‘A set with tremendous strength in depth’ with a ‘reputation as one of the leading sets for serious fraud’, 2 Bedford Row advises and provides defences to corporate and individual clients on fraud and financial crime matters from allegations of money-laundering and a full spectrum of serious fraud, in addition to counseling on investigations and prosecutions by the SFO. Simon Baker KC is currently representing the Post Office in criminal appeals concerning the Horizon scandal, which involves challenges to hundreds of fraud, theft and false accounting convictions in the wake of a well-publicised use of evidence from faulty software in private prosecutions. In an SFO case, Sean Hammond represents a defendant accused of conspiring to defraud investors in forestry schemes involving teak plantations in Brazil.
Fraud: crime in
London Bar2 Bedford Row
Testimonials
Set
‘They have fantastic strength in depth and have well earned their reputation as one of the leading London sets for fraud and heavyweight crime.’
‘2 Bedford Row is rightly recognised as a leading set, with some very serious silks and juniors in terms of advocacy skills and legal knowledge.’
‘A set with tremendous strength in depth who have well earned their reputation as one of the leading sets for serious fraud.’
‘2 Bedford Row is in the top tier of criminal law chambers with very high quality counsel through its ranks.’
Clerking
‘John Grimmer is a pleasure to work with and always goes the extra mile to provide a top-quality service.’
‘Paul Rogers – he gets things done and doesn’t mess about.’
‘John Grimmer, Paul Rogers, Tom Powell and Lee Bartlett are stand-out clerks who will go over and beyond to provide an exceptional service.’
‘Clerks’ room is well-run. Paul Rodgers is excellent, very helpful in trying to arrange court hearings and barristers’ availability.’
2 Hare Court
With its ‘excellent, intelligent, strategic and approachable barristers’, 2 Hare Court remains a predominant defence set in the practice area, with ‘strength in depth for complex fraud’, representing clients across a wide range of matters, from major SFO investigations to boiler room and carbon credit trading frauds. Brendan Kelly KC defends in a case concerning Loncon Capital & Finance, an alleged Ponzi-type scheme involving a loss estimated at £400m. In another case, Daniel Chadwick represented the first defendant on the indictment, who is accused of participating in twenty boiler room frauds involved in the mis-selling of carbon credits to the public. Notable arrivals include Richard Heller (January 2022) from Drystone Chambers and Madeleine Wolfe (April 2022) from 23ES.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Hare Court are a very impressive set of chambers with quality throughout the set.’
‘2 Hare Court are an excellent set who have real strength in depth for complex fraud.’
‘The set has excellent, intelligent, strategic and approachable barristers.’
Clerking
‘Chloe Skingley is a hidden gem. She is an asset to chambers.’
‘Julian Campbell is very effective and user-friendly.’
25 Bedford Row
‘An excellent set with top silks and really strong juniors across the board’, 25 Bedford Row continues to hold its position in the market as a top fraud defence set, representing clients involved in high-profile prosecutions and investigations. George Carter-Stephenson KC represented the lead defendant the long running 22 handed fraud case Operation Surging (concluded in November 2021) which involved the alleged laundering of over £25m through 14 shell companies set up as traders of alcoholic beverages. Nicola Howard KC is currently defending in a matter involving alleged fraud money laundering by the Vatican and its cardinals via a £299m London property venture. Simon Pentol KC (in Operation Toll) represented the lead defendant who has been accused of a complex scheme involving alleged fraudulent trading and money laundering arising out of a multi-agency investigation into carbon credit investment.
Testimonials
Set
‘A set with tremendous strength in depth who have well earned their reputation as one of the leading sets for serious fraud.’
’25 BR is a pre-eminent defence set. They have an outstanding reputation for fraud work, from junior through to silk.’
’25 Bedford Row provide seamless service for fraud cases.’
’25 Bedford Row is an excellent set with top silks and really strong juniors across the board.’
’25 Bedford Row is one of the best criminal & fraud sets that there is around.’
Clerking
‘Guy Williams ensures that the clerks room runs like clockwork, but he is also backed up by the very capable Emma Makepeace and also Alfie Lee.’
‘Emma Makepeace is without question the best criminal clerk in the country. Her knowledge of both criminal law and procedure is equal to a qualified lawyer in some areas. This in-depth knowledge means that she is capable of understanding the individual need of a case at an early stage and has a particularly good skill at matching the correct barrister with the case.’
‘The clerks are incredibly hard working and regularly go above and beyond. Alfie Lee and Emma Makepeace standout in this regard.’
‘Alfie Lee is very helpful and is able to provide cover at short notice.’
QEB Hollis Whiteman
‘Home to a vast array of exceptional talent in both financial and general crime’, QEB Hollis Whiteman remains a market-leading set for defences and taking instruction in high-profile prosecutions and investigations. Ben FitzGerald represented a defendant accused of conspiracy to cheat the revenue of £109m through sham carbon credit trading scheme. In one case part of the SFO’s long-running fraud and false accounting prosecution involving the British government contractor Serco), Rhys Meggy acted alone as a junior defending an individual, following a deferred prosecution agreement.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set is home to a vast array of exceptional talent in both financial and general crime.’
‘The set are undoubtedly one of the best in the country for representation in white collar crime.’
‘Excellent in strength and depth and from junior to senior.’
‘First-class set.’
Clerking
‘Clerks Sam Window, Tom Hemmens, Cameron Clark and James Booth are highly-professional, efficient and engaging, and eager to assist with all matters.’
‘Chris Emmings and David O’Sullivan are superb to work with. They go above and beyond in their clerking duties and form very good relationships with solicitor firms.’
‘Led by Chris Emmings, they are a very strong clerks team.’
Three Raymond Buildings
”Containing individuals who possess excellent skills in dealing with fraud cases whether for the prosecution or defence’, Three Raymond Buildings defends clients against and takes instruction in high-profile investigations. Nicholas Yeo is currently acting for a defendant accused of extensive million-pound bank fraud through the alleged obtained of compromised card data and the impersonation of customers.
Testimonials
Set
‘3 Raymond Buildings is the pre-eminent set for criminal litigation. It contains first-class barristers from the most senior to the most junior. An astonishing array of talent.’
‘An excellent set containing individuals who possess excellent skills in dealing with fraud cases whether for the prosecution or defence.’
‘Top-ranking counsel in criminal defence work. Very professional, top-quality service.’
‘ Counsel at the top of this field, with incredible strength in depth and expertise.’
Clerking
‘Their clerks’ room is extremely efficient and very trustworthy. Eddie Holland in particular as a clerk.’
‘The clerking at 3RB is at the very pinnacle in crime. Dean Brown in particular is an outstanding clerk. The service is genuinely 5-star.’
Work highlights
23ES
The experienced criminal fraud set 23ES (formerly 23 Essex Street) defends and prosecutes major SFO investigations and other high-profile financial crime matters. On behalf of a trading standards body, Cairns Nelson KC is prosecuting 11 defendants accused of defrauding elderly members of the public in a boiler room fraud, which made cold calls offering fake energy saving measures. Nelson KC also leads Tom Godfrey in the representation of Newcastle United Football Club, which is the subject of a long-running HMRC tax evasion investigation, with a focus on agents’ fees. Tim Hunter arrived from 2 Harcourt Buildings in May 2022.
Cloth Fair Chambers
‘With a wealth of talent at all levels’, the set at Cloth Fair Chambers defend and prosecute corporates and individuals involved in high-profile financial crime cases and major investigations related to a wide range of alleged offences, not limited to bribery and corruption, insider dealing, false accounting and tax fraud. In R v Umerji, Alison Pople KC represented an absent defendant in £37 million pound confiscation proceedings after an MTIC VAT fraud case. Tom Allen KC represented a defendant charged with conspiracy to commit false accounting offences for the alleged £81m falsification of Royal Mail invoices.
Testimonials
Set
‘Every barrister in this set is exceptional. Each has their own strength, making it the go-to for the full range of criminal work.’
‘Cloth Fair Chambers is blessed with a wealth of talent at all levels.’
‘Excellent set of chambers.’
Clerking
‘Reinforced by the recruitment of the astute Annaleen Stephens as chambers director, the clerks’ room, led by the capable Adrian Chapman, goes from strength to strength. Commercial in their approach, and utterly professional, the Cloth Fair clerks’ room is second-to-none.’
‘The clerks are excellent.’
‘The clerks team, led by Adrian Chapman, are first-class.’
‘All the clerks are only too happy to help.’
Red Lion Chambers
With ‘individual barristers of high ability at every level’, the experienced set at Red Lion Chambers prosecutes and defends high-profile cases and investigations across the practice area. Allison Clare KC successfully defended reality TV personality Lewis Bloor on allegations of being part of a £3m diamond investment fraud. David Walbank KC is prosecuting a fraud by abuse of position through the exploitation of a Power of Attorney to allegedly denude an elderly man of his estate.
Testimonials
Set
‘Red Lion Chambers has very good strength and depth across the board.’
‘An excellent set with individual barristers of high ability at every level in this field.’
‘Red Lion Chambers has strength in depth in criminal fraud.’
”An excellent range of seniority is available at all levels.’
Clerking
‘Mark Bennett is one of the best clerks in the industry. He is supported by an outstanding team.’
‘Lee Young is an outstanding clerk. His client care is second-to-none.’
Crucible Chambers
Members of Crucible Chambers bring expertise to defending clients involved in boiler rooms, money laundering and other financial crime cases, including heavyweight tax frauds. Head of chambers Neil Hawes KC leads a team of juniors from chambers defending in the widely-publicised SFO prosecution of David Ames, who was allegedly involved in an investment scheme involving unbuilt hotels and a loss of £420m to investors. Leila Gaskin is currently representing the principal defendant accused of a boiler room fraud preying on 30 high-net-worth individuals.
33 Chancery Lane
A ‘perfectly-formed group of real white collar crime specialists’, the set at 33 Chancery Lane defend and prosecute high-profile investigations involving allegations of bribery, money-laundering, fraud and other financial offences. Amanda Pinto KC was instructed by the SFO in the successful prosecution if individuals running investment schemes targeting UK and Swedish investors in “sustainable and ethical” teak forest schemes in Brazil. Narita Bahra KC (who joined the set from 2 Hare Court in November 2021) exposed key disclosure failings in one case which led the collapse of a high-profile prosecution for alleged diamond investment fraud. Alistair Webster KC successfully defended a former Chief of the Gloucester Fire Service charged with fraud by breach of trust.
Testimonials
Set
‘Probably the best boutique financial crime set in the country.’
‘Perfectly-formed group of real white collar crime specialists.’
’33 Chancery Lane have gathered some of the most highly-regarded barristers, who come with a real down-to-earth approach.’
‘A select group of barristers who are all incredibly-talented.’
Clerking
‘The clerking, led by Martin Adams, is excellent.’
‘Martin Adams is particularly impressive.’
‘Martin Adams and Chris Chiles are fantastic to deal with.’
6KBW College Hill
‘With exceptional counsel engaged both by the prosecution and defence’, the set at 6KBW College Hill is instructed by clients and regulatory bodies involved in major investigations. Paul Jarvis is currently instructed by the FCA in Operation Haines, to advise on potential charges against several financial advisors alleged to have operated a year-long Ponzi scheme. Esther Schutzer-Weissmann represents the British Business Bank, which is presently the subject of an SFO investigation into the financing and conduct of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very strong set. Good work ethic and responsive.’
‘6KBW are one of the most highly regarded sets in white collar crime.’
‘Definitely on of the top white collar and corporate crime sets in the country with exceptional counsel engaged both by the prosecution and defence.’
Clerking
‘Richard Summerscales is very efficient and responsive and helpful.’
‘Andrew Barnes is in a league of his own. He understands exactly what is needed and has gone above and beyond to help.’
‘Andrew Barnes and Mark Essex provide an excellent service.’
Mountford Chambers
‘An emerging set’, the experienced barristers at Mountford Chambers defend and prosecute high-value fraud prosecutions, from civil fraud and money laundering, to cases involving bribery and corruption. For example, Colin Aylott KC is defending a client charged with an Ministry of Defence contract fraud related to the disposal and destruction of ammunition.
Testimonials
Set
‘An emerging set.’
‘The crime barristers in chambers are all very capable in this field.’
‘Excellent. Very approachable. The chambers is an array of talented advocates.’
Clerking
‘Ben Heaviside is a proper clerk I would put in a high bracket. A good air of judgement.’
Doughty Street Chambers
With ‘real strength in depth’, Doughty Street Chambers is ‘a go-to set for financial crime’, defending and prosecuting high-profile cases and major investigations brought by the SFO, FCA and other regulatory bodies. In R v James Stunt & 12 others Richard Fisher KC represents James Stunt, former son-in-law of ex-Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, in a high-profile money-laundering prosecution concerning events which allegedly saw £266m deposited in the account of a gold dealer in Bradford. Peter Caldwell defended a Lebanese businessman, who was the subject of a private prosecution related to fraud, the proceeds of which were alleged to fund his divorce from his wife, who left him for footballer Cesc Fabregas. In another case Benjamin Newton defends a woman accused of exaggerating her care needs to receive £700,000 in direct payment from Hertfordshire County Council for over a decade.
Testimonials
Set
‘They have many really good silks and juniors so real strength in depth. They are a go-to set for financial crime.’
‘Very busy set, with great depth and experience at all levels.’
‘Top quality set with some of the brightest in the profession.’
‘Doughty Street is a well-known and high calibre set of chambers.’
Clerking
‘Very efficient, reliable, helpful and always willing to assist.’
Foundry Chambers
Cited for their ‘depth of expertise in fraud representation both from prosecution and defence’, the set at Foundry Chambers are instructed in and defend corporates and individual involved in SFO and FCA investigations. In R v Dominic Thorncroft, John McGuinness KC successfully prosecuted a defendant who held himself out as an anti-money laundering expert while allowing the proceeds of an investment fraud to be sent overseas to Hong Kong and mainland China. James Waddington KC (in London Capital and Finance) represents five directors of London Oil and Gas, with regards to an SFO investigation into the collapse of London Capital and Finance Ltd (LCF) and LOG. In another case, Jessica Tate defends a client accused of conspiracy to commit a “boiler room” fraud relating to Ecuadorian gold mines as a vehicle for money laundering. Mukul Chawla KC rejoined the set in January 2022 from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, where he remains a consultant.
Testimonials
Set
‘Foundry Chambers are renown for their depth of expertise in fraud representation both from prosecution and defence, which adds to their complete roundness and ability.’
‘Foundry Chambers is well-established and has an excellent, well-deserved reputation. There is a good mix of barristers at all levels.’
‘Foundry are an established set of chambers with real strength in depth.’
‘Wide variety of counsel who offer skills in multi-disciplines. The fact that many of them both prosecute and defend is advantageous in defence work as they are able to identify weaknesses in the prosecution case swiftly.’
Clerking
‘Recommend Angela May, a real solid pair of hands.’
‘The clerks are always extremely willing to assist, in particular I would recommend Angela May, one of the head clerks.’
Garden Court Chambers
‘With good strength and depth across the board’, the set at Garden Court Chambers defends individuals and corporate involved in investigations and prosecutions across a wide range of alleged fraud and financial crime offences. Bernard Tetlow KC currently represents one of 13 defendants (including the ex-son-in-law of former Formula One personality Bernie Ecclestone) in a widely-publicised case stemming from NatWest’s alleged failure to detect a five-year, £268m money laundering operation running through Bradford gold dealer Fowler Oldfield. Tom Wainwright is currently represents a Dubai-based defendant charged with the alleged laundering of proceeds from a £20m cryptocurrency fraud, by allegedly converting the them into local currency or property. Mark Gatley KC was appointed a Silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘There are a number of professionals cover all areas of law – an excellent set.’
‘Garden Court are efficient chambers with good strength and depth across the board. A heavyweight criminal set with a personal touch, and a good spread of work.’
Clerking
‘Colin Cook is amazing.’
‘The clerks are very efficient and Colin Cook is always helpful. Charlie Tennent is always on hand to help and find solutions.’
‘Best in the business – Charlie Tennant.’
Matrix Chambers
With a ‘stellar group of KCs’ that is ‘matched by an expanding band of juniors of all levels’, the criminal fraud set at Matrix Chambers brings experience to defending major corporates and individuals against high-profile prosecutions and investigations related to a diverse spectrum of alleged financial offences. In an FCA investigation taken over by the SFO, Tim Owen KC continues to represent one of the suspects in the collapse of London Capital and Finance allegedly due to its sale of mini-bonds. Vedrana Pehar represents the ex-husband of Petra Ecclestone on money-laundering charges. Richard Whittam KC conducted the successful private prosecution of a Lebanese businessman with regards to a multi-million pound Knightsbridge property and a real estate scam from which the defendant used to fund family litigation after his wife left him for a footballer.
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers is in the very top tier of London sets for fraud and crime. Their stellar group of silks is matched by an expanding band of juniors of all levels.’
‘Matrix is head and shoulders above other chambers.’
‘Matrix Chambers has a number of high profile members who are very well-regarded. It is a leading set in this field.’
Clerking
‘Paul Venables is one of the senior clerks. He is a really cool guy and nothing phases him.’
‘The clerking team, led by Paul Venables, is top-notch.’
2 Bedford Row
Testimonials
Set
‘They have fantastic strength in depth and have well earned their reputation as one of the leading London sets for fraud and heavyweight crime.’
‘2 Bedford Row is rightly recognised as a leading set, with some very serious silks and juniors in terms of advocacy skills and legal knowledge.’
‘A set with tremendous strength in depth who have well earned their reputation as one of the leading sets for serious fraud.’
‘2 Bedford Row is in the top tier of criminal law chambers with very high quality counsel through its ranks.’
Clerking
‘John Grimmer is a pleasure to work with and always goes the extra mile to provide a top-quality service.’
‘Paul Rogers – he gets things done and doesn’t mess about.’
‘John Grimmer, Paul Rogers, Tom Powell and Lee Bartlett are stand-out clerks who will go over and beyond to provide an exceptional service.’
‘Clerks’ room is well-run. Paul Rodgers is excellent, very helpful in trying to arrange court hearings and barristers’ availability.’
2 Hare Court
With its ‘excellent, intelligent, strategic and approachable barristers’, 2 Hare Court remains a predominant defence set in the practice area, with ‘strength in depth for complex fraud’, representing clients across a wide range of matters, from major SFO investigations to boiler room and carbon credit trading frauds. Brendan Kelly KC defends in a case concerning Loncon Capital & Finance, an alleged Ponzi-type scheme involving a loss estimated at £400m. In another case, Daniel Chadwick represented the first defendant on the indictment, who is accused of participating in twenty boiler room frauds involved in the mis-selling of carbon credits to the public. Notable arrivals include Richard Heller (January 2022) from Drystone Chambers and Madeleine Wolfe (April 2022) from 23ES.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Hare Court are a very impressive set of chambers with quality throughout the set.’
‘2 Hare Court are an excellent set who have real strength in depth for complex fraud.’
‘The set has excellent, intelligent, strategic and approachable barristers.’
Clerking
‘Chloe Skingley is a hidden gem. She is an asset to chambers.’
‘Julian Campbell is very effective and user-friendly.’
25 Bedford Row
‘An excellent set with top silks and really strong juniors across the board’, 25 Bedford Row continues to hold its position in the market as a top fraud defence set, representing clients involved in high-profile prosecutions and investigations. George Carter-Stephenson KC represented the lead defendant the long running 22 handed fraud case Operation Surging (concluded in November 2021) which involved the alleged laundering of over £25m through 14 shell companies set up as traders of alcoholic beverages. Nicola Howard KC is currently defending in a matter involving alleged fraud money laundering by the Vatican and its cardinals via a £299m London property venture. Simon Pentol KC (in Operation Toll) represented the lead defendant who has been accused of a complex scheme involving alleged fraudulent trading and money laundering arising out of a multi-agency investigation into carbon credit investment.
Testimonials
Set
‘A set with tremendous strength in depth who have well earned their reputation as one of the leading sets for serious fraud.’
’25 BR is a pre-eminent defence set. They have an outstanding reputation for fraud work, from junior through to silk.’
’25 Bedford Row provide seamless service for fraud cases.’
’25 Bedford Row is an excellent set with top silks and really strong juniors across the board.’
’25 Bedford Row is one of the best criminal & fraud sets that there is around.’
Clerking
‘Guy Williams ensures that the clerks room runs like clockwork, but he is also backed up by the very capable Emma Makepeace and also Alfie Lee.’
‘Emma Makepeace is without question the best criminal clerk in the country. Her knowledge of both criminal law and procedure is equal to a qualified lawyer in some areas. This in-depth knowledge means that she is capable of understanding the individual need of a case at an early stage and has a particularly good skill at matching the correct barrister with the case.’
‘The clerks are incredibly hard working and regularly go above and beyond. Alfie Lee and Emma Makepeace standout in this regard.’
‘Alfie Lee is very helpful and is able to provide cover at short notice.’
QEB Hollis Whiteman
‘Home to a vast array of exceptional talent in both financial and general crime’, QEB Hollis Whiteman remains a market-leading set for defences and taking instruction in high-profile prosecutions and investigations. Ben FitzGerald represented a defendant accused of conspiracy to cheat the revenue of £109m through sham carbon credit trading scheme. In one case part of the SFO’s long-running fraud and false accounting prosecution involving the British government contractor Serco), Rhys Meggy acted alone as a junior defending an individual, following a deferred prosecution agreement.
Testimonials
Set
‘The set is home to a vast array of exceptional talent in both financial and general crime.’
‘The set are undoubtedly one of the best in the country for representation in white collar crime.’
‘Excellent in strength and depth and from junior to senior.’
‘First-class set.’
Clerking
‘Clerks Sam Window, Tom Hemmens, Cameron Clark and James Booth are highly-professional, efficient and engaging, and eager to assist with all matters.’
‘Chris Emmings and David O’Sullivan are superb to work with. They go above and beyond in their clerking duties and form very good relationships with solicitor firms.’
‘Led by Chris Emmings, they are a very strong clerks team.’
Three Raymond Buildings
”Containing individuals who possess excellent skills in dealing with fraud cases whether for the prosecution or defence’, Three Raymond Buildings defends clients against and takes instruction in high-profile investigations. Nicholas Yeo is currently acting for a defendant accused of extensive million-pound bank fraud through the alleged obtained of compromised card data and the impersonation of customers.
Testimonials
Set
‘3 Raymond Buildings is the pre-eminent set for criminal litigation. It contains first-class barristers from the most senior to the most junior. An astonishing array of talent.’
‘An excellent set containing individuals who possess excellent skills in dealing with fraud cases whether for the prosecution or defence.’
‘Top-ranking counsel in criminal defence work. Very professional, top-quality service.’
‘ Counsel at the top of this field, with incredible strength in depth and expertise.’
Clerking
‘Their clerks’ room is extremely efficient and very trustworthy. Eddie Holland in particular as a clerk.’
‘The clerking at 3RB is at the very pinnacle in crime. Dean Brown in particular is an outstanding clerk. The service is genuinely 5-star.’
Work highlights
23ES
The experienced criminal fraud set 23ES (formerly 23 Essex Street) defends and prosecutes major SFO investigations and other high-profile financial crime matters. On behalf of a trading standards body, Cairns Nelson KC is prosecuting 11 defendants accused of defrauding elderly members of the public in a boiler room fraud, which made cold calls offering fake energy saving measures. Nelson KC also leads Tom Godfrey in the representation of Newcastle United Football Club, which is the subject of a long-running HMRC tax evasion investigation, with a focus on agents’ fees. Tim Hunter arrived from 2 Harcourt Buildings in May 2022.
Cloth Fair Chambers
‘With a wealth of talent at all levels’, the set at Cloth Fair Chambers defend and prosecute corporates and individuals involved in high-profile financial crime cases and major investigations related to a wide range of alleged offences, not limited to bribery and corruption, insider dealing, false accounting and tax fraud. In R v Umerji, Alison Pople KC represented an absent defendant in £37 million pound confiscation proceedings after an MTIC VAT fraud case. Tom Allen KC represented a defendant charged with conspiracy to commit false accounting offences for the alleged £81m falsification of Royal Mail invoices.
Testimonials
Set
‘Every barrister in this set is exceptional. Each has their own strength, making it the go-to for the full range of criminal work.’
‘Cloth Fair Chambers is blessed with a wealth of talent at all levels.’
‘Excellent set of chambers.’
Clerking
‘Reinforced by the recruitment of the astute Annaleen Stephens as chambers director, the clerks’ room, led by the capable Adrian Chapman, goes from strength to strength. Commercial in their approach, and utterly professional, the Cloth Fair clerks’ room is second-to-none.’
‘The clerks are excellent.’
‘The clerks team, led by Adrian Chapman, are first-class.’
‘All the clerks are only too happy to help.’
Red Lion Chambers
With ‘individual barristers of high ability at every level’, the experienced set at Red Lion Chambers prosecutes and defends high-profile cases and investigations across the practice area. Allison Clare KC successfully defended reality TV personality Lewis Bloor on allegations of being part of a £3m diamond investment fraud. David Walbank KC is prosecuting a fraud by abuse of position through the exploitation of a Power of Attorney to allegedly denude an elderly man of his estate.
Testimonials
Set
‘Red Lion Chambers has very good strength and depth across the board.’
‘An excellent set with individual barristers of high ability at every level in this field.’
‘Red Lion Chambers has strength in depth in criminal fraud.’
”An excellent range of seniority is available at all levels.’
Clerking
‘Mark Bennett is one of the best clerks in the industry. He is supported by an outstanding team.’
‘Lee Young is an outstanding clerk. His client care is second-to-none.’
Crucible Chambers
Members of Crucible Chambers bring expertise to defending clients involved in boiler rooms, money laundering and other financial crime cases, including heavyweight tax frauds. Head of chambers Neil Hawes KC leads a team of juniors from chambers defending in the widely-publicised SFO prosecution of David Ames, who was allegedly involved in an investment scheme involving unbuilt hotels and a loss of £420m to investors. Leila Gaskin is currently representing the principal defendant accused of a boiler room fraud preying on 30 high-net-worth individuals.
33 Chancery Lane
A ‘perfectly-formed group of real white collar crime specialists’, the set at 33 Chancery Lane defend and prosecute high-profile investigations involving allegations of bribery, money-laundering, fraud and other financial offences. Amanda Pinto KC was instructed by the SFO in the successful prosecution if individuals running investment schemes targeting UK and Swedish investors in “sustainable and ethical” teak forest schemes in Brazil. Narita Bahra KC (who joined the set from 2 Hare Court in November 2021) exposed key disclosure failings in one case which led the collapse of a high-profile prosecution for alleged diamond investment fraud. Alistair Webster KC successfully defended a former Chief of the Gloucester Fire Service charged with fraud by breach of trust.
Testimonials
Set
‘Probably the best boutique financial crime set in the country.’
‘Perfectly-formed group of real white collar crime specialists.’
’33 Chancery Lane have gathered some of the most highly-regarded barristers, who come with a real down-to-earth approach.’
‘A select group of barristers who are all incredibly-talented.’
Clerking
‘The clerking, led by Martin Adams, is excellent.’
‘Martin Adams is particularly impressive.’
‘Martin Adams and Chris Chiles are fantastic to deal with.’
6KBW College Hill
‘With exceptional counsel engaged both by the prosecution and defence’, the set at 6KBW College Hill is instructed by clients and regulatory bodies involved in major investigations. Paul Jarvis is currently instructed by the FCA in Operation Haines, to advise on potential charges against several financial advisors alleged to have operated a year-long Ponzi scheme. Esther Schutzer-Weissmann represents the British Business Bank, which is presently the subject of an SFO investigation into the financing and conduct of the Coronavirus Large Business Interruption Loan Scheme.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very strong set. Good work ethic and responsive.’
‘6KBW are one of the most highly regarded sets in white collar crime.’
‘Definitely on of the top white collar and corporate crime sets in the country with exceptional counsel engaged both by the prosecution and defence.’
Clerking
‘Richard Summerscales is very efficient and responsive and helpful.’
‘Andrew Barnes is in a league of his own. He understands exactly what is needed and has gone above and beyond to help.’
‘Andrew Barnes and Mark Essex provide an excellent service.’
Mountford Chambers
‘An emerging set’, the experienced barristers at Mountford Chambers defend and prosecute high-value fraud prosecutions, from civil fraud and money laundering, to cases involving bribery and corruption. For example, Colin Aylott KC is defending a client charged with an Ministry of Defence contract fraud related to the disposal and destruction of ammunition.
Testimonials
Set
‘An emerging set.’
‘The crime barristers in chambers are all very capable in this field.’
‘Excellent. Very approachable. The chambers is an array of talented advocates.’
Clerking
‘Ben Heaviside is a proper clerk I would put in a high bracket. A good air of judgement.’
Doughty Street Chambers
With ‘real strength in depth’, Doughty Street Chambers is ‘a go-to set for financial crime’, defending and prosecuting high-profile cases and major investigations brought by the SFO, FCA and other regulatory bodies. In R v James Stunt & 12 others Richard Fisher KC represents James Stunt, former son-in-law of ex-Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, in a high-profile money-laundering prosecution concerning events which allegedly saw £266m deposited in the account of a gold dealer in Bradford. Peter Caldwell defended a Lebanese businessman, who was the subject of a private prosecution related to fraud, the proceeds of which were alleged to fund his divorce from his wife, who left him for footballer Cesc Fabregas. In another case Benjamin Newton defends a woman accused of exaggerating her care needs to receive £700,000 in direct payment from Hertfordshire County Council for over a decade.
Testimonials
Set
‘They have many really good silks and juniors so real strength in depth. They are a go-to set for financial crime.’
‘Very busy set, with great depth and experience at all levels.’
‘Top quality set with some of the brightest in the profession.’
‘Doughty Street is a well-known and high calibre set of chambers.’
Clerking
‘Very efficient, reliable, helpful and always willing to assist.’
Foundry Chambers
Cited for their ‘depth of expertise in fraud representation both from prosecution and defence’, the set at Foundry Chambers are instructed in and defend corporates and individual involved in SFO and FCA investigations. In R v Dominic Thorncroft, John McGuinness KC successfully prosecuted a defendant who held himself out as an anti-money laundering expert while allowing the proceeds of an investment fraud to be sent overseas to Hong Kong and mainland China. James Waddington KC (in London Capital and Finance) represents five directors of London Oil and Gas, with regards to an SFO investigation into the collapse of London Capital and Finance Ltd (LCF) and LOG. In another case, Jessica Tate defends a client accused of conspiracy to commit a “boiler room” fraud relating to Ecuadorian gold mines as a vehicle for money laundering. Mukul Chawla KC rejoined the set in January 2022 from Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP, where he remains a consultant.
Testimonials
Set
‘Foundry Chambers are renown for their depth of expertise in fraud representation both from prosecution and defence, which adds to their complete roundness and ability.’
‘Foundry Chambers is well-established and has an excellent, well-deserved reputation. There is a good mix of barristers at all levels.’
‘Foundry are an established set of chambers with real strength in depth.’
‘Wide variety of counsel who offer skills in multi-disciplines. The fact that many of them both prosecute and defend is advantageous in defence work as they are able to identify weaknesses in the prosecution case swiftly.’
Clerking
‘Recommend Angela May, a real solid pair of hands.’
‘The clerks are always extremely willing to assist, in particular I would recommend Angela May, one of the head clerks.’
Garden Court Chambers
‘With good strength and depth across the board’, the set at Garden Court Chambers defends individuals and corporate involved in investigations and prosecutions across a wide range of alleged fraud and financial crime offences. Bernard Tetlow KC currently represents one of 13 defendants (including the ex-son-in-law of former Formula One personality Bernie Ecclestone) in a widely-publicised case stemming from NatWest’s alleged failure to detect a five-year, £268m money laundering operation running through Bradford gold dealer Fowler Oldfield. Tom Wainwright is currently represents a Dubai-based defendant charged with the alleged laundering of proceeds from a £20m cryptocurrency fraud, by allegedly converting the them into local currency or property. Mark Gatley KC was appointed a Silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘There are a number of professionals cover all areas of law – an excellent set.’
‘Garden Court are efficient chambers with good strength and depth across the board. A heavyweight criminal set with a personal touch, and a good spread of work.’
Clerking
‘Colin Cook is amazing.’
‘The clerks are very efficient and Colin Cook is always helpful. Charlie Tennent is always on hand to help and find solutions.’
‘Best in the business – Charlie Tennant.’
Matrix Chambers
With a ‘stellar group of KCs’ that is ‘matched by an expanding band of juniors of all levels’, the criminal fraud set at Matrix Chambers brings experience to defending major corporates and individuals against high-profile prosecutions and investigations related to a diverse spectrum of alleged financial offences. In an FCA investigation taken over by the SFO, Tim Owen KC continues to represent one of the suspects in the collapse of London Capital and Finance allegedly due to its sale of mini-bonds. Vedrana Pehar represents the ex-husband of Petra Ecclestone on money-laundering charges. Richard Whittam KC conducted the successful private prosecution of a Lebanese businessman with regards to a multi-million pound Knightsbridge property and a real estate scam from which the defendant used to fund family litigation after his wife left him for a footballer.
Testimonials
Set
‘Matrix Chambers is in the very top tier of London sets for fraud and crime. Their stellar group of silks is matched by an expanding band of juniors of all levels.’
‘Matrix is head and shoulders above other chambers.’
‘Matrix Chambers has a number of high profile members who are very well-regarded. It is a leading set in this field.’
Clerking
‘Paul Venables is one of the senior clerks. He is a really cool guy and nothing phases him.’
‘The clerking team, led by Paul Venables, is top-notch.’