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Fraud and opportunism during COVID-19
William Christopher
"very user-friendly, but tough, determined and tenacious"
Legal 500, 2020
William is a partner in Kingsley Napley’s Dispute Resolution team, based in London. He deals mainly with civil fraud litigation and asset recovery. He is recommended in the Who's Who Legal: Asset Recovery Global Guide 2021, Who's Who Legal: Investigations Global Guide 2021, and is listed as a Thought Leader in the Who's Who Legal: GIR - Asset Recovery 2020 Guide.
William has specialised in commercial litigation with a particular focus on civil fraud actions since he qualified. He has extensive and wide-ranging litigation experience, having acted in cases involving contractual disputes, breach of fiduciary duty, breach of trust, and insolvency-related litigation. He is listed in the global directory “Who’s Who of Asset Recovery”, and is ranked in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500.
William has acted in many international fraud cases throughout his career, involving the recovery of assets concealed in offshore jurisdictions. He is highly experienced in using freezing injunctions, search orders and disclosure orders in international fraud investigations. He acts as a supervising solicitor in the execution of search orders.
William's main areas of expertise are civil fraud (often involving multiple jurisdictions), internal fraud investigations, general commercial litigation, (including shareholder disputes) and contentious and fraud related insolvency litigation.
WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID
able to explain very complex issues of common law and make tactical judgement calls for foreign clients."
Chambers and Partners UK, 2018
very sensible" and "very personable" lawyer who has "a very creative mind" and "thinks cleverly about cases."
Chambers and Partners UK, 2017
a good strategic thinker and tenacious operator”
Who’s Who Legal Guide to Asset Recovery, 2017
recommended for contractual disputes and insolvency-related issues"
Legal 500, 2017
extremely quick, decisive and sensible"
Legal 500, 2017
...a "very sensible and experienced" practitioner with "a very cerebral approach.” He has a busy fraud and asset-tracing practice which includes advice on matters with an international element..."
Chambers UK, 2016
"regarded as an 'established, polished figure' in the field"
Chambers UK, 2014
"William Christopher is praised for his ‘creative and tenacious' approach"
Legal 500, 2014
Recent work and notable cases
Civil Fraud
- William was the partner in the leading case of 4Eng Ltd v Harper and Simpson, acting for the successful Claimant in suing the defendants for the loss of opportunity arising out of fraudulent misrepresentations made in the sale of a company.
- Acting for an art dealer alleged to have converted art in his possession to his own use to raise large sums of money, as well as allegations of failures to account for the proceeds of sale of various pieces of artwork. Multiple freezing injunctions were obtained against the client.
- Acting for a Channel Islands corporate trustee in a case involving allegations of dishonesty, conspiracy, fraudulent misrepresentation and dishonest assistance in breaches of fiduciary duty.
- Acting for a family company in seeking to recover assets lost in investment frauds.
Shareholder disputes
- Acting for a Jordanian businessman in dispute with two Saudi Princes, in a case which involved allegations of fraud, money laundering, smuggling and threats to kill.
- Acting for the Trustees of a Will Trust in a shareholder dispute in relation to shares left by the deceased in a company he formed.
Commercial litigation
- Acting for a company defending claims that a supplier had a concluded option agreement to purchase a substantial number of shares, through an earn-in agreement.
- Acting for a foreign company in setting aside a default judgment on the grounds that the proceedings had not been properly served, and challenging jurisdiction.
- Acting for a resort defending claims made against it in relation to the tragic death of a honeymooning couple.
- Acting for investors in a property company in relation to the return of their investment and promised returns.
Professional Societies and Memberships
- Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association
- The Fraud Advisory Panel
- The Fraud Lawyers Association
- Founding member of Victims of Crime Association of Lawyers (VOCAL)
Publications and articles
William writes extensively for publications such as the New Law Journal and regularly contributes to the Global Investigation Review.
- Featured article in the Cyber Security Practitioner, a publication by Cecil Park Media. Published in the March 2018 Issue.
- Quoted in The Caterer on Cyber Security. Published 24 July 2017.
a tactically astute lawyer"
Who's Who Legal: Investigations Global Guide 2022
a “leading fraud expert” according to sources, who applaud him for his impressive experience in civil fraud litigation"
Who's Who Legal: Investigations Global Guide 2021
An astute litigator."
Chambers and Partners 2020
well respected in the civil fraud area, he has the knowledge and he sees the big picture."
Chambers and Partners 2020
good technically as well as being measured and calm."
Chambers and Partners 2020
has great strategic instincts"
The Legal 500 UK, 2021
Will Christopher stands out. He’s very experienced and knowledgeable and a very tough litigator. He has great strategic instincts, is hands-on and is all-around a great partner to work with."
The Legal 500 UK, 2021
appropriately aggressive, not standing for nonsense from opponents, but never overstepping the mark. Excellent at managing his own clients and their expectations, so that they know what is achievable, which he then delivers with complete confidence. Builds the right team for a case and ensures the right person in the team (both solicitors and counsel) is deployed on the right task."
The Legal 500 UK, 2021
gains recognition for his first class practice and is commended for his expertise in fraud matters
Who's Who Legal: Investigations 2020
appropriately aggressive, not standing for nonsense from opponents, but never overstepping the mark. Excellent at managing his own clients and their expectations, so that they know what is achievable, which he then delivers with complete confidence. Builds the right team for a case and ensures the right person in the team (both solicitors and counsel) is deployed on the right task"
Legal 500, 2020
He is tenacious, whether in attack or defence, but that is coupled with a charm that allows a meeting of minds for settlement."
Chambers and Partners UK, 2019
sensible, clever and responsive"
Legal 500, 2019
