Allegations of Misconduct in Public Office represent one of the most serious threats a public servant can face. With a maximum sentence of life imprisonment and the potential to destroy, professional careers and personal relationships, these investigations demand exceptional legal expertise from the outset.
Many Misconduct in Public Office allegations are often sensitive, high-profile, and politically charged, and may run alongside other criminal allegations, as well as misconduct and governance issues.
Our unparalleled experience defending public officials means that we do not just understand the law, but also the unique pressures of public service and the devastating impact of being under investigation and prosecution.
Our cross-disciplinary teams supports those who serve the public, including Government Ministers, serving investigation officers, civil servants, judicial officers, elected local officials and healthcare, education and social care professionals
In addition to individuals, we also work with institutions which face allegations of systematic wrongdoing, whose challenges are often complex. Our experience of conducting internal investigations, advising on governance and accountability frameworks and representing the body in public inquiries and investigations, means we can provide strategic guidance that protects both the organisation and the individuals within it.
A truly integrated approach
Allegations in a public service environment rarely exist in isolation. Our market-leading, cross-practice expertise means we can protect you on every front simultaneously.
Our Misconduct in Public Office expertise includes:
- Criminal Defence & Investigations: From the first police station interview through to Crown Court proceedings, we will always aim to contain and close a matter at the earliest opportunity.
- Judicial reviews, select committees and public inquiries: Where we can supporting claimants, defendants, and interested parties
- Regulatory Investigations: Particularly around the use of data, political campaigning and compliance obligations
- Employment Law: Including professional conduct, whistleblowing, grievance and performance-related concerns and disciplinary procedures and appeals and policy/compliance reviews
- Reputation Management: Ensuring that our clients are shielded from intrusive media attention and their personal reputations are protected.
Louise Hodges
Criminal Litigation
Financial Regulatory Litigation
White collar crime
Partner and Head of Department
Jonathan Grimes
Criminal Litigation
White Collar and Financial Crime
Extradition and INTERPOL
Partner
Matthew Hardcastle
Criminal Litigation
Criminal Defence and Police Investigations
Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace
Partner
Alun Milford
Criminal Litigation
Partner
Sandra Paul
Criminal Litigation
Criminal Defence and Police Investigations
Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace
Partner
Sophie Wood
Criminal Litigation
White collar crime
Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering
Partner
Helen Morris
Dispute Resolution
Partner
Sue Thackeray
Dispute Resolution
Partner
Corinne Aldridge
Employment
Partner and Head of Department
Natalie Cohen
Public Law
Partner
Melinka Berridge
Regulatory
Partner and Head of Department
Lord Carter of Haslemere CB
Public Law
Consultant