Firms To Watch: Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates)

Led by Satnam Tumani and Kate McMahon, private prosecutions boutique Edmonds Marshall McMahon is establishing itself as a player in the corporate crime and regulatory investigations space.  

Led by Ian Ryan, the team at Howard Kennedy LLP advises on regulatory compliance and internal investigations, having recently enhanced its sanctions capabilities.

Former Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP partner Daniel Hudson leads the corporate crime and regulatory investigations offering at specialist disputes firm Seladore Legal, bringing expertise in investigations and sanctions compliance.  

Regulatory investigations and corporate crime (advice to corporates) in London

Debevoise & Plimpton LLP

With support from its strong financial crime practice in the US, Debevoise & Plimpton LLP advises multinational clients on corporate crime, regulatory enforcement and compliance matters, earning praise as ‘one of the best in the market’. The team has notable experience in global investigations, deferred prosecution agreements and internal reviews. Its London offering is co-led by Lord Goldsmith KC- who chairs the firm’s European and Asian litigation practice- and Karolos Seeger, who brings extensive experience in white-collar crime and defence representation. Seeger also assists on internal investigations into compliance with anti-corruption legislation and on developing and implementing global compliance programs. The ‘fantastic’ Jane Shvets is recommended for her work on cross-border investigations involving authorities worldwide, while Konstantin Bureiko is particularly strong in anti-corruption and sanctions-related matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lord Goldsmith KC; Karolos Seeger


Autres avocats clés:

Jane Shvets; Konstantin Bureiko


Les références

‘Debevoise & Plimpton stands out for its unmatched ability to combine deep legal expertise with a strategic, business-oriented mindset in regulatory investigations and corporate crime matters. What makes the team unique is its ability to manage high-stakes, cross-border issues with discretion, clarity, and tactical precision. Their understanding of global enforcement is consistently impressive.’

‘Clients benefit not only from their technical command of the law, but also from their practical insight into how regulators think and act. This is especially valuable when navigating sensitive internal investigations or proactively addressing compliance risks.’

‘The team is highly collaborative, responsive, and thoughtful in its approach. They are particularly strong in building trust with in-house legal and compliance teams, making clients feel supported even in the most complex situations.’

Principaux dossiers


Freshfields

The team at Freshfields is ‘highly knowledgeable, engaged and very practical’ in advising on the full range of cross-border corporate crime mandates and regulatory investigations. Co-head Ali Sallaway, praised as ‘technically brilliant’, is particularly experienced in matters involving false accounting, fraud, bribery, anti-money laundering and insider trading across a variety of sectors, while fellow co-head Matthew Bruce regularly leads on major investigations linked to wide-ranging compliance issues. Ben Morgan draws on his previous role as joint head of bribery and corruption at the SFO to support corporate clients in enforcement proceedings and internal investigations, often working alongside Emily Knight.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ali Sallaway; Matthew Bruce


Autres avocats clés:

Ben Morgan; Emily Knight


Les références

‘The uniqueness is in the practicality of the advice. When you work with Freshfields, you know the lawyers have exceptional technical knowledge. What they do, though, is apply that in a really practical way. They are solutions-driven. You know you can go to Freshfields to solve a problem in a calm and focused way. Whenever I reach out to Freshfields, I feel like I am their only client. They are responsive and they deliver.’

‘Matthew Bruce is a go-to for AML matters. He calmly leads us through difficult situations.’

‘Matthew Bruce is responsive and practical and delivers advice in a down-to-earth, clear way.’

Principaux dossiers


Simmons & Simmons

Particularly active in the life sciences and technology sectors, Simmons & Simmons advises on high-stakes corporate crime matters, with expertise spanning SFO-led corruption investigations, sanctions compliance and cross-border internal investigations. Camilla de Silva leads the firm’s global investigations group and corporate crime practice, drawing on her experience as a former SFO prosecutor and criminal barrister to advise on the full breadth of criminal risk. Nick Benwell brings seasoned insight into handling SFO investigation mandates, while Emily Agnoli supports on internal investigations and a range of enforcement actions by external agencies, regularly supporting the firm’s international client base. Cherie Spinks is particularly adept in AML and sanctions-related matters, an area also covered by managing associate Alexandra Webster.

Responsables de la pratique:

Camilla de Silva


Autres avocats clés:

Nick Benwell; Emily Agnoli; Cherie Spinks; Alexandra Webster;


Les références

‘Level-headed team with great depth of domestic and international experience.’

‘Camilla de Silva. She has years of experience at the Bar, at the SFO and now in private practice as a senior solicitor.’

‘Emily Agnoli is an absolute pleasure to work with. She combines great technical knowledge with good judgment and a warm approach to clients. A real star.’

Principaux dossiers


Slaughter and May

Slaughter and May is well regarded for its expertise in complex multi-jurisdictional corporate crime investigations, enforcement actions, internal reviews and compliance, with recognised strengths in sanctions, anti-money laundering and data protection. The practice is led by a trio of partners: Richard Swallow, who has a strong track record in high-profile cross-border regulatory and criminal matters; Jonathan Cotton, who regularly advises on SFO investigations across sectors including aviation, telecommunications and consumer goods; and Ewan Brown, who focuses on supporting financial institutions and has extensive experience handling mandates involving various enforcement authorities. Jonathan Clark has defended clients against allegations of deliberate wrongdoing, including cases involving alleged bribery, corruption, cartel activity and tax evasion, while senior counsels Ella Williams and Nicholas Querée are recommended for their significant involvement in cross-border investigations.

 

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Swallow; Jonathan Cotton; Ewan Brown


Autres avocats clés:

Gayathri Kamalanathan; Ella Williams; Nicholas Queree


Principaux clients

British American Tobacco


Bombardier Inc


Principaux dossiers


  • Successfully defended the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier in relation to the SFO’s investigation into suspected bribery and corruption in relation to contracts with an Asian entity.
  • Acted as coordinating counsel in relation to BAT’s $100m settlement with a Nigerian competition and consumer protection regulator.

Addleshaw Goddard

With international reach, the ‘wonderful team of talented individuals’ at Addleshaw Goddard advises clients on dealings with domestic and international enforcement agencies, with experience in deferred prosecution agreements, as well as bribery, AML and fraud risks. Leading the team is corporate investigations specialist Michelle de Kluyver, who is lauded as ‘one of the best of her generation’, while Polly Sprenger is recommended for her work on fraud investigations, defending private prosecutions and conducting internal investigations. In addition to corporate crime matters, Harriet Territt ‘provides clear and concise advice’ to clients on sanctions and international trade compliance, and Neeta Chityal, who is lauded as ‘outstandingly good’, has a particular focus on international investigations involving the Middle East. Nichola Peters departed the team in 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michelle de Kluyver


Autres avocats clés:

Polly Sprenger; Neeta Chityal; Harriet Territt; Matthew Worby; Ruth Paley


Les références

‘This is a brilliant firm with a wonderful team of talented individuals. They can solve any problem, no matter how big or small.’

‘Michelle de Kluyver is one of the best of her generation. Quite brilliant.’

‘Stellar team in the corporate crime space; unrivalled expertise and experience; superb technical knowledge combined with excellent judgement.’

Principaux clients

Entain plc


Applied Nutrition


Global Loan Agency Services (GLAS)


Unitel S.A.


Principaux dossiers


  • Advised Entain Plc in its ground-breaking DPA with the CPS and HMRC.
  • Acting for Global Loan Advisory Services on sanctions compliance and advisory support in relation to several high-profile transactions.

A&O Shearman

Fielding a team comprised of ‘an outstanding group of individuals’, A&O Shearman advises on cross-border matters involving bribery, sanctions, money laundering and corporate misconduct, with notable experience across the financial services, energy, healthcare and tech sectors. The London practice is led jointly by Calum Burnett, Eve Giles and Mahmood Lone. Burnett focuses on internal investigations and regulatory matters covering market manipulation, competition, whistleblowing and non-financial misconduct, while Giles handles high-profile investigations, including those led by the SFO. Arnondo Chakrabarti brings particular expertise in bribery and corruption issues, and Jonathan Hitchin is a key contact for cartel investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mahmood Lone; Calum Burnett; Eve Giles


Autres avocats clés:

Arnondo Chakrabarti; Jonathan Hitchin


Les références

‘An outstanding group of individuals who are versatile and always looking for practical solutions.

‘Eve Giles is outstanding. A committed professional with great charisma and charm.’

‘Eve Giles is a knowledgeable and highly effective crisis manager. I would trust her with any legal risk I faced.’

Principaux dossiers


Baker McKenzie

Baker McKenzie LLP fields a globally integrated corporate crime and investigations team, advising major corporates on matters involving bribery, money laundering, sanctions, fraud and emerging ESG-related risks. The London practice is overseen by Yindi Gesinde, who focuses on anti-bribery, corruption investigations, and compliance matters, alongside Henry Garfield, who has recently worked on SFO investigations and whistleblowing allegation mandates. Supporting them are Charles Thomson, who handles complex cross-border fraud mandates; and Sunny Mann, who brings particular expertise in export controls and trade sanctions. Joanna Ludlam departed the firm in January 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Yindi Gesinde; Henry Garfield


Autres avocats clés:

Charles Thomson; Sunny Man


Les références

‘The main unique benefit of this team is the collaboration of highly skilled professionals, all having deep client knowledge and understanding. This collaboration enables the team to provide 360-degree legal advice is complex matters involving a broad range of sanctions and financial crime risks combined with POCA exposure.’

‘Charles Thomson is an excellent specialist in POCA matters. He also has developed deep client understanding and is able to give high-quality advice in complex matters involving a broad range of legal risks.’

Principaux clients

Metro Bank


Principaux dossiers


Clifford Chance LLP

Leveraging its ‘exceptional depth of legal knowledge’, Clifford Chance LLP specialises in complex matters involving parallel criminal and civil elements, including sanctions breaches, tax fraud, bribery and money laundering. The team advises major corporates and financial institutions on cross-border investigations and enforcement actions, supported by integrated forensic accounting capabilities and a well-established global network. Luke Tolaini heads the team, drawing on his ‘technical expertise’ and ‘calm, strategic perspective’ to assist on internal investigations and defence in regulatory and criminal proceedings, with experience engaging with UK and foreign enforcement agencies and securing DPAs. Michael Lyons leads the firm’s sanctions and export control practice, supporting on financial crime investigations, enforcement and compliance, while Christopher David focuses on cross-border matters involving fraud, bribery and corruption.

 

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Luke Tolaini


Autres avocats clés:

Michael Lyons; Christopher David


Les références

‘Excellent team of talented individuals who are experienced and with great vision.’

‘What sets this practice apart is the exceptional depth of legal knowledge across the team. Their ability to grasp complex issues quickly and provide clear, strategic advice makes them a true partner in legal matters, not just a service provider. They have strong commercial acumen, attention to detail, and a client-oriented approach.’

‘Chris David is superb. A real delight to work with.’

Principaux clients

National Westminster Bank Plc


Credit Suisse


An international commodities trading company


Serco Group Plc


Glencore plc


InterGen


Swedbank


Lloyds


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for an international company in a complex multijurisdictional internal investigation into allegations of bribery, corruption and sanctions breaches.
  • Acting for a global financial institution in a large-scale investigation in the Netherlands into historic tax reclaims, involving the UK-based entity and coordinated with colleagues in Amsterdam.
  • Acting for several global financial institutions based in London in relation to the German ‘Cum-Ex’ investigation and prosecution into historic tax reclaims, alongside colleagues in Frankfurt.

Hogan Lovells International LLP

Hogan Lovells International LLP’s London team plays a key role in the firm’s global investigations, white collar and fraud practice, advising major corporates on cross-border enforcement, whistleblowing allegations, tax investigations and regulatory breaches. The group is particularly strong in multinational internal investigations, asset recovery and navigating the criminal-regulatory interface, with expertise across financial services, technology and emerging areas such as environmental crime and corporate failure to prevent fraud. The team is led by ‘stand-out partner’ Liam Naidoo, who focuses on financial crime mandates involving corruption. Claire Lipworth draws on her experience in private practice and at the FCA to counsel clients on criminal liability, particularly in relation to money laundering and market abuse. Olga Tocewicz, praised for her ‘extraordinary level of expertise, knowledge and strategic excellence’, supports clients in their dealings with global enforcement agencies.

Responsables de la pratique:

Liam Naidoo


Autres avocats clés:

Claire Lipworth; Olga Tocewicz; Kevin O’Connor


Les références

‘Claire has an enviable mix of experience, having been in a boutique firm, as a prosecutor and now at a large firm.’

‘Liam Naidoo is a stand-out partner, Claire Lipworth is a very experienced pair of hands.’

‘Liam Naidoo is an exceptional professional who is always ready to help. He is extremely efficient, flexible, and I would highly recommend Liam and his team.’

‘The team have a really strong presence in the financial sector, with experts who can offer advice at all stages of enforcement proceedings, including regulatory and criminal. They have great strength and depth and have expertise in several jurisdictions, meaning they can cater for cross-border investigations.’

‘Olga Tocewicz is a fantastic lawyer. From a proper criminal background with a real understanding of the criminal justice procedure, she provides expert advice at the highest level to companies facing a crisis.’

‘Liam Naidoo is a fantastic lawyer with deep knowledge of the law.’

‘Olga Tocewicz is a star performer. She is very experienced and knowledgeable, astute, commercial and practical and a pleasure to deal with.’

‘Olga Tocewicz is a clear standout for this team and firm. Olga brings her extraordinary level of expertise, knowledge and strategic excellence to each matter. She is also tactful and innovative and a pleasure to work with.’

Principaux clients

ENRC


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a Kazakh mining company in a range of unprecedented disputes, including its high-profile litigation against the SFO and law firm Dechert.

Kirkland & Ellis International LLP

Regularly advising clients on government and internal investigations involving fraud, bribery and corruption, the team at Kirkland & Ellis International LLP has experience representing corporates before a wide range of UK regulatory agencies, as well as on multi-jurisdictional matters. The firm is particularly active in advising private equity clients on corporate crime issues, an area in which practice head Marcus Thompson is especially experienced. Patrick Navein is recommended for his work with public companies, multinational corporations and asset managers on both internal and government-led investigations, while Shruti Chandhok brings additional expertise in compliance counselling and global risk assessments relating to anti-corruption, AML and financial sanctions regulations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Marcus Thompson


Autres avocats clés:

Patrick Navein; Shruti Chandhok


Les références

‘Kirklands is a standout firm in the sector. If you want the regulator or public authority investigating to recognise the seriousness of the opposition, Kirklands is the name that will achieve that. No one works harder, has more resources, or demands more excellence in the work product than Kirkland. It has a well-earned reputation for skilled and aggressive representation.’

‘Marcus Thompson is one of the cleverest and best-connected lawyers in the sector in London. He has a deep knowledge of financial regulation and a commercial sense of what will work. He and his team will work 24/7 for their client.’

‘The firm’s specialism in financial crime builds upon its multi-jurisdictional expertise. It has exceptional niche expertise in representing executives and corporates in such cases in bribery and corruption cases in which there is linked litigation across jurisdictions.’ 

Principaux dossiers


Linklaters LLP

Fielding a team with ‘strength at all levels and in all dimensions’, Linklaters LLP is well positioned to advise on the full spectrum of corporate crime and regulatory matters, including enforcement actions brought against corporate clients. Alison Wilson heads the firm’s global litigation, arbitration and investigations practice, specialising in financial crime proceedings, while Satindar Dogra leads on sanctions compliance mandates. The ‘immensely clever’ Elly Proudlock regularly represents corporates in investigations by the SFO, OFSI and HMRC, and Alison Saunders is noted for her expertise in fraud, proceeds of crime and criminal environmental matters. Martyn Hopper retired in April 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Alison Wilson


Autres avocats clés:

Elly Proudlock; Satindar Dogra; Alison Saunders; Jasmine Olomolaiye


 


 


Les références

‘A superb team. Probably one of the best in the world. They have strength at all levels and in all dimensions.’

‘They are dynamic and diverse with a strong professional ethos.’

‘Elly Proudlock is a wonderful strategist and immensely clever and approachable.’

Principaux clients

Sorare SAS


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Sorare SAS in connection with its defence of a prosecution by the UK Gambling Commission.

Norton Rose Fulbright

Lauded for going ‘above and beyond to help clients’, Norton Rose Fulbright is recognised for its strong corporate crime defence and cross-border expertise, advising on high-profile matters involving the SFO, FCA, global sanctions enforcement and wider regulatory, fraud and cybercrime issues. The team is jointly led by Andrew Reeves, who focuses on bribery, corruption, fraud and money laundering investigations; Neil O’May, who brings extensive experience in domestic and multinational financial crime matters; and David Harris, a key contact for financial services clients. Stuart Neely handles ESG and fraud-related mandates, while Claudia Van Gruisen is a key associate, noted for her work on major anti-bribery and money laundering investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Neil O’May; David Harris; Andrew Reeves


Autres avocats clés:

Stuart Neely; Claudia Van Gruisen; Tim Jones; Ruth Cowley


Les références

‘Experienced , flexible , client friendly team with emphasis on preparation and attention to detail in identifying strategic management of clients’ crises.’

‘Neil O’May leads a team of talented and collaborative lawyers who work together to devise and execute the right strategy to tackle complex crises for clients. Claudia Van Guisen and Tim Jones are young, enthusiastic specialists.’

‘They are very proactive and have a deep knowledge of different industries, markets and geographies.’

Principaux dossiers


Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP

The ‘incredibly knowledgeable’ team at Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP is well equipped to advise on complex criminal investigations and prosecutions, offering expertise in fraud, corruption, money laundering, sanctions and financial crime compliance. Nick Vamos oversees the practice, drawing on his experience as the former head of extradition and special crime at the CPS to support corporate clients in matters with international dimensions. Michael O’Kane brings significant expertise in cross-border fraud, corruption and sanctions cases, while Maria Cronin is particularly skilled in handling international corruption and money laundering mandates. Anna Bradshaw is lauded as ‘best in class’ for her work on sanctions and criminal liability.

 

 

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Nick Vamos


Autres avocats clés:

Anna Bradshaw; Michael O’Kane; Maria Cronin; Charlotte Tregunna


Les références

‘An excellent team – one of the best in London in my view.’

‘Anna Bradshaw is totally amazing: fantastic knowledge of this area, easy to work with and incredibly commercial in her thinking. If I had a problem, she would be my first choice.’

‘A superb team with vast experience in this field and a proven track record of success. They are quite brilliant.’

Principaux clients

Post Office Ltd


MOL Hungarian Oil and Gas Company


Principaux dossiers


Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP

Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP is noted for its deep bench, regularly advising corporates and financial institutions on investigations related to bribery, sanctions, fraud and money laundering. The team brings a mix of UK and US legal expertise to cross-border matters, with notable experience across regulatory enforcement and internal investigations. Practice head Peter Burrell is described as a ‘legend in the sector’ and oversees all compliance, investigations and enforcement mandates. UK and US-qualified Rita Mitchell frequently represents clients before international enforcement authorities and has notable experience in compliance programmes and whistleblowing matters, while Simon Osborn-King is recommended for his work involving fraud, bribery, money laundering, and sanctions violations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Peter Burrell


Autres avocats clés:

Rita Mitchell; Simon Osborn-King


Les références

‘Fantastic team led by Peter Burrell. Work product is superb for such a lean team. Highly recommended. Other firms could learn a lot from the model employed by Willkie. The associates under Peter Burrell are very impressive and ones to watch. They will go far.’

‘Willkie’s is one of the most respected and feared opponents in the regulatory sector. They provide superb service to some of the largest institutions in the London market and have vast experience in cases which cross over with criminal and international proceedings involving the same clients.’

‘Peter Burrell is rightly regarded as a legend of the sector.’

Principaux clients

Man Group PLC


Essentra plc


Tate & Lyle plc


General Electric/Alstom


Nichols plc


Warburg Pincus


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for a UK-headquartered global financial institution in resolving a long-running FCA enforcement action, securing a £10m reduction in the fine and an agreed public position on non-acceptance of the FCA’s findings.
  • Acting for Man Group in a $1bn High Court dispute involving allegations of historic bribery and corruption, with parallel criminal and regulatory proceedings in Kuwait and Switzerland.
  • Acting for an oil and gas exploration and production company in an independent investigation into allegations of embezzlement involving a multi-million dollar oil exploration contract.

Arnold & Porter

Particularly active in the technology, pharma and retail sectors, Arnold & Porter’s team advises across the full spectrum of investigations, regulatory, compliance and enforcement matters. Practice head Kathleen Harris draws on her former role as head of fraud and policy at the SFO to lead on sanctions, fraud, AML and bribery-related mandates. The ‘rock solid and very strategic’ Sean Curran is experienced in multi-jurisdictional investigations, including those involving the US Department of Justice and the European Anti-Fraud Office. Melissa Dames is also recommended and supports the team across its key mandates.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Kathleen Harris


Autres avocats clés:

Sean Curran; Melissa Dames


Les références

‘Arnold and Porter provide a truly Rolls-Royce service to their clients. The team are all highly experienced, highly competent and extremely hard working. They approach each case from a tactically astute and legally intelligent position, and work tirelessly for their clients.’

‘Kathleen Harris is extraordinary. She is a very gifted lawyer, with a real tactical sense and a capacity for remarkable hard work. She approaches each case with a determination to get the right result, and never gives up in seeking to achieve that result. Sean Curran is a charming and gifted lawyer who really cares for the clients and works hard to get them the right result.’

‘Kathleen Harris is a fabulous advocate for corporate clients and is comfortable at Board level, providing wise strategic advice and distilling all of the options and risks to enable strategic decision making.’

Principaux clients

News UK


Global luxury jeweller


Principaux dossiers


Ashurst

Ashurst’s corporate crime and investigations team is noted for its cross-border counsel to major corporates facing regulatory scrutiny, from serious fraud and bribery to sanctions and non-financial misconduct. Described as a ‘very smart and commercially minded team of experts’, the practice is particularly active across the financial services, energy, resources and infrastructure sectors. Ruby Hamid heads the team and is praised for being ‘extremely good at cutting through complicated cases’, advising on a broad range of criminal and investigatory mandates. Judith Seddon is ‘calm, considered and extremely bright’, and supports clients on investigations brought by UK enforcement agencies and prosecuting authorities globally, with additional expertise in supporting clients in internal investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ruby Hamid


Autres avocats clés:

Judith Seddon; Philip Linton; Tom Cummins; Andris Ivanovs


Les références

‘Very smart and commercially minded team of experts.’

‘Judith Seddon has huge experience of representing corporates, including banks.’

‘Ashurts’ recruitment of Judith Seddon has elevated their status within the white-collar crime world. A hugely impressive team with a wide range of expertise and experience.’

Principaux dossiers


BCL Solicitors LLP

BCL Solicitors LLP is well-positioned to handle a full range of regulatory investigations and corporate crime matters, including AML, sanctions, corporate manslaughter and tax cases. The practice is led by the ‘knowledgeable and astute’ Richard Sallybanks, who has extensive experience dealing with both domestic and international enforcement agencies. John Binns specialises in financial crime, sanctions and tax investigations, while Tom McNeill, recognised as a ‘legal mastermind’, focuses on corporate crime with particular expertise in fraud, bribery and money laundering mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Sallybanks


Autres avocats clés:

Richard Reichman; John Binns; Julian Hayes; Shaul Brazil; Anoushka Warlow; Shula de Jersey


Les références

‘BCL have a very strong team with insight based on decades of expertise and experience.’

‘Richard Reichmann is a really talented lawyer who is knowledgeable and astute. Anoushka Warlow is very personable and an excellent communicator.’

‘BCL is one of the go-to firms for complex, sensitive and high-value regulatory and business crime cases. It stands apart from the huge magic circle firms, providing a very personal service to its clients, and drawing on the mass of experience and wisdom of its team, who have been at the forefront of defending in business crime cases for over 30 years. BCL is one of the first firms which I recommend to contacts in cases of this type, whether they are corporates or individuals.’

Principaux dossiers


Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co fields a multidisciplinary team offering advice across a range of criminal offences and investigations, with expertise spanning the financial services, insurance, energy and construction sectors. New practice head Sam Tate joined the firm from RPC in March 2025, bringing significant experience in regulatory and investigative matters, including corruption, fraud, sanctions and money laundering. John Whittaker leads on internal investigations, particularly those involving whistleblower allegations, while Charles Kuhn is noted for his work on insider dealing, market abuse and bribery matters. Whittaker and Kuhn have received praise as ‘excellent practitioners’.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sam Tate


Autres avocats clés:

John Whittaker; Charles Kuhn


Les références

‘The team is very much specialised in regulatory matters’

‘Good sector-specific approach. John Whitaker brings a knowledge of commodities.’

‘The main people I am aware of are John Whittaker and Charles Kuhn – both excellent practitioners ’

Principaux clients

Global Metals AG (Switzerland)


Principaux dossiers


CMS

CMS fields a ‘vastly experienced team’, leveraging financial services and regulatory expertise to advise corporate clients on investigations, enforcement actions and related litigation. Eoin O’Shea oversees the team, specialising in fraud and complex financial crime, with experience handling SFO investigations and sanctions matters, including those with international elements. Amy Wilkinson focuses on internal investigations and aids corporate clients on bribery, fraud and money laundering mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Eoin O’Shea


Autres avocats clés:

Amy Wilkinson; Kitty St Aubyn


Les références

‘Eoin O’Shea is a first-rate lawyer with has enormous experience in this sector. His leadership sets the team apart.’

‘Eoin O’Shea is a hugely knowledgeable, clear-thinking lawyer with vast experience in this sector.’

‘Kitty St Aubyn is an expert in all forms of criminal conduct and is particularly well placed to advise corporates facing criminal charges.’

Principaux clients

CEO of Solo Capital Partners LLP


Buy 2 Let Cars (in administration)


Savannah Resources Plc


GPE Portland Estates


Principaux dossiers


  • Advising on criminal proceedings following the high-profile collapse of Solo Capital.
  • Advising the Administrators of Buy2Let Cars regarding a major investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.
  • Advising a global airline in relation to alleged procurement fraud, which is under active investigation by the Serious Fraud Office.

Dechert LLP

Dechert LLP’s London white collar and investigations team is recognised for its strong cross-border expertise, with recent work spanning internal investigations, bribery matters and sanctions advice. The team is led by Roger Burlingame, who specialises in defending corporate clients facing US government investigations with a cross-border dimension. Tim Bowden regularly acts on matters involving fraud, corruption and money laundering, while Matthew Mazur brings extensive experience in internal investigations and enforcement proceedings, particularly those involving international financial crime with a London nexus.

Responsables de la pratique:

Roger Burlingame


Autres avocats clés:

Evan Flowers; Tim Bowden


Les références

‘I have worked extensively with Dechert, and they will be hard-working, responsive and look for novel solutions to problems. The partners are always accessible and easy to deal with.’

‘Tim Bowden is strategic and thoughtful.’

‘Evan Flowers is hard working and engaging.’

Principaux clients

GPT Special Project Management Limited / Airbus SE


PIMCO


Principaux dossiers


  • Representing PIMCO in the investigation into NAMA’s €6bn Northern Ireland loan portfolio disposal, arising from Ireland’s post-2008 financial crisis banking rescue.

Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher

Led by Philip Rocher, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher’s team advises corporates across sectors on complex cross-border investigations, often involving parallel UK and US regulatory scrutiny, as well as on compliance matters such as due diligence, risk assessments and post-investigation remediation. Patrick Doris has recently handled mandates involving bribery, tax evasion, insider dealing and financial sector misconduct for a number of major listed companies, while Michelle Kirschner focuses on financial services and international trade investigations. Irene Polieri is the key contact for EU and UK sanctions and export controls. Matthew Nunan departed the firm in December 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Philip Rocher


Autres avocats clés:

Sacha Harber-Kelly; Allan Neil; Patrick Doris; Marija Brackovic


Les références

‘Hard working and responsive.’

‘Marija Brackovic is particularly knowledgeable and adds significant value.’

‘Gibson provide excellent, tailored solutions to their client’s challenges.’

Principaux clients

UBS


Deutsche Bank


FTI


Fender Musical Instruments Corporation


Ernst and Young UK LLP


AVEVA plc


Alcon


Principaux dossiers


Greenberg Traurig, LLP

Greenberg Traurig, LLP advises on internal investigations, enforcement agency-facing mandates and compliance matters across sectors, including financial services, construction and extractives. Rebecca Meads leads the team and is highly experienced in handling large-scale internal investigations and advising on fraud, bribery, corruption and asset freezing, with particular expertise in ABC and AML compliance. Alex Swan is noted for his ability to navigate complex parallel investigations and prosecutions spanning multiple jurisdictions, regularly engaging with enforcement agencies such as the US DOJ, SEC, French PNF and India’s CBI and ED.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rebecca Meads


Autres avocats clés:

Alex Swan


Les références

‘A brilliant and dynamic team with imaginative and practical solutions.’

‘Alex Swan is superb.’

‘Rebecca Meads is one of the best there is. She has wonderful judgment.’

Principaux dossiers


Latham & Watkins

Leveraging its global reach, Latham & Watkins is regularly instructed on investigations involving bribery, corruption and market abuse, with notable strength in matters attracting multi-agency scrutiny. The team also advises on the full spectrum of internal investigations, enforcement risk and compliance. ‘Powerhouse’ Pamela Reddy oversees the practice and is described as ‘first rate’ in handling both agency-led and internal investigations. Nathan H. Seltzer is the key contact for multi-jurisdictional anti-corruption matters, with a strong Foreign Corrupt Practices Act practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Pamela Reddy


Autres avocats clés:

Nathan H. Seltzer; Clare Nida


Les références

‘Great client service.’

‘Excellent and responsive team.’

‘Pamela Reddy is first rate.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Representing a prominent consortium of companies in a complex multijurisdictional SFO investigation and coordinating with UK and international regulators.
  • Representing a global telecommunications company in a cross-border investigation into potential criminal activity, including politically sensitive embezzlement and corruption.
  • Represented a high-profile shipping company in highly reported criminal and civil Insolvency Service investigations, which successfully resulted in the criminal investigation being dropped.

Macfarlanes LLP

Acting on both national and international mandates across all key areas of financial crime, Macfarlanes LLP fields a team with ‘strength, depth and a pragmatic approach’. Lorna Emson heads the practice, advising banks, interdealer brokers and oil & gas companies on fraud and financial crime matters involving both criminal and civil elements. Nikolas Ireland is a fraud specialist, while Francis Bond is particularly experienced in transnational crime, assisting clients with AML, overseas confiscation and restraint orders, as well as Interpol Red Notices. Brian Spiro, described as ‘famously unflappable and steady under fire’, joined the team from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP in November 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Lorna Emson


Autres avocats clés:

Francis Bond; Helen Harvey; Brian Spiro; Nikolas Ireland


Les références

‘Really excellent team, with the advantage of being part of a top-class international law firm. The core client base of corporates from other sectors of the firm.’

‘Helen Harvey is a really excellent solicitor, thoughtful, compassionate and passionate. Excellent judgment and attention to detail. Lorna Emson is a first-class lawyer, technical knowledge of the law.’

‘Brian Spiro is one of the most experienced and respected white collar defence specialists in London. He is famously unflappable and steady under fire. His cool judgment and great experience across multi-jurisdictional enquiries are much admired by his peers and clients alike. He is at home with individuals and board members as he is in advising the corporate client via GC or board committee.’

Principaux clients

Revolution Beauty


OWH SE i.L.


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for Revolution following its auditor, BDO, identifying a number of concerns, including accounting irregularities, during the audit of Revolution’s FY22 accounts.

Mishcon de Reya LLP

Having recently advised on mandates involving investigations by HMRC and the Health and Safety Executive, Mishcon de Reya LLP is also noted for its strong expertise in internal investigations covering both financial and non-financial misconduct. Johanna Walsh, who heads the practice, has extensive experience advising on serious fraud, corruption and money laundering cases, with a track record spanning both domestic and international matters. Matthew Ewens is well versed in matters involving bribery and corruption allegations brought by the SFO, while Min Wiggins focuses on criminal proceedings and has notable insight in internal and regulatory investigations within the financial services sector.

Responsables de la pratique:

Johanna Walsh


Autres avocats clés:

Matthew Ewens; Min Wiggins


Les références

‘Fabulous team – great collaborative team, with very joined-up thinking between the departments. Great back office support, which allows for really efficient working.’

‘Matthew Ewens is the standout partner – witty, charming with an enduring work ethic which provides for a deadly combination.’

‘Johanna Walsh leads an excellent team with a wide range of commercial experience that is perfectly suited to dealing with corporate crime and investigations.’

Principaux clients

London Capital & Finance PLC


London Investment Management Firm


MV Kelly Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for the administrators of London Capital & Finance PLC following its collapse and the ensuing SFO investigation.
  • Acted for a large London-based investment management firm in connection with a US Department of Justice investigation.
  • Acted for MV Kelly Limited, a civil engineering and groundworks company, providing incident response support in relation to health and safety incidents.

Paul Hastings LLP

Paul Hastings LLP advises on cross-border investigations involving complex financial crime, global compliance, and regulatory risk, with particular strength in the life sciences and fintech sectors. Stuart Alford KC- described as ‘a charismatic and exceptional lawyer’- has taken over as practice head following Jonathan Pickworth‘s retirement, and specialises in mandates relating to bribery, corruption, money laundering, fraud and dishonesty. The ‘outstandingly good’ Adina Ezekiel brings notable expertise in matters with international dimensions and engagements with enforcement agencies. Joanna Dimmock departed the firm in December 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart Alford KC


Autres avocats clés:

Adina Ezekiel; Arun Srivastava


Les références

‘A superb team with a star player, Adina Ezekiel.’

‘Highly professional and practical.’

‘Adina Ezekiel is outstandingly good. She was formerly a member of the Bar and has great strategic vision.’

Principaux dossiers


RPC

RPC handles a range of financial crime matters, with notable strength in tax fraud, sanctions and corporate liability. Adam Craggs leads the team, specialising in criminal tax investigations and prosecutions, and is able to guide clients through all stages of proceedings. Michelle Sloane focuses on financial crime litigation and regulatory disputes, while Thomas Jenkins handles anti-corruption investigations and assists with implementing and enhancing compliance programmes. Sam Tate left the team in February 2025.

Responsables de la pratique:

Adam Craggs


Autres avocats clés:

Thomas Jenkins; Michelle Sloane


 


Les références

‘The Fraud and white-collar team, headed by Adam Craggs and with Michelle Sloane, provide the highest level of representation in the most complex and high-profile cases. This team are regularly instructed by top-end corporates to advise on regulatory investigations and corporate crime and to represent in criminal proceedings. RPC provides exceptional legal advice across the board. The team are incredibly bright and highly effective at winning cases, applying a no-nonsense, determined approach. For counsel, they provide intensive support and deliver efficiently and in a timely manner. This team are one of the best I have worked with.’

‘Adam Craggs is a tremendous solicitor and team leader. His legal analysis is superb. He is a masterful tactician and always remains calm and pragmatic, delivering first-class results for his clients. You want Adam on your side.’

‘Michelle Sloane is widely recognised as a leader in business crime. She provides outstanding representation to corporate and professional clients. Michelle is an all-around standout performer when advising clients through complex investigations and court proceedings. Hard working and dynamic, Michelle demonstrates first-class judgment applying her very considerable experience.’

Principaux clients

NEOM


Newcastle United Football Club


Principaux dossiers


  • Acting for Newcastle United Football Club in a complex dispute with HMRC arising from a dawn raid over agents’ fees, resulting in HMRC dropping its five-year criminal investigation.
  • Acting for a global real estate services and construction group to investigate potential bribery and money laundering risks linked to a client alleged to have been involved in criminal conduct.

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP

Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom (UK) LLP’s London team is noted for advising corporates on cross-border white-collar investigations and enforcement actions, leveraging its integrated US, UK, and EU expertise to handle matters involving a range of allegations, while also designing and implementing tailored compliance programmes to mitigate risk and meet regulatory obligations. Ryan Junck heads up the practice and has significant experience in multinational regulatory investigations, as well as advising on corporate compliance frameworks. Andrew Good is recommended for his counsel to financial institutions, while Vanessa McGoldrick has represented clients before a range of UK regulators, including the SFO, FCA and HMRC.

Responsables de la pratique:

Ryan Junck


Autres avocats clés:

Andrew Good; Vanessa McGoldrick


Les références

‘I’ll keep it short. We brought Skadden in after having tried to work with another law firm to solve an issue. The Skadden team came in and took a very pragmatic and clever view of how they could get answers for us.’

‘The primary partner I worked with was Ryan Junck. Regardless of being one of the most senior people in the company, and despite being a relatively new client, we received *outstanding* attention and service from Ryan. No case of handing it off to junior colleagues, he stayed on top of the work and made sure we got top-notch service throughout.’

‘Andrew Good is a super star; diligent and effective.’

Principaux clients

Nordea Bank


 


Principaux dossiers


  • Secured a final resolution on behalf of Nordea Bank in a multi-year New York DFS investigation into historic AML compliance issues, resulting in a $35 million Consent Order settlement.
  • Representing a leading global telecommunications and consumer electronics company in responding to an SEC subpoena and related information requests concerning a former employee under investigation for alleged insider trading.

Stephenson Harwood

Stephenson Harwood‘s ‘stellar team’ is particularly active in the financial services sector, advising on the full spectrum of corporate crime matters. Justin McClelland leads the practice, specialising in international investigations involving cartel activity, market misconduct and diverse internal corporate matters. Sean Jeffrey‘s expertise lies in financial sanctions mandates, while Alan Ward- recognised as ‘a sophisticated and knowledgeable practitioner’- handles cross-border investigations commenced by national and international enforcement agencies.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Justin McClelland


Autres avocats clés:

David Capps; Alan Ward; Sean Jeffrey


Les références

‘Very well-established advisers to corporates and senior individuals on contentious financial services matters, of which they command great authority.’

‘Alan Ward is such a sophisticated and knowledgeable practitioner in this field.’

‘A stellar team.’

Principaux dossiers


White & Case LLP

White & Case LLP handles internal investigations, advisory work and compliance matters, with a particular focus on anti-money laundering, anti-bribery, and corruption mandates. The team is spearheaded by Neill Blundell, a specialist regulatory defence lawyer who regularly advises clients on pre-investigation stages, formal investigations and prosecutions by enforcement agencies, with additional expertise in sanctions advisory work. Jonah Anderson is an expert on anti-money laundering matters, while Anneka Randhawa frequently acts for clients across the financial services, consumer goods, alongside the mining and metals industries.

 

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Neil Blundell


Autres avocats clés:

Jonah Anderson; Anneka Randhawa


 


Les références

‘Jonah Anderson is highly strategic, and his knowledge of anti-money laundering and regulatory investigations touching on money laundering requirements is unparalleled. The team also has an excellent stable of associates.’

‘Jonah Anderson and Anneka Randhawa are standout partners. I particularly enjoy working with Jonah due to his highly considered nature, which draws on a depth of knowledge and experience, yet at the same time, he manages to be very commercially pragmatic and collaborative.’

‘One of the strongest AML teams I have come across. The recruitment of Neil Blundell is pretty inspired and completes them as a major force in the corporate crime space.’

‘Jonah Anderson is the best and brightest AML lawyer in the corporate crime world.’

‘Neil Blundell is a very shrewd operator.’

‘Jonah and Anneka co-lead the team brilliantly. They are very strong across multiple sectors and, in particular, for their mix of investigations and criminal defence work. Jonah is fast becoming the king of the London investigations market.’

Principaux dossiers


WilmerHale

WilmerHale‘s team is jointly led by Stephen Pollard, Richard Burger and Lloyd Firth, offering notable expertise in handling SFO investigations and internal investigations. The London practice frequently collaborates with its US counterpart on cross-border mandates. Pollard brings extensive experience across business crime and securities enforcement, while Firth has been praised as someone who ‘delivers commercial and legal excellence and is a superb strategist’. Burger is recognised for his ‘fantastic experience’ in international regulatory enforcement and criminal investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stephen Pollard; Richard Burger; Lloyd Firth


Les références

‘This is a great team with in-depth experience and knowledge, including experience from being within regulators in previous roles.’

‘Richard Burger has fantastic experience and works well with both other lawyers and clients.’

‘A high-performing team that has dominated the market for over a decade. Acting for Glencore in the most high-profile SFO investigation that is ongoing.’

Principaux dossiers


Covington & Burling LLP

Covington & Burling LLP represents corporate clients in proceedings before international authorities and maintains a substantial compliance and investigations practice covering the full spectrum of regulatory matters. The team is jointly led by Mark Finucane, who oversees the firm’s major cross-border investigations, and David Lorello, who specialises in internal investigations and enforcement matters involving bribery and anti-corruption. Ian Hargreaves departed the firm in October 2024.

Responsables de la pratique:

Mark Finucane; David Lorello


Autres avocats clés:

Sarah Bishop


Principaux clients

Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.


Hino Motors Limited


Principaux dossiers


  • Completed an investigation for Gallagher in response to a subpoena from the U.S. Department of Justice’s FCPA Unit, and advising on related interactions with other regulators, including the UK Financial Conduct Authority.
  • Represented Hino Motors in connection with a $1.6bn settlement of claims in the U.S. relating to emissions fraud, which represents one of the largest environmental fraud cases ever.

DLA Piper

DLA Piper’s corporate crime, investigations and compliance team ‘leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of its clients’ demands’ and is recognised for its strong international capabilities. Practice head Laura Ford is experienced in handling global investigations into bribery, fraud, money laundering and cyber breaches, and is also well versed in advising on the design and implementation of global compliance programs. Andrew Sackey is described as a ‘first-class solicitor’, with ‘unsurpassed’ knowledge of the full range of corporate crime allegations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Laura Ford


Autres avocats clés:

Sam Millar; Tony Katz; Andrew Sackey


Les références

‘The team is excellent. Extremely organised and well prepared. The team leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of its clients’ demands.’

‘Andrew Sackey is in every way a first-class solicitor. He has knowledge of this area of law that is unsurpassed, which he combines with his emotional intelligence to ensure that his clients receive impeccable service. I could not recommend him more.’

‘DLA Piper is a major law firm, and we engaged them specifically for conducting investigations into accounting irregularities, managing disciplinary actions, and implementing remediation measures. Their team possesses extensive expertise not only in legal matters but also in accounting and business areas. Over ten lawyers collaborated closely, demonstrating exceptional teamwork in fraud investigations.’

‘The partners who handled our case, Andrew Sackey and Laura Ford, demonstrated a deep familiarity with extensive documentation and often showcased insights and understanding of our company equivalent to, or even surpassing, our own as clients. As a result, even unexpected issues were addressed without anxiety, ensuring a smooth and efficient investigative process.’

‘Senior associate Harriet Campbell exhibited partner-level leadership and management, particularly in projects involving remediation and active participation from our employees. Associates Emily Rose Ball and Jack Colvin also provided flawless support, enabling the partners to fully utilise their expertise.’

‘Tony Katz is very knowledgeable, very pragmatic and the team he put together for us was first class.’

‘Very good understanding of clients business and sector, and are able to provide effective advice very efficiently.’

‘Laura Ford is able to quickly grasp the complexities of the issues as relevant to our business and sector, and her management of projects and expectations is outstanding.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Conducted a large-scale, audit-driven investigation into fraud and false accounting spanning across multiple European and APAC jurisdictions over several years.
  • Acting for a major international client in responding to AML and tax fraud allegations across pan-European operations and building a robust compliance framework to mitigate future exposure.

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP

Eversheds Sutherland (International) LLP is recommended for its expertise in criminal fraud, anti-money laundering, sanctions and investigations. Zia Ullah leads the team and is particularly noted for his experience advising on sanctions, frequently in the context of complex cross-border investigations. Anupreet Amole focuses on business crime and compliance matters, with a specialism in corruption and fraud, while Steve Smith brings significant experience in money laundering mandates.

Responsables de la pratique:

Zia Ullah


Autres avocats clés:

Anupreet Amole; Steve Smith; Tim Hill


Les références

‘The team’s key strength is the way its people combine expertise from the regulatory and criminal sectors, with expertise both in litigation and in compliance and governance work.’

‘Steve Smith is brilliant in any money laundering crisis. His technical knowledge is first rate, and he brings the bedside manner that his early years as a criminal litigator to the table.’

‘Eversheds has a real strength in contentious Health & Safety matters.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a multi-national services company on its investigation of, and potential self-reporting of, whistleblower allegations of bribery.
  • Advising a major maritime sector company on a range of corruption and fraud compliance issues.
  • Advising a global technology company on all aspects of its ethics and compliance investigations and preventative compliance work across the EMEA region.

Fieldfisher

Fieldfisher is noted for its offering across internal and regulator-led financial crime investigations, particularly those with an international dimension. Practice head Quinton Newcomb focuses on cross-border internal investigations and, together with Shiv Haria-Shah, regularly advises on the design and implementation of bespoke corporate compliance programmes. Natalie Quinlivan adds further expertise, handling a broad range of allegations involving bribery, corruption, fraud and money laundering.

Responsables de la pratique:

Quinton Newcomb


Autres avocats clés:

Shiv Haria-Shah; Natalie Quinlivan; Vanessa Mendonca; Jessica Solsberg; Alex Underwood; Will Glover


Les références

‘This is one of the best firms I have had the pleasure to work with. The firm has a very strong team ethos and actively promotes a collaborative and supportive approach to all its fee earners. The result is an extremely effective representation for all its clients and a can-do attitude.’

‘Quinton Newcomb, Vanessa Mendonca and Jessica Solsberg each provided me with standout assistance and reacted immediately to issues as they arose during the operational period of the litigation. Unflappable and unfailing courteous under pressure.’

‘Alex Underwood is very experienced and I have always found her tremendously objective and reassuring.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a Spanish corporate victim of a £3m+ fraud and engaging with UK law enforcement to assist the ongoing criminal investigation and assert the corporation’s interests in assets by relying on available relief for victims within POCA 2002.
  • Advising a banking and financial services firm in respect of a high-profile Part 5 Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 investigation by the National Crime Agency, as well as related criminal, civil and regulatory matters arising.
  • Advising a global outsourcing business in an investigation arising from the creation of hundreds of fraudulent companies using data relating to its employees as a result of a data breach.

HFW

The ‘excellent team’ at HFW advises corporates in the commodities, shipping, energy, insurance and construction sectors, with notable expertise in sanctions, regulatory enforcement, financial crime and compliance matters. Practice head Barry Vitou is well versed in cross-border mandates, regularly defending clients or securing the discontinuation of criminal investigations, particularly those involving the SFO. Anne-Marie Ottaway, described as ‘a seasoned veteran who brings a unique experience’, supports clients with internal investigations into suspected misconduct.

Responsables de la pratique:

Barry Vitou


Autres avocats clés:

Anne-Marie Ottaway


Les références

‘The team boasts particular expertise in this area, having worked in white collar crime, both for the Serious Fraud Office and defending, for decades. Its strengths are its deep understanding of the Serious Fraud Office, its practical approach, its ability to identify and challenge prosecutorial overreach and its ability to provide cohesive, commercial advice.’

‘Anne-Marie Ottaway is a key individual. She has a deep understanding of how corporations should deal with regulators and prosecutors. She would be one of my top choices of a lawyer to deal with a dawn raid. There is very little Anne-Marie has not seen before. She is also an excellent lawyer.’

‘Deep knowledge of the sector; excellent understanding of regulatory perspective.’

Principaux dossiers


K&L Gates LLP

K&L Gates LLP has notable expertise in cross-border investigations, compliance and enforcement actions before UK and international agencies. Dylan Moses, described as ‘sharp, commercially aware and highly effective’, oversees the practice and is particularly experienced in handling fraud, money laundering and health and safety mandates. Michael Ruck leads the team’s sanctions work, collaborating with the firm’s international offices to support clients on cross-border matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Dylan Moses


Autres avocats clés:

Michael Ruck


Les références

‘The K&L team is well respected in the legal market, covering FS regulatory and criminal matters with a team of experts.’

‘Michael Ruck is a highly respected contentious FS lawyer with a growing reputation in dealing with complex international sanctions issues. He brings his wealth of experience to his clients and deals with all matters that he comes across with aplomb. I would always recommend Michael to any contacts.

‘Michael Ruck is easy to work with and very clever.’

Principaux clients

Balli Group PLC


 


Principaux dossiers


King & Spalding LLP

King & Spalding LLP is well-placed to advise corporate and financial institutions across a range of criminal proceedings and investigations. Aaron Stephens, who leads the team, advises clients on financial crime investigations and compliance challenges, with a proven track record in defending against major regulatory bodies. Margaret Nettesheim leverages her dual qualification in the US and UK to assist on complex international investigative mandates.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Aaron Stephens


Autres avocats clés:

Margaret Nettesheim


Principaux clients

Leadenhall Capital Partners


Principaux dossiers


Kingsley Napley LLP

The sizable team at Kingsley Napley LLP is experienced in handling a broad range of white-collar crime, non-financial misconduct, ESG-related matters and regulatory investigations. Practice head Louise Hodges specialises in bribery and fraud offences, including advising on internal investigations, while Caroline Day handles a variety of regulatory and criminal matters, with expertise spanning issues such as data privacy. Jonathan Grimes provides additional insight in sanctions and POCA-related issues.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Louise Hodges


Autres avocats clés:

Caroline Day; Jonathan Grimes; Alun Milford


 


Les références

‘Louise Hodges is a standout leader in the regulatory and white-collar space, with plenty of experience in the retail, transport and banking sectors.’

‘Alun Milford brings years of expertise from prosecuting white collar crime as the former GC of the SFO.’

‘Caroline Day is a standout lawyer for the delivery of sensible and pragmatic advice to her clients.’

Principaux dossiers


Mayer Brown International LLP

Drawing on its strong global platform, Mayer Brown International LLP advises on a broad scope of investigations and criminal defence matters under the leadership of new practice head Sam Eastwood. Eastwood succeeds Alistair Graham, who now uses his ‘incisive mind and killer strategic instinct’ to support the firm’s clients as an independent consultant. Newly promoted partner Paul Whitfield-Jones is noted for his experience in sanctions and export control matters across sectors, including defence, energy, shipping and banking, while Musonda Kapotwe and Airlie Goodman are recommended for their expertise in ESG-related issues.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Sam Eastwood


Autres avocats clés:

Alistair Graham; Paul Whitfield-Jones; Musonda Kapotwe; Airlie Goodman; Chris Roberts; Hormis Kallarackel; James Ford


Les références

‘The Mayer Brown in this sector is small but perfectly formed. They recruit only the very best and consequently have a team bursting with talent, intelligence and grit. They are agile and creative, always producing solutions to even the most complex of problems.’

‘Alistair Graham is a legend. He has the magic combination of commercial and criminal experience mixed with an incisive mind and killer strategic instinct to put him at the very top of the tree. Chris Roberts is the real deal. He has it all, and you are a lucky client who has him on side. Hormis Kallarackel is an incredibly bright young man with a real maturity and wisdom in his strategic grasp of a case. He is superb.’

‘Mayer Brown stands head and shoulders above other firms in their commitment to understanding client needs, tailoring the focus of their investigation, and actively managing constrained budgets.’

Principaux clients

eOne


Lombard Odier


HSBC


Credit Agricole


 


Principaux dossiers


  • Acted for eOne, now part of Hasbro, in an internal fraud investigation followed by a multi-million pound High Court claim involving allegations of bribery, dishonesty, deceit, conspiracy, corruption and related bankruptcy proceedings.

McDermott Will & Schulte

Fielding a team with ‘excellent all-round strengths’, McDermott Will & Schulte is noted for its expertise in regulatory investigations, securing DPAs, and remains a key port of call for corporate clients in the betting and gaming sector. Simon Airey leads the practice, advising on corporate crime and regulatory issues with ‘great practical wisdom’. James Dobias brings a strong track record in securing DPAs, while Andrew Butel, who recently joined from Kirkland & Ellis International LLP, focuses on multi-jurisdictional internal and government investigations, particularly within the extractives, energy and MedTech sectors.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Airey


Autres avocats clés:

James Dobias; Will Merry


Les références

‘A young and dynamic team with excellent all-round strengths and with a meticulous eye for detail.’

‘A very practical team.’

‘Simon Airey is a visionary with great practical wisdom.’

Principaux clients

Entain


Dentsu


TREO


Skywind


CDW Limited


Playtech


NTT Group


Tecnimont S.p.A.


 


Principaux dossiers


Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP

Morgan, Lewis & Bockius UK LLP is active across a broad spectrum of financial crime matters, frequently advising on investigations involving market abuse, insider trading, corruption and sanctions, including those attracting multi-agency or cross-border scrutiny. The team draws on the firm’s global capabilities across related disciplines such as civil litigation, employment, tax and data privacy, and has recently conducted a range of compliance and internal investigations for its corporate clients. Chris Warren-Smith oversees the practice, bringing experience in UK enforcement agency proceedings as well as investigations led by US regulators.

Responsables de la pratique:

Chris Warren-Smith


Les références

‘A great team with Chris Warren Smith as an outstanding individual.’

‘Strength at all levels and wonderfully professional.’

‘Chris Warren Smith is superb.’

Principaux clients

Investor Group in Serco Group plc


Investor Group in G4S plc


Principaux dossiers


Morrison Foerster

With particular strength in the tech sector, Morrison Foerster’s ‘experienced and committed’ team has recently acted on enforcement, anti-bribery, sanctions and fraud mandates. The practice is co-led by Saqib Alam- qualified in the US, UK and Singapore- who advises on investigations involving bribery, sanctions breaches, human rights violations and money laundering, and Hayley Ichilcik, who has been described as ‘a very bright fraud specialist’.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Saqib Alam; Hayley Ichilcik


Autres avocats clés:

Chloe Kearns


Les références

‘Hayley Ichilcik is first-rate. She’s a highly able lawyer; she’s clever, tough, charming and a delight to work with. Clients love her, as does her legal team: she provides encouragement, reassurance and is adept at handling the most difficult cases.’

‘Chloe Kearns is superb! She’s extremely clever; she’s an excellent lawyer, with a particularly deep knowledge of the financial services regulatory sphere; she’s immensely hard-working; she produces outstanding documents; and is utterly delightful to work with. She would be my first choice for a commercial associate on any tough case. Outstanding.’

‘Very experienced and committed.’

Principaux clients

Fujitsu


Euler Labs


Principaux dossiers


Reed Smith LLP

Co-led by Rosanne Kay and Charles Hewetson, the team at Reed Smith LLP advises on a broad range of financial and corporate crime matters, with particular expertise in AML and fraud. Kay regularly handles internal and external investigations spanning the SFO, SEC, DOJ and OFAC, while Hewetson focuses on major regulatory inquiries, including those related to environmental liabilities. Patrick Rappo left the firm in March 2025.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Rosanne Kay; Charles Hewetson


Autres avocats clés:

Ali Ishaq


Principaux dossiers


Ropes & Gray LLP

Ropes & Gray LLP regularly advises on investigations and enforcement actions in the UK and internationally, and is noted for its strength in AML and anti-corruption compliance. Dually qualified in the UK and US, practice head Amanda Raad is experienced in a wide range of regulatory and investigative mandates. Sean Seelinger is the key contact for cross-border anti-corruption, AML and trade compliance matters, while Tom Jackson is recognised for his work on compliance and internal investigations, particularly in relation to anti-corruption.

Responsables de la pratique:

Amanda Raad


Autres avocats clés:

Sean Seelinger; Tom Jackson


 


Principaux dossiers


Sidley Austin LLP

With notable cross-border capabilities, Sidley Austin LLP is well equipped to handle a broad range of white-collar defence and investigations mandates. Sara George leads the London team, drawing on her experience as a former FSA prosecutor to advise corporate clients on allegations including insider dealing, money laundering, fraud and bribery. Samantha Cumming focuses on government litigation and investigations, while Josie Welland specialises in cybercrime and digital threats.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Sara George


Autres avocats clés:

Samantha Cumming; Josie Welland


Principaux clients

BeIn Media Group


dōTERRA International, LLC


Les Laboratoires Servier SAS


Tavistock Corporation


Principaux dossiers


  • Assisted beIN Media Group in managing a high-profile, politically sensitive international dispute with Saudi Arabia involving broadcast piracy, sports rights, criminal, trade and competition law.
  • Advising dōTERRA on an investigation following media allegations of substandard working conditions and sexual assault by agents of its Somaliland-based supplier within its third-party supply chain.

Squire Patton Boggs

Described as a team with ‘exceptional breadth and depth of experience’, Squire Patton Boggs counts blue-chip multinationals among its clients, particularly in the oil and gas, pharmaceuticals, chemicals and sports sectors. Hannah Laming leads the practice, using her ‘second-to-none intellect and experience’ to advise on bribery, fraud, money laundering and sanction matters, while Wayne Barnes handles investigations involving fraud and mandates within the sports sector.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Hannah Laming


Autres avocats clés:

Wayne Barnes


Les références

‘There is a real quality to the corporate crime team at Squire Patton Boggs, particularly Hannah Laming, whose previous experience at the SFO, FCA and Peters & Peters means that there is little that she does not know about advising and representing corporate clients facing regulatory and criminal investigations. Moreover, the firm’s breadth of practice, reach and international profile mean that they are extremely well positioned to advise corporate clients on the wider implications and ensure that the client’s interests are always fully protected.’

‘Hannah Laming is exceptional. She has an exceptional grasp of the details of any case and an instinctive feel for case strategy. She is a super lawyer with a great understanding of both regulatory and corporate fraud (with a background at the SFO, FCA and Peters & Peters). She is also a great communicator, able to identify exactly what corporate clients need to know and to ensure that they understand the implications of every decision. She is also absolutely lovely to work with.’

‘Excellent experts in their field of specialisation. Mindful of costs and seeking pragmatic solutions.’

Principaux dossiers


Bivonas Law LLP

Fielding a team of ‘very experienced and talented lawyers’, Bivonas Law LLP is well versed in handling regulatory investigations and has a strong track record in engaging with a range of government agencies. The team is led by a trio of partners: Anthony Brown, who regularly acts on cross-border mandates and is noted for advising governments and banks; Steve Sharp, who has handled investigations involving the SFO, FCA and NCA; and Cindy Dorrington, who specialises in financial services regulation and enforcement.

 

Responsables de la pratique:

Antony Brown; Steve Sharp; Cindy Dorrington


Les références

‘Hardworking, enterprising and client-centric.’

‘Boutique firm able to provide close and personal service.’

‘Antony Brown has worked in the insurance industry and has a great understanding of corporate practices.’

Principaux dossiers


  • Advising a UK-based asset management company on its exposure to third party liability after the SFO requested information about its clients linked to an investigation into alleged money laundering and fraud offences concerning the award of major oil contracts in the Middle East.
  • Acting for the UK arm of a ship husbanding company involved in a major US Navy contracting scandal concerning allegations of bribery and overcharging.

Cohen & Gresser (UK) LLP

Cohen & Gresser (UK) LLP’s ‘excellent regulatory investigations and corporate crime team’ is well versed in handling a wide range of cross-border criminal investigations. The ‘exceptionally good’ Thomas Shortland– praised as ‘intelligent, innovative and highly committed to client success’- regularly advises on matters involving parallel investigations, inquiries and litigation. Richard Kovalevsky KC and Patrick Ferguson have both left the firm.

Autres avocats clés:

Thomas Shortland


Les références

‘Thomas Shortland is a hardworking, extremely effective partner who is laser-focused on getting results for his clients. He has huge experience and ability in regulatory investigations and delivers extremely effective outcomes.’

‘The firm has a particular expertise in dealing with FCA-related matters for hedge funds and other financial institutions.’

‘Thomas Shortland is exceptionally good. He has a clear focus on the key issues in a dispute, never losing sight of the commercial issues at play for the client and is particularly good at drafting strong, well-reasoned arguments in correspondence and legal documents. In addition, Thomas provides strong leadership to the team from the firm, working with him on a case and has effective and efficient organisational skills.’

Principaux clients

Itinera S.p.A


Methanol Holdings Trinidad Ltd.; Process Energy (Trinidad) Ltd.


Principaux dossiers


Cooley (UK) LLP

Cooley (UK) LLP is particularly noted for advising its life sciences and technology clients on internal investigations and regulatory defence mandates involving fraud, bribery and money laundering. Tom Epps, praised for his ‘great judgement and excellent client handling’, regularly acts on cross-border fraud investigations and prosecutions. Sascha Grimm is also recommended, routinely assisting clients on UK Bribery Act matters and asset recovery.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tom Epps


Autres avocats clés:

James Maton; Sascha Grimm


Les références

‘Tom Epps stands out for his great judgement and excellent client handling.’

‘Tom Epps is a star.’

‘Tom Epps is a powerful and dynamic presence in the firm. Hugely experienced in global investigations. ’

Principaux dossiers


Dentons

The team at Dentons offers notable expertise in regulatory enforcement and criminal defence mandates, advising clients across a variety of sectors. The practice is led by Katharine Harle, who is particularly experienced in the financial services sector and regularly advises on fraud, AML issues and insider dealing. Joanna Dimmock joined the firm from Paul Hastings LLP, bringing significant experience in representing corporate clients in a breadth of enforcement investigations and prosecutions, with particular expertise in bribery, fraud, cartels, sanctions and tax evasion matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Katharine Harle


Autres avocats clés:

Joanna Dimmock


Les références

‘The depth of multi-disciplinary knowledge – on an international level – sets the team at Dentons apart.’

Well-resourced and thorough, the quality of representation is truly excellent.’

‘Joanna Dimmock is calm, tactically astute and incisive. Her ability to master the whole picture, and individuals’ roles within it, makes her skillset deal in corporate investigations.’

Principaux clients

McArthurGlen UK


M&S


FSCS


John Lewis


Dye and Durham


National House Building Council (NHBC)


Principaux dossiers


Jenner & Block LLP

Led by Christine Braamskamp, Jenner & Block LLP is proficient at defending corporate clients facing government enforcement actions and advising on internal investigations. Robert Dalling regularly handles mandates involving financial sanctions, anti-money laundering and anti-bribery, and is praised for being ‘commercially-minded and a pleasure to deal with’. Joanna Ludlam joined the team in January 2025 from Baker McKenzie LLP, bringing extensive experience across the full range of investigations, compliance and defence matters.

Responsables de la pratique:

Christine Braamskamp


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Dalling; Joanna Ludlam


Les références

‘Robert Dalling is excellent. He is always responsive, is commercially-minded and a pleasure to deal with.’

 

Principaux clients

GLENCORE


Principaux dossiers


Pallas Partners LLP

Praised as a ‘small but expert’ team, the investigations and financial crime practice at Pallas Partners LLP is jointly led by Matthew Getz and Tracey Dovaston. The ‘quick, smart and pragmatic’ Getz advises multinationals and financial institutions on internal and government investigations, and is particularly noted for his sanctions expertise. Dovaston leverages her ‘unparalleled experience’ to handle mandates for financial services clients facing global regulatory investigations.

Responsables de la pratique:

Matt Getz; Tracey Dovaston


Autres avocats clés:

Alessia de Quincey


Les références

‘Matt Getz is extremely knowledgeable and 100% committed to his clients. He thinks very creatively, and his judgment is excellent. He is well supported by his team.’

‘The team is very clever, quick to respond to developments in the litigation, and good at thinking about the best way of achieving the client’s objectives. They make sensible use of counsel, and are a pleasure to work with.’

‘Great client service.’

Principaux clients

Freestream Aircraft


Principaux dossiers


Steptoe UK LLP

The investigations and white-collar defence group at Steptoe UK LLP regularly advises on sanctions and export controls, alongside AML, bribery and tax evasion matters. Practice head Zoe Osborne brings experience when working across sectors and jurisdictions, engaging with enforcement agencies including the SFO and FCA. Alexandra Melia focuses on international financial crime compliance and enforcement defence mandates, particularly those relating to the UK Bribery Act, anti-corruption laws and export controls.

Responsables de la pratique:

Zoe Osborne


Autres avocats clés:

Alexandra Melia


Principaux dossiers


Withers LLP

Withers LLP’s white-collar defence and investigations team is jointly led by Carl Newman and Natalie Sherborn. Newman, lauded as a ‘superb strategic thinker’, handles internal investigations into both financial and non-financial misconduct, as well as matters involving regulatory bodies such as the FCA, SFO and HMRC. Sherborn is ‘laser-focused on the issues at play’ when advising on cross-border, multi-agency investigations, regularly acting on matters pertaining to bribery and fraud.

Responsables de la pratique:

Carl Newman; Natalie Sherborn


Autres avocats clés:

Harvey Knight


Les références

‘A tight-knit team where there is a lot of experience on hand. From top to bottom, class act representation.’

‘Carl Newman is totally unflappable and one of the most charming partners in this field. Natalie Sherbourne – hardworking, always puts the client at the centre of what she does.’

‘Committed and hard working.’

Principaux dossiers