Blog
The growth imperative: Will the Labour government prioritise the fight against fraud for UK Plc and the business community?
Louise Hodges
Defending complex white-collar cases successfully is what we are known for and where we have an unparalleled track record.
The firm has been expert in the field of business crime for more than 50 years and has one of the largest specialist white-collar crime teams in the UK.
Investigations into serious fraud and business crime are rising and companies operate in an increasingly regulated environment. We routinely advise senior executives, company directors and financial services professionals on a variety of white-collar matters - some of which are very high profile and others resolved away from the spotlight.
Our experience encompasses cases involving allegations of bribery and corruption, tax fraud, investment fraud, false accounting, bank fraud, commodities and currency frauds, index and benchmark manipulation (such as Libor, FX and Gold Fix), insider dealing, money laundering, cartels, and financial sanctions breaches. We have acted in all the significant investigations and cases prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) since its establishment in 1987.
With enforcement agencies such as the National Crime Agency (NCA), SFO, HMRC and US Department of Justice (DoJ) increasingly focused on business crime and with new powers and technologies at their disposal, the risk of committing an offence and facing criminal sanction is higher than ever.
How we can help
- We advise suspects and defendants as well as witnesses who find themselves exposed as a result of a corporate investigation or investigation by an enforcement authority.
- We assist in dawn raid situations, where property is seized, individuals are arrested or interviewed under caution.
- We get involved in domestic cases as well as serious and complex cross-border matters, often spanning multiple jurisdictions.
- We are highly skilled at acting in lengthy investigations and trials.
- We can help navigate the regulatory issues faced by individuals facing criminal allegations.
- We also work closely with our civil fraud team to support organisations that have identified incidents of fraud or misconduct perpetrated by directors or employees, professional advisers, agents or business associates.
Our approach
We understand what is at stake when individuals are accused of fraud or white-collar crime or subjected to the gaze of enforcement agencies over a business crime matter.
We can assemble a multi–disciplinary team to all deal with all aspects of a fraud case. We recognise that every situation requires an intelligent and carefully devised strategy.
If you are concerned about a business crime or fraud matter, please contact one of our specialist fraud lawyers.
We also advise on all aspects of corporate crime.
WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID
One of the premier white collar defence teams in London."
Legal 500 UK 2020
They're one of the firms that is right at the top of the scale. They're very experienced in handling the big cases. They're extremely well resourced and I've never had anything other than a good experience with them."
Chambers UK 2020 – A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession
Well-known name in the market, with deep expertise in all aspects of serious corporate crime including regulatory breaches and complex fraud. Adept at handling international corruption, fraudulent trading and false accounting matters. Well versed in bribery and money laundering investigations. Notable experience in advising on internal investigations and compliance, as well as in handling proceedings by government enforcement agencies."
Chambers UK 2020 – A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession
They have an excellent reputation, they have a very broad team and they have strength in depth."
Chambers UK 2020 – A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession
Straddles the overlap between contentious regulatory work and financial crime."
Chambers UK 2020 - A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
One of the leading firms in this area... a team of highly experienced fraud lawyers who understand how to best represent clients’ interests."
Legal 500, 2019
They pick up some fantastic work, they have some fantastic clients and they have a skill of trying to get rid of matters before they go too far."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2019
They have a very sophisticated high net worth practice and a real sensitivity to the kind of issues that high net worth individuals face."
Chambers and Partners, 2019
It's a great team; they've got strength and depth."
Chambers and Partners, 2019
Kingsley Napley always provides a high-level service to clients."
Chambers and Partners, 2019
A standout firm for individual white-collar crime representations’, and the team is ‘great to work with ."
Legal 500
It's a first-class service."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession
Nicola Finnerty
Partner
Jonathan Grimes
Partner
Matthew Hardcastle
Partner
Jill Lorimer
Partner
Alun Milford
Partner
Rebecca Niblock
Partner
Sandra Paul
Partner
Ed Smyth
Partner
Richard Foss
Partner and Head of Department
Katherine Pymont
Partner
Gemma Tombs
Legal Director
Laura Phillips TEP
Legal Director
Julia Bateman
Senior Practice Development Lawyer
Matthew Burn
Senior Associate
Michael Caplan KC
Consultant
Criminal Litigation Partner Alun Milford has co-edited the fifth edition of ‘Serious Fraud, Investigation & Trial’ - a practical guide for practitioners dealing with cases of criminal fraud. For further information, or to order please visit LexisNexis.
A market-leading practice
with great strength in depth and hugely committed individuals. A great firm for white-collar crime"
Legal 500 UK 2022
Louise Hodges, Jonathan Grimes, Alun Milford and Nicola Finnerty. All are so much more than just white-collar specialists; they are true criminal litigators who know the system inside out, are well connected in the industry and government, understand how commercial interests intersect with criminal law"
Legal 500 UK 2022
I think their team is excellent. They have strong expertise, strong practitioners and a strong client book. They have a fantastic UK practice for high net worth clients. I would refer work to them if I had a conflict. I can trust them."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2021
Multi-disciplinary, multi-jurisdictional, high profile, long established practice, perhaps the most famous firm in the field.”
Legal 500 UK 2021
Universally respected by its peers, many of whom look enviously at its happy workforce, media profile and public standing.”
Legal 500 UK 2021
