Section 307: Overview, definition, and example
What is Section 307?
Section 307 refers to a specific provision of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, a U.S. federal law that set strict reforms to improve financial disclosures from corporations and prevent accounting fraud. Section 307 specifically addresses the professional responsibility of attorneys representing companies. It mandates that attorneys must report evidence of material violations of securities laws, breaches of fiduciary duty, or similar misconduct to the company’s legal or compliance departments, and if necessary, to the board of directors.
Why is Section 307 important?
Section 307 is important because it establishes ethical obligations for attorneys who represent public companies, ensuring that they act as gatekeepers to prevent fraud or illegal activities within the company. This provision helps reinforce corporate accountability and promotes transparency in financial reporting. By requiring attorneys to report wrongdoing, Section 307 ensures that legal counsel plays a key role in upholding the integrity of corporate actions and protecting investors and stakeholders.
Understanding Section 307 through an example
For example, a corporate attorney working for a publicly traded company uncovers that the company’s financial statements are misleading and violate securities laws. According to Section 307, the attorney is obligated to report this evidence to the company’s legal or compliance department. If the company fails to address the issue, the attorney may be required to escalate the matter to the board of directors to prevent further legal violations.
In another example, if an attorney learns that a company is involved in insider trading or fraud, Section 307 requires the attorney to take action, either by advising the company to rectify the issue or reporting the matter to senior executives or the board if necessary.
An example of a Section 307 clause
Here’s how a clause referring to Section 307 might appear in a contract:
“The Company acknowledges that its legal counsel is obligated under Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act to report any material violations of securities laws or unethical conduct to the appropriate personnel, including the Company’s compliance officer and, if necessary, to the board of directors.”
Conclusion
Section 307 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act establishes an important ethical standard for attorneys working with publicly traded companies, requiring them to act as safeguards against illegal or unethical actions within the organization. By mandating that attorneys report violations or misconduct, Section 307 helps protect investors, stakeholders, and the integrity of corporate governance. Understanding and adhering to this provision is critical for maintaining corporate transparency and legal compliance.
This article contains general legal information and does not contain legal advice. Cobrief is not a law firm or a substitute for an attorney or law firm. The law is complex and changes often. For legal advice, please ask a lawyer.