-related litigation. Ophélia's work in these areas has made her an invaluable resource for clients navigating complex regulatory environments and ethical challenges in today’s increasingly ESG-conscious world.
Prior to joining Paul Hastings, Ophélia co-founded Antonin Lévy & Associés, a leading boutique firm specializing in litigation and investigations. This venture was a natural progression from her earlier experience at Metzner Associés. Her career also includes significant roles in the Investigation, White Collar Crime & Fraud practice at two prominent international law firms in Paris.
Since being admitted to the Paris Bar in 2012, Ophélia has earned a reputation for her exceptional legal acumen. Chambers has recognized her as “an expert in the field,” lauding her as “a very talented lawyer” and “an extremely skilled and competent professional who is both diligent and thorough.” Her dedication to ethical practice and deep understanding of ESG principles make her a key figure in the evolving landscape of corporate responsibility and legal compliance.
Recognitions
- Chambers & Partners – Up & Coming in White-Collar Crime and in Corporate Compliance & Investigations
- Legal 500 – Next Generation Partner in White Collar Crime and in Compliance
- WWL – Investigations Future Leaders
- Best Lawyers – Ones to Watch, Criminal Defense
- Expert Guide – “Rising Star France Award” (2019)
Education
- Paris X Nanterre la Défense – Master 2 Bilingual Rights of Europe, 2010
- Washington College of Law (American University) – LL.M. International Legal Studies, 2009
- University of Essex and Paris X Nanterre la Défense – Double degree (LL.B. and Master 1) in English and French law, 2008
Representations
- Representation of a company in the energy sector in criminal investigations relating to climate change.
- Advising companies on corporate sustainability due diligence obligations, sector-specific regulations (deforestation, forced labor) and sustainability reporting.
- Representation of a company in the energy sector in two civil actions brought under French law on duty of care.
- Representation of an executive in an investigation into misleading commercial practices.
- Advising companies in setting up anti-corruption compliance programs.
- Representation of a company in a civil action brought under French law on duty of care in relation to respect for human rights in its value chain.
- Representation of a former senator accused of influence peddling in the “Médiator” case.
- Representation of a CAC40 company in an internal investigation linked to the post-acquisition due diligence of the acquired entity, in collaboration with the French law enforcement authorities and the Ministry of Justice.
- Representation of a U.S. company before the French Procureur National Financier in connection with a tax fraud investigation resulting in a CJIP.
- Represented two companies before the French courts on charges of bribery of foreign public officials in the “Oil for Food” cases.
Matters may have been handled prior to joining Paul Hastings.
Engagement & Publications
- "Nouvelle proposition de directive pour lutter contre la corruption", Revue Internationale de la Compliance et de l’éthique des affaires, 2023
- "Travail forcé: les règlementations émergentes sur l’interdiction des produits issue du travail forcé", Revue Internationale de la Compliance et de l’éthique des affaires, 2022
- "Mécanisme d’alerte: les spécificités du mécanisme d’alerte dans la conformité au devoir de vigilance", Cahiers de droit de l’entreprise, 2022
- "Business & Human Rights: A propos des engagements éthiques et des pratiques commerciales trompeuses", Revue Internationale de la Compliance et de l’éthique des affaires, 2021
- "Corruption: les contours de la responsabilité des dirigeants et des salariés", Revue Internationale de la Compliance et de l’éthique des affaires, 2020
- "L’enquête interne et la convention judiciaire d’intérêt public", AJ Pénal, Dalloz, 2020
- "Notices rouges: une analyse de la jurisprudence de la Commission de contrôle des fichiers d’Interpol", AJ Pénal, Dalloz, 2020
- "Table ronde sur la loi sur le devoir de vigilance des sociétés mères et entreprises donneuses d’ordre: premières mises en demeure et actions en justice", Cahier de droit de l’entreprise, 2020
- "Focus on the February 2020 Report on the French Duty of Vigilance Law", Revue Internationale de la Compliance et de l’éthique des affaires, 2020
- "Les exigences de motivation dans les affaires de fraude fiscale et de blanchiment", Dalloz Actualité, 2020
- "Lignes directrices communes du PNF et de l’AFA sur la mise en œuvre de la convention judiciaire d’intérêt public: des précisions bienvenues pour les acteurs économiques", Le Monde du Droit, 2019
Involvement
- White-Collar Crime Young Practitioners - Founding Member and Co-Chair
- Women’s White Collar Defense Association
- Certified Fraud Examiner