Philip Urofsky strengthens Wiersholm’s global compliance team as International Independent Counsel
We are thrilled to welcome Philip Urofsky to Wiersholm as an International Independent Counsel from this fall, strengthening our global compliance and investigations expertise.
Philip brings deep U.S. and cross-border experience as the former head of Shearman Sterling’s anti-corruption and sanctions compliance practice, and former Assistant Chief of the FCPA Unit at the U.S. Department of Justice.
Philip will be part of Wiersholm’s ESG and Compliance team, where he will advise clients on US sanctions, anti-corruption, security, and broader compliance matters. U.S. compliance regimes present significant compliance risks for Norwegian businesses, and with Philip’s expertise we can offer integrated counsel on cross-border issues involving U.S. law.
Wiersholm’s partnership with Philip was announced at the Oslo Compliance Forum last week, where Philip participated in a session on «Compliance under Trump 2.0». The discussion covered recent FCPA developments, including a February Executive Order pausing enforcement for 180 days and subsequent DOJ guidelines indicating a shift in enforcement priorities. Philip also outlined current OFAC‑related risks and how Norwegian companies should respond.
Key takeaways from the discussion:
- Stay the course on anti-corruption: do not cut compliance, as domestic enforcement remains significant and statutes of limitations outlast current political cycles.
- Keep programs risk‑based: prioritize high‑risk geographies (cartel/TCO‑dominated areas and kleptocracies) and sectors (defense, extractives, construction, AI/chips), rather than low‑level courtesies or routine gifts, travel, and entertainment.
- When issues arise, investigate, remediate, and document thoroughly—and be ready to answer who/what/when/where in line with the focus on individual accountability.
- Bolster sanctions readiness: identify any U.S. nexus (currency, banks, supply chain, IT), tighten due diligence across counterparties and suppliers, and exercise particular caution in Russia and Iran/Yemen—especially for Norwegian shipping and oil companies.
If you have any questions or would like to discuss implications for your business, please contact our ESG & Compliance team.
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