Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2016
Louise represents companies and individuals embroiled in criminal proceedings in the UK. She is part of the team representing Tesco in the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) criminal investigation and Deferred Prosecution Agreement (DPA).
Louise is particularly well known for representing individuals subject to financial regulatory and/or criminal investigations for market abuse or market misconduct including insider dealing and misleading the market, mainly dealt with by the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) or the SFO. She heads the KN Financial Services Group.
Her cases frequently have an international dimension, including involving the US Department of Justice (DOJ), Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and US Commodities Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) as well as many European prosecutors and regulators, including Consob, BaFin, and FINMA. She represents individuals embroiled in HM Revenue and Customs criminal tax investigations and COP 9 civil settlements. She was part of the team representing Rebekah and Charlie Brooks in the phone hacking trial, in particular with regard to the allegations of conspiracy to pervert the course of justice. She is currently involved in representing individuals in the Libor, Euribor and FX investigations.
"Louise Hodges is a lead partner in the firm's internal investigations team and "one of the best around" in the eyes of our sources.... "If you can get her, get her" said one interviewee."
The International Who's Who Legal: Investigations, 2015
Louise is experienced in advising companies and individuals with regard to internal investigations and is part of the Kingsley Napley Corporate Investigations Group. She frequently represents witnesses being interviewed either by employers or by investigating authorities, including those being compelled to attend interviews.
Louise also has public law experience, including the Leveson Inquiry. She was the lead partner heading a team of lawyers representing a number of military witnesses in the Baha Mousa Public Inquiry.
She often advises early in an investigation, aiming where possible to avoid criminal charges and either secure no further action or an alternative regulatory disposal. She has a track record of securing acquittals at trial.
Louise was the first Chair of the Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA) and is currently the Immediate Past Chair. She is the Vice Chair of the European Criminal Bar Association (ECBA) which is a network of European criminal lawyers. She was recently part of a Law Society working group looking at issues of Legal Professional Privilege. She has given evidence to the House of Lords Select Committee on the European Union and is regularly invited to attend various expert meetings in Europe covering subjects such the right to access to a lawyer, the European Public Prosecutions Office (EPPO), the European Investigation Order (EIO) and the European Arrest Warrant (EAW).
Louise is listed by Who's Who Legal: Business Crime Defence as Most Highly Regarded for Corporate Defence and Individual Defence and as a Thought Leader' 2017.
"A highly rated white-collar crime specialist with an “absolutely terrific practice” focusing on SFO, FCA, COLP and HMRC investigations and proceedings."
Who’s Who Legal and GIR top lawyers for internal /external investigations, 2017
"fabulous"
Chambers UK, 2017
"hugely knowledgeable with all of the criminal law experience you would hope for."
Chambers UK, 2017
"very strong on client relationships and a good tactician."
Chambers UK, 2017
..".The 'absolutely superb' Louise Hodges receives praise from market sources regarding her representation of individuals on contentious FS matters, which often draws upon her broader criminal expertise. Interviewees note in particular that she is"incredibly responsive and extremely thorough," and appreciate that "she will consider an issue from every angle..."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2016
"Louise Hodges is a "market leadier", praised by her clients and peers alike for her "calm, insigtful and effective counsel" in relation to FCA, SFO and HM Revenue and Customs investigations."
Who’s Who Legal Investigations 2016
"a go-to for individuals under suspicion of fraud and business-related criminal proceedings. Sources say: "She's phenomenally hard-working, very personable and great with clients. She has good judgement and is not unrealistic in assessment of the case."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession, 2015
Skip to content Home About Us Insights Services Contact Accessibility
