A 'top criminal law set' with 'tremendous strength in depth', 2 Bedford Row covers the gamut of tax fraud, bribery, corruption, and insider dealing, with particular focus on the intersection of fraud and business crime. Stan Reiz QC represented an alleged ringleader in a high-value investment fraud case involving coloured diamonds, the matter attracting media attention as a co-defendant previously appeared on The Only Way is Essex. In a separate case, Sean Hammond is instructed in a multi-defendant case concerning an alleged pension liberation fraud. Simon Baker QC was appointed to silk in 2021.
Fraud: crime in
London Bar2 Bedford Row
Testimonials
Set
‘A top criminal law set.’
‘I have dealt with several barristers from 2 Bedford Row and have always been impressed with their professionalism, ability, and preparation.’
‘The best criminal/fraud set in London/South East. Tremendous strength in depth where only the highest standards are accepted and where a very strong work ethic is engendered from start of pupillage.’
‘2 Bedford Row rightly retains its pre-eminent position as the best set for members of the Bar practicing in criminal courts.’
‘2 Bedford Row is one of the leading sets in the country. They work tirelessly to offer the best service that you would expect from a leading chambers. They are supported by a tremendous team of very talented counsel.’
Clerking
‘Each clerk has a hands on approach in cases where they will ensure that the best suited counsel will cover our cases and where instructed counsel are unable to cover, they will ensure that that any replacement is fully up to speed with the issues. They keep you informed from a diary management perspective and have a “can do” approach.’
‘Highly professional and approachable clerks.’
‘The clerks room is well-led by the respected John Grimmer.’
‘The best criminal clerks who excelled themselves during the pandemic crisis, the legendary John Grimmer worked tirelessly but also assisted many solicitors laid off as a result of the pandemic to get new jobs. Paul Rodgers and Joe Martin also burnished their reputations by working extraordinary hours to stay on top of what were daily disasters caused by Covid outbreaks at Courts.’
‘John Grimmer is an outstanding clerk who is supported by a talented team of junior clerks and assistants.’
2 Hare Court
The 'go-to set' at 2 Hare Court covers the full range of fraud matters, including boiler room scams, VAT and MTIC frauds, and Ponzi schemes, as well as all related areas of law, such as money laundering. The set has developed 'an excellent reputation' for cultivating 'talented barristers' that practice almost exclusively in complex financial crime. Brendan Kelly QC is instructed to represent a former aide to media personality and ex-husband of Petra Ecclestone James Stunt. Private prosecutions for fraud are a particular area of expertise - Jonathan Laidlaw QC is representing clothing label Supreme as prosecutor in a counterfeiting case.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Hare Court are a go-to set. With their expansion over the last few years they are able to offer a vast number of barristers who are leaders in this field.’
‘Well-established reputation with quality barristers.’
‘Very good, especially at silk level.’
‘A set with an excellent reputation and a host of talented barristers.‘
‘This set understands the needs of solicitors and clients. They are prepared to to go the extra mile to ensure chosen counsel is available although appropriate substitutes offered where clashes cannot be avoided.’
Clerking
‘The senior clerk is the best in the business.’
‘The clerking team have always been excellent.’
‘The clerks room is extremely capable and very good at keeping their clients updated. They know the market and are able to quote competitively.’
‘Their clerking is impressive.‘
‘Julian Campbell is without an equal amongst the senior clerks in the top sets.‘
25 Bedford Row
25 Bedford Row has a 'varied skill set' providing a 'diversity of available counsel' for all defence matters involving complex financial crime, including allegations of fraud, such as Ponzi schemes, pension and election frauds, and stock market scams. George Carter-Stephenson QC is instructed to represent a defendant in an upcoming case concerning the Axion Legal Financing Fund, while Nigel Sangster QC is instructed to defend in a case involving alleged £17m VAT fraud involving precious metals. The 'highly effective' Nathaniel Rudolf QC, whose fraud practices crosses over with a heavy practice on the technical points of criminal finances law, was made silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘25 Bedford Row are my go-to chambers in London. Their Barristers have a varying skill set which means I am able to instruct them on any type of case. I am yet to meet a barrister from 25 Bedford Row whom I or my client doesn’t like.’
‘25 Bedford Row are perceived as one of the top three criminal chambers. The difficulty often found in securing certain counsel, is a testimony to their popularity and the level of work that they conducted. However 25 Bedford Row are the go to chambers because of the choice and diversity of available counsel.’
‘25 Bedford Row is an outstanding set. The breadth of talent is excellent and continues to excel.‘
‘25 Bedford Row are a brilliant criminal defence set. Their members offer a great wealth of experience and expertise.’
‘25 Bedford Row is one of the best criminal and fraud sets that there is around. The set is strong in all areas of crime and if someone is not available the alternative options are equally good.’
Clerking
‘25 Bedford Row has an excellent clerking team. The service they provide is second to none. They really go out of their way to help the solicitors who instruct them. Alfie Lee, in particular, is incredibly helpful and commercially astute. He is the best young clerk at the criminal bar.‘
‘The clerking at 25 Bedford Row is strong. It is very rare that you get let down by the clerking team. Counsel rarely changes at the last minute.’
‘Guy Williams ensures that the clerks room runs like clockwork, but he is also backed up by the very capable Emma Makepeace and Alfie Lee. The good thing about this set is that if one clerk is not available then the other clerks can assist you just the same. The service is just so seamless.’
‘The Clerks provide an excellent service, both in terms of the clerking that they provide but the care with which each case is handled. The clerks work hard alongside their Counsel to ensure a collaborative approach to clerking and have a great feel for the right person for the right case. They do this by getting to know all their members so that the right person can be matched with the right case.‘
‘An excellent service and I see and Alfie Lee as a future leaders.‘
QEB Hollis Whiteman
Known for a 'tremendous depth of counsel of all types of fraud', QEB Hollis Whiteman 'set the gold standard for handling serious and complex financial crime matters', including multi-jurisdictional money laundering, investment and VAT fraud, and fraud-related private prosecutions. This crosses over with expertise in other areas such as professional regulation, corruption offences and POCA work,
Testimonials
Set
‘Tremendous depth of counsel of all types of fraud.’
‘Top set for complex criminal work. Strength and depth across all areas of criminal practice.’
‘They set the gold standard for handling serious and complex financial crime matters. We know that we can trust any one of them to do a phenomenal job.’
‘One of the leading sets for white-collar crime/corporate crime. Full range of counsel to suit any criminal or regulatory case and an increasing ability to assist on internal investigations.’
Clerking
‘Great service from the clerks, from bottom to top.’
‘Chris Emmings is one of the nicest, most efficient, trusted and able senior clerks in Crime. Faye Stimpson is fantastic. Both enjoy, and will continue to enjoy, a fabulous profile within the marketplace.’
‘Chris Emmings and Faye Stimpson are a pleasure to deal with, and suggest the right counsel for the case. David O’Sullivan is also a rising star on the clerks team. Always a warm and personal welcome.’
‘The clerking of Chris Emmings and Faye Stimson is excellent. Helpful and anxious to find the right barrister for the right case. Chris Emmings combines the best of a traditional clerk with a modern approach that is both flexible and realistic, to the benefit of members of chambers and the professional and lay client.‘
Three Raymond Buildings
The 'outstanding' and 'top' set at Three Raymond Buildings is 'one of the first ports of call for serious fraud' for both defence and prosecution work, including in key areas such as MTIC fraud, tax fraud, and related areas such as embezzlement and corruption. Recent notable work includes Luke Ponte acting for the defendant in a four-month trial alleging the laundering £7m of proceeds of an investment fraud, claimed to have been committed by a financial advisor and solicitor.
Testimonials
Set
‘Three Raymond Buildings boasts a breadth and depth of business crime lawyers who are highly regarded in their field.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings are one of the go-to sets for serious economic crime.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings is an outstanding set and one of the first ports of call for serious fraud.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings is a top set. I think they are really, really good and am always happy with the service I receive from all its members.’
‘The chambers at Three Raymond Buildings is very well-organised and it doesn’t matter which barrister you get, they will always be exceptional. Three Raymond Buildings only has exceptional barristers.’
Clerking
‘Three Raymond Buildings have the most friendly and approachable clerks room. They combine exceptional knowledge with an amazing service. They want to help in every way they can. No job is beyond them. In the 18 years I have instructed counsel at Three Raymond Buildings, I have never known them to make an error.’
‘The clerks room offers the same level of service as the leading civil sets and is pre-eminent in criminal litigation and related areas. Dean Brown is outstanding.’
‘First rate clerking: professional, efficient and personable. Eddie Holland heads a very impressive team.’
‘The clerks are friendly, helpful and efficient.’
‘Very user-friendly clerks’ room. Eddie Holland is a delight to deal with.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street 'has an extremely good reputation in the field of fraud', and is consequently known for 'skilled and diligent' representation of clients in major fraud cases, ranging from Ponzi schemes to boiler room fraud, money laundering, and tax and election fraud, both prosecuting and defending. Recent matters include James McCrindell, who defended in an election fraud case involving obtaining signatures by claiming to represent other parties; the matter was one of the first cases heard in a Nightingale Court. Mark Fenhalls QC prosecuted the operator of a foreign exchange Ponzi scheme. Cairns Nelson QC, who is representing a former football executive accused of alleged theft of money from CONCACAF, the North American and Central American football governing body, is one of several members with connections in the Cayman Islands.
Testimonials
Set
‘23 Essex Street have remarkable talent from junior to senior counsel.’
‘23 Essex Street has an extremely good reputation in the field of fraud and asset forfeiture; one that is richly deserved. Counsel are, without exception, skilled and diligent.’
‘23 Essex Street is a great set of Chambers with some very fine counsel there, silks and juniors, prosecutors and defenders.’
‘23 Essex Street is a chambers which sets the bar for criminal defence. It has been my chambers of choice for 20 years and I don’t see that changing. In terms of prosecution, its members do so with the same level of commitment as if defending, but always with fairness.‘
Clerking
‘Even queries of the utmost urgency are dealt with efficiently by Wayne King and the clerking team – they know how to get the right person for the job.’
‘The clerks will go out of their way to assist. Wayne King and Adam Chapman are my points of contact generally. I find their communication is exemplary and the service they provide is always of a very high quality.’
‘The clerks are an invaluable asset to 23 Essex Street. They are always prepared to help.’
‘The clerks are bright and willing to help. They will go out of their way to assist professional clients identify the right barrister for the job. Adam Chapman is standout for his courtesy and efficiency. Liam Kitcher and Michael Barrett are hardworking and always polite. Wayne King has tremendous energy and will go the extra mile for the client.’
‘The Clerks will bend over backwards to accommodate you.‘
‘Wayne King has a natural ability to combine solicitors with barristers.’
Cloth Fair Chambers
The 'outstanding set' at Cloth Fair Chambers has established itself 'as the go-to set for all serious/complex bribery and corruption matters', including expertise in fraud. Nicholas Purnell QC and Rachel Kapila have been instructed to lead a mixed criminal and civil counsel team representing Dechert LLP and Neil Gerrard in a civil claim regarding allegations of fraud and bribery in Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been joined to a claim brought by the ENRC against the SFO. Additionally, John Kelsey-Fry QC, leading Jonathan Barnard QC, successfully defended the former Executive Chairman of Investment Banking at Barclays charged with fraud following an investigation into its raising of funds from Qatari investors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Outstanding set for business crime.‘
‘Real specialist criminal trial experience and handling of high-profile clients.’
‘Cloth Fair has long been established as the go to set for all serious/complex bribery and corruption matters and their track record supports this.’
‘Cloth Fair is deservedly one of the top sets at the criminal Bar. It has a stellar list of members who are always in demand and who can usually be found in the highest profile criminal cases.’
‘Cloth Fair is very good for fraud work.’
Clerking
‘A strong clerking set – will always find you someone who can help.’
‘The clerking is first class.’
‘Very well led and organised. For a set of such high profile and reputation, the clerking team is down to earth, approachable and try hard to make sure they offer a top service to everyone.’
‘A great service is provided by the clerks and chambers is of a size where a personal service is always guaranteed.’
‘Adrian Chapman and Mark O’Neill are simply two of the best clerks in the business. Approachable and understated, both are widely respected by solicitors both for their diligence and professionalism, as well as their ability to build and maintain the trust of those instructing Cloth Fair. They embody many of the best qualities of this set and are thoroughly deserving of their excellent reputation in the criminal clerking world.‘
Red Lion Chambers
The 'very experienced team' at Red Lion Chambers is 'an excellent fraud set', having developed over many years 'an excellent reputation' for both defence and prosecution work on 'very complex investment frauds'. Members are noted for continuing work through covid in private prosecutions. Notable recent work includes head of chambers Gillian Jones QC acting for CPS Specialist Fraud Division in a large-scale fraud case with numerous defendants including David Noakes, a former UKIP leadership candidate , who sold fake medicine that claimed to cure cancer, HIV, and multiple sclerosis; confiscation proceedings were finally concluded in June 2020, during the height of the pandemic. March 2021 saw 'exceptionally able advocate' Hannah Willcocks QC take silk.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent fraud set!‘
‘Excellent criminal set with a justifiable reputation as a market leader.’
‘Red Lion Chambers is an excellent set when it comes to fraud prosecutions and HMRC investigations. The set has a very experienced team which covers all levels of work from the basic low level VAT frauds up to the very complex investment frauds.’
‘Red Lion Chambers have an excellent reputation for fraud.’
‘Red Lion Chambers is a leading set in the field of financial crime with some practitioners of very high ability at every level.’
Clerking
‘The clerking service is excellent.’
‘The clerks are helpful and well-informed.’
‘The clerks are approachable, quick to respond and deal with any queries promptly.’
‘The clerks know their stuff inside out and are very easy to deal with.’
‘Excellent service. The clerks are very experienced.’
33 Chancery Lane
The set at 33 Chancery Lane ‘has a unique array of talent‘ who both prosecute and defend in major fraud trials. Past work includes handling tax fraud, money laundering, and boiler room scams, areas meshing well with the set’s expertise in onshore and cross-border financial crime. Alastair Webster QC is often involved in sensitive civil and criminal fraud cases, including a case concerning an alleged £80m postal fraud in which which he represents a principal defendant. John Carl Townsend joined chambers from Mountford Chambers in June 2020.
Testimonials
Set
‘33 Chancery Lane has a unique array of talent across many disciplines.’
‘Undoubtedly the go-to set for money-laundering and associated issues.’
‘Service has been first rate. Clerks room always willing to help.’
5 Paper Buildings
5 Paper Buildings covers the full range of fraud, as well as all intersecting and overlapping major criminal matters, including overseas corruption, money laundering, bribery, and conspiracy cases. Recent cases include Jonathan Caplan QC representing tennis player Boris Becker a case regarding his alleged hiding of more than £1.2m in assets from his trustee in bankruptcy. Turning to the set's juniors, Stephen Hopper prosecuted in the first case concerning the supply of quack COVID-19 remedies.
6KBW College Hill
With a 'range of counsel to suit most cases', 6KBW College Hill is 'a great set for fraud cases, whether for individuals or corporates', especially regarding VAT frauds, Ponzi schemes, and investment fraud. Recent work includes Peter Ratliff defending a foreign exchange trader in respect to allegations that he ran a Ponzi scheme costing investors £20.5m.
Testimonials
‘A great choice for fraud cases, whether for individuals or corporates. Chambers has a range of counsel to suit most cases.‘
‘Good proactive set, have a lot of strength in depth across a number of practice areas. That mix of experience can be very important in dealing with multi-faceted problems which come up in investigations.’
‘Richard Summercales is a standout in the clerks room. He is efficient and works with solicitors to get the right counsel for the job. Simple, straightforward and unfussy.’
Mountford Chambers
The set at Mountford Chambers is highly experienced in fraud relating to tax evasion, money laundering, and insider dealing and investment fraud. While it is known primarily for defence work, members of the set also frequently act for prosecuting bodies, including the SFO. Recent cases include Richard Furlong defending a client supposedly connected to a £300m money laundering scheme allegedly tied to celebrity James Stunt.
Doughty Street Chambers
The broad 'leading heavyweight' set at Doughty Street Chambers is known for its 'substantial experience' and 'strong reputation in criminal defence', which includes a range of heavyweight fraud cases. Recent work includes Philippa Eastwood's instruction in an upcoming case concerning an alleged £700,000 fraud on a local authority by way of fraudulent disability support claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great chambers overall, substantial experience, exceptional members, clerking is superb and always keeps instructing solicitors up-to-date even with last minute changes by courts.’
‘A set with a great reputation in criminal defence and white collar fraud work that is well deserved.I have never been disappointed.’
‘Doughty Street is a leading heavyweight Criminal set.’
‘Doughty Street has a strong reputation in criminal defence.’
‘The chambers have a very wide spread of distinguished Counsel and are always able to assist at times of emergency. They cover every aspect of fraud and have specialist teams dealing with criminal appeals.’
Clerking
‘Matthew Butchard is a modern thinking senior clerk.’
‘Matthew Butchard is a first-rate and conscientious clerk.’
‘Very good clerking for their criminal barristers. Matthew Butchard is first class.’
‘The clerking service is excellent.’
‘The clerking team is very efficient, very helpful, and very knowledgeable.’
Foundry Chambers
The 'well established and recognised set' at Foundry Chambers have a 'great strength in depth' and are 'well respected, particularly in the area of fraud prosecutions', having been regularly instructed by the SFO and the FCA, although members also act for defence in fraud matters, including complex boiler room fraud, VAT and MTIC cases. James Waddington QC successfully represented the SFO as respondent in appeals by traders from European and American banks after a Euribor manipulation case, having been lead prosecutor in the three original trials. Mark Bryant-Heron QC was appointed to the circuit bench in September 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘A strong set with talented individuals at all levels.’
‘Good set for criminal fraud. They train their juniors well, are hard working, diligent and client-focused.’
‘Foundry Chambers are a well established and recognised set, covering multiple disciplines.’
‘Foundry Chambers are well respected, particularly in the area of fraud prosecutions. They have real depth with strong up and coming advocates evidence at all call levels within chambers.’
Clerking
‘Excellent chambers, great strength in depth, quality at every call. Clerks are amazing and accommodating with lay and professional clients. Undoubtedly a set of good standing but still on the up.’
‘Clerks are brilliant. Senior clerk Angela May controls and directs all matters with charm and effectiveness. Good with clients, lay and professional. Ably assisted by Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman.’
‘Brilliant clerks – Angela May runs a tight ship, ably supported by Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman. A well-oiled machine.’
‘Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman are standout clerks. They are efficient, approachable, hardworking and intelligent.’
Garden Court Chambers
'An extremely diverse, ambitious and political set', Garden Court Chambers 'have a large number of counsel wit the requisite skills, knowledge and expertise' to defend in complex UK-based and cross-border fraud cases. Recent notable work includes 'first-rate jury advocate' Keir Monteith QC leading in the an a case concerning a man who is alleged to have provided services to organised crime through money services businesses in London and the United Arab Emirates, operating primarily through Skype and in which the prosecution have served 10,000 messages as evidence.
Testimonials
Set
‘An extremely diverse, ambitious and political set.’
‘Garden Court are a huge set and have a large number of counsel with the requisite skills, knowledge and expertise in the field such that there is never any issue about whether they are able to cater to our needs. Chambers are also always willing to go the extra mile to make things work and their counsel genuinely work as a team which is not always the case at other chambers where it often feels more like a group of competing individuals. I know also that Chambers are really trying to build up a greater presence in fraud and that has really paid off for them recently.’
‘Garden Court are very well respected in the sphere of criminal defence. They have enormous depth and I have appeared against very many of them in serious cases in the last few years. One always knows, when prosecuting counsel from Garden Court that they will be well prepared before trial and effective in trial.’
‘Garden Court have a big team of barristers who are able to deal with all aspects of criminal defence. They have a variety of barristers for any type of case imaginable and have a broad range of call so that we are able to get quality barristers who are also very experienced.’
Clerking
‘The clerking team have become very professional, very organised and above all, more client focussed. Colin Cook is a real gentleman and always a pleasure to deal with.‘
‘The clerking team led by Colin Cook and Charlie Tennent are excellent and are very approachable and friendly. They are able to help with any queries and know their barristers very well, such that they know which cases are suitable for each barrister.‘
‘Colin Cook is the best clerk a barrister could wish for.’
Matrix Chambers
The financial crime team at Matrix Chambers specialises in acting for prosecutors, regulators, and corporates regarding criminal fraud and all forms of financial crime. 'Highly skilled advocate' Richard Whittam QC was instructed by Vitaly Orlov concerning a proposed private prosecution for perverting the course of justice in Orlov's long-running litigation against Alexander Tugushev concerning the ownership of fishing company Norebo.
2 Bedford Row
Testimonials
Set
‘A top criminal law set.’
‘I have dealt with several barristers from 2 Bedford Row and have always been impressed with their professionalism, ability, and preparation.’
‘The best criminal/fraud set in London/South East. Tremendous strength in depth where only the highest standards are accepted and where a very strong work ethic is engendered from start of pupillage.’
‘2 Bedford Row rightly retains its pre-eminent position as the best set for members of the Bar practicing in criminal courts.’
‘2 Bedford Row is one of the leading sets in the country. They work tirelessly to offer the best service that you would expect from a leading chambers. They are supported by a tremendous team of very talented counsel.’
Clerking
‘Each clerk has a hands on approach in cases where they will ensure that the best suited counsel will cover our cases and where instructed counsel are unable to cover, they will ensure that that any replacement is fully up to speed with the issues. They keep you informed from a diary management perspective and have a “can do” approach.’
‘Highly professional and approachable clerks.’
‘The clerks room is well-led by the respected John Grimmer.’
‘The best criminal clerks who excelled themselves during the pandemic crisis, the legendary John Grimmer worked tirelessly but also assisted many solicitors laid off as a result of the pandemic to get new jobs. Paul Rodgers and Joe Martin also burnished their reputations by working extraordinary hours to stay on top of what were daily disasters caused by Covid outbreaks at Courts.’
‘John Grimmer is an outstanding clerk who is supported by a talented team of junior clerks and assistants.’
2 Hare Court
The 'go-to set' at 2 Hare Court covers the full range of fraud matters, including boiler room scams, VAT and MTIC frauds, and Ponzi schemes, as well as all related areas of law, such as money laundering. The set has developed 'an excellent reputation' for cultivating 'talented barristers' that practice almost exclusively in complex financial crime. Brendan Kelly QC is instructed to represent a former aide to media personality and ex-husband of Petra Ecclestone James Stunt. Private prosecutions for fraud are a particular area of expertise - Jonathan Laidlaw QC is representing clothing label Supreme as prosecutor in a counterfeiting case.
Testimonials
Set
‘2 Hare Court are a go-to set. With their expansion over the last few years they are able to offer a vast number of barristers who are leaders in this field.’
‘Well-established reputation with quality barristers.’
‘Very good, especially at silk level.’
‘A set with an excellent reputation and a host of talented barristers.‘
‘This set understands the needs of solicitors and clients. They are prepared to to go the extra mile to ensure chosen counsel is available although appropriate substitutes offered where clashes cannot be avoided.’
Clerking
‘The senior clerk is the best in the business.’
‘The clerking team have always been excellent.’
‘The clerks room is extremely capable and very good at keeping their clients updated. They know the market and are able to quote competitively.’
‘Their clerking is impressive.‘
‘Julian Campbell is without an equal amongst the senior clerks in the top sets.‘
25 Bedford Row
25 Bedford Row has a 'varied skill set' providing a 'diversity of available counsel' for all defence matters involving complex financial crime, including allegations of fraud, such as Ponzi schemes, pension and election frauds, and stock market scams. George Carter-Stephenson QC is instructed to represent a defendant in an upcoming case concerning the Axion Legal Financing Fund, while Nigel Sangster QC is instructed to defend in a case involving alleged £17m VAT fraud involving precious metals. The 'highly effective' Nathaniel Rudolf QC, whose fraud practices crosses over with a heavy practice on the technical points of criminal finances law, was made silk in March 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘25 Bedford Row are my go-to chambers in London. Their Barristers have a varying skill set which means I am able to instruct them on any type of case. I am yet to meet a barrister from 25 Bedford Row whom I or my client doesn’t like.’
‘25 Bedford Row are perceived as one of the top three criminal chambers. The difficulty often found in securing certain counsel, is a testimony to their popularity and the level of work that they conducted. However 25 Bedford Row are the go to chambers because of the choice and diversity of available counsel.’
‘25 Bedford Row is an outstanding set. The breadth of talent is excellent and continues to excel.‘
‘25 Bedford Row are a brilliant criminal defence set. Their members offer a great wealth of experience and expertise.’
‘25 Bedford Row is one of the best criminal and fraud sets that there is around. The set is strong in all areas of crime and if someone is not available the alternative options are equally good.’
Clerking
‘25 Bedford Row has an excellent clerking team. The service they provide is second to none. They really go out of their way to help the solicitors who instruct them. Alfie Lee, in particular, is incredibly helpful and commercially astute. He is the best young clerk at the criminal bar.‘
‘The clerking at 25 Bedford Row is strong. It is very rare that you get let down by the clerking team. Counsel rarely changes at the last minute.’
‘Guy Williams ensures that the clerks room runs like clockwork, but he is also backed up by the very capable Emma Makepeace and Alfie Lee. The good thing about this set is that if one clerk is not available then the other clerks can assist you just the same. The service is just so seamless.’
‘The Clerks provide an excellent service, both in terms of the clerking that they provide but the care with which each case is handled. The clerks work hard alongside their Counsel to ensure a collaborative approach to clerking and have a great feel for the right person for the right case. They do this by getting to know all their members so that the right person can be matched with the right case.‘
‘An excellent service and I see and Alfie Lee as a future leaders.‘
QEB Hollis Whiteman
Known for a 'tremendous depth of counsel of all types of fraud', QEB Hollis Whiteman 'set the gold standard for handling serious and complex financial crime matters', including multi-jurisdictional money laundering, investment and VAT fraud, and fraud-related private prosecutions. This crosses over with expertise in other areas such as professional regulation, corruption offences and POCA work,
Testimonials
Set
‘Tremendous depth of counsel of all types of fraud.’
‘Top set for complex criminal work. Strength and depth across all areas of criminal practice.’
‘They set the gold standard for handling serious and complex financial crime matters. We know that we can trust any one of them to do a phenomenal job.’
‘One of the leading sets for white-collar crime/corporate crime. Full range of counsel to suit any criminal or regulatory case and an increasing ability to assist on internal investigations.’
Clerking
‘Great service from the clerks, from bottom to top.’
‘Chris Emmings is one of the nicest, most efficient, trusted and able senior clerks in Crime. Faye Stimpson is fantastic. Both enjoy, and will continue to enjoy, a fabulous profile within the marketplace.’
‘Chris Emmings and Faye Stimpson are a pleasure to deal with, and suggest the right counsel for the case. David O’Sullivan is also a rising star on the clerks team. Always a warm and personal welcome.’
‘The clerking of Chris Emmings and Faye Stimson is excellent. Helpful and anxious to find the right barrister for the right case. Chris Emmings combines the best of a traditional clerk with a modern approach that is both flexible and realistic, to the benefit of members of chambers and the professional and lay client.‘
Three Raymond Buildings
The 'outstanding' and 'top' set at Three Raymond Buildings is 'one of the first ports of call for serious fraud' for both defence and prosecution work, including in key areas such as MTIC fraud, tax fraud, and related areas such as embezzlement and corruption. Recent notable work includes Luke Ponte acting for the defendant in a four-month trial alleging the laundering £7m of proceeds of an investment fraud, claimed to have been committed by a financial advisor and solicitor.
Testimonials
Set
‘Three Raymond Buildings boasts a breadth and depth of business crime lawyers who are highly regarded in their field.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings are one of the go-to sets for serious economic crime.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings is an outstanding set and one of the first ports of call for serious fraud.’
‘Three Raymond Buildings is a top set. I think they are really, really good and am always happy with the service I receive from all its members.’
‘The chambers at Three Raymond Buildings is very well-organised and it doesn’t matter which barrister you get, they will always be exceptional. Three Raymond Buildings only has exceptional barristers.’
Clerking
‘Three Raymond Buildings have the most friendly and approachable clerks room. They combine exceptional knowledge with an amazing service. They want to help in every way they can. No job is beyond them. In the 18 years I have instructed counsel at Three Raymond Buildings, I have never known them to make an error.’
‘The clerks room offers the same level of service as the leading civil sets and is pre-eminent in criminal litigation and related areas. Dean Brown is outstanding.’
‘First rate clerking: professional, efficient and personable. Eddie Holland heads a very impressive team.’
‘The clerks are friendly, helpful and efficient.’
‘Very user-friendly clerks’ room. Eddie Holland is a delight to deal with.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street 'has an extremely good reputation in the field of fraud', and is consequently known for 'skilled and diligent' representation of clients in major fraud cases, ranging from Ponzi schemes to boiler room fraud, money laundering, and tax and election fraud, both prosecuting and defending. Recent matters include James McCrindell, who defended in an election fraud case involving obtaining signatures by claiming to represent other parties; the matter was one of the first cases heard in a Nightingale Court. Mark Fenhalls QC prosecuted the operator of a foreign exchange Ponzi scheme. Cairns Nelson QC, who is representing a former football executive accused of alleged theft of money from CONCACAF, the North American and Central American football governing body, is one of several members with connections in the Cayman Islands.
Testimonials
Set
‘23 Essex Street have remarkable talent from junior to senior counsel.’
‘23 Essex Street has an extremely good reputation in the field of fraud and asset forfeiture; one that is richly deserved. Counsel are, without exception, skilled and diligent.’
‘23 Essex Street is a great set of Chambers with some very fine counsel there, silks and juniors, prosecutors and defenders.’
‘23 Essex Street is a chambers which sets the bar for criminal defence. It has been my chambers of choice for 20 years and I don’t see that changing. In terms of prosecution, its members do so with the same level of commitment as if defending, but always with fairness.‘
Clerking
‘Even queries of the utmost urgency are dealt with efficiently by Wayne King and the clerking team – they know how to get the right person for the job.’
‘The clerks will go out of their way to assist. Wayne King and Adam Chapman are my points of contact generally. I find their communication is exemplary and the service they provide is always of a very high quality.’
‘The clerks are an invaluable asset to 23 Essex Street. They are always prepared to help.’
‘The clerks are bright and willing to help. They will go out of their way to assist professional clients identify the right barrister for the job. Adam Chapman is standout for his courtesy and efficiency. Liam Kitcher and Michael Barrett are hardworking and always polite. Wayne King has tremendous energy and will go the extra mile for the client.’
‘The Clerks will bend over backwards to accommodate you.‘
‘Wayne King has a natural ability to combine solicitors with barristers.’
Cloth Fair Chambers
The 'outstanding set' at Cloth Fair Chambers has established itself 'as the go-to set for all serious/complex bribery and corruption matters', including expertise in fraud. Nicholas Purnell QC and Rachel Kapila have been instructed to lead a mixed criminal and civil counsel team representing Dechert LLP and Neil Gerrard in a civil claim regarding allegations of fraud and bribery in Kazakhstan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, which has been joined to a claim brought by the ENRC against the SFO. Additionally, John Kelsey-Fry QC, leading Jonathan Barnard QC, successfully defended the former Executive Chairman of Investment Banking at Barclays charged with fraud following an investigation into its raising of funds from Qatari investors.
Testimonials
Set
‘Outstanding set for business crime.‘
‘Real specialist criminal trial experience and handling of high-profile clients.’
‘Cloth Fair has long been established as the go to set for all serious/complex bribery and corruption matters and their track record supports this.’
‘Cloth Fair is deservedly one of the top sets at the criminal Bar. It has a stellar list of members who are always in demand and who can usually be found in the highest profile criminal cases.’
‘Cloth Fair is very good for fraud work.’
Clerking
‘A strong clerking set – will always find you someone who can help.’
‘The clerking is first class.’
‘Very well led and organised. For a set of such high profile and reputation, the clerking team is down to earth, approachable and try hard to make sure they offer a top service to everyone.’
‘A great service is provided by the clerks and chambers is of a size where a personal service is always guaranteed.’
‘Adrian Chapman and Mark O’Neill are simply two of the best clerks in the business. Approachable and understated, both are widely respected by solicitors both for their diligence and professionalism, as well as their ability to build and maintain the trust of those instructing Cloth Fair. They embody many of the best qualities of this set and are thoroughly deserving of their excellent reputation in the criminal clerking world.‘
Red Lion Chambers
The 'very experienced team' at Red Lion Chambers is 'an excellent fraud set', having developed over many years 'an excellent reputation' for both defence and prosecution work on 'very complex investment frauds'. Members are noted for continuing work through covid in private prosecutions. Notable recent work includes head of chambers Gillian Jones QC acting for CPS Specialist Fraud Division in a large-scale fraud case with numerous defendants including David Noakes, a former UKIP leadership candidate , who sold fake medicine that claimed to cure cancer, HIV, and multiple sclerosis; confiscation proceedings were finally concluded in June 2020, during the height of the pandemic. March 2021 saw 'exceptionally able advocate' Hannah Willcocks QC take silk.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent fraud set!‘
‘Excellent criminal set with a justifiable reputation as a market leader.’
‘Red Lion Chambers is an excellent set when it comes to fraud prosecutions and HMRC investigations. The set has a very experienced team which covers all levels of work from the basic low level VAT frauds up to the very complex investment frauds.’
‘Red Lion Chambers have an excellent reputation for fraud.’
‘Red Lion Chambers is a leading set in the field of financial crime with some practitioners of very high ability at every level.’
Clerking
‘The clerking service is excellent.’
‘The clerks are helpful and well-informed.’
‘The clerks are approachable, quick to respond and deal with any queries promptly.’
‘The clerks know their stuff inside out and are very easy to deal with.’
‘Excellent service. The clerks are very experienced.’
33 Chancery Lane
The set at 33 Chancery Lane ‘has a unique array of talent‘ who both prosecute and defend in major fraud trials. Past work includes handling tax fraud, money laundering, and boiler room scams, areas meshing well with the set’s expertise in onshore and cross-border financial crime. Alastair Webster QC is often involved in sensitive civil and criminal fraud cases, including a case concerning an alleged £80m postal fraud in which which he represents a principal defendant. John Carl Townsend joined chambers from Mountford Chambers in June 2020.
Testimonials
Set
‘33 Chancery Lane has a unique array of talent across many disciplines.’
‘Undoubtedly the go-to set for money-laundering and associated issues.’
‘Service has been first rate. Clerks room always willing to help.’
5 Paper Buildings
5 Paper Buildings covers the full range of fraud, as well as all intersecting and overlapping major criminal matters, including overseas corruption, money laundering, bribery, and conspiracy cases. Recent cases include Jonathan Caplan QC representing tennis player Boris Becker a case regarding his alleged hiding of more than £1.2m in assets from his trustee in bankruptcy. Turning to the set's juniors, Stephen Hopper prosecuted in the first case concerning the supply of quack COVID-19 remedies.
6KBW College Hill
With a 'range of counsel to suit most cases', 6KBW College Hill is 'a great set for fraud cases, whether for individuals or corporates', especially regarding VAT frauds, Ponzi schemes, and investment fraud. Recent work includes Peter Ratliff defending a foreign exchange trader in respect to allegations that he ran a Ponzi scheme costing investors £20.5m.
Testimonials
‘A great choice for fraud cases, whether for individuals or corporates. Chambers has a range of counsel to suit most cases.‘
‘Good proactive set, have a lot of strength in depth across a number of practice areas. That mix of experience can be very important in dealing with multi-faceted problems which come up in investigations.’
‘Richard Summercales is a standout in the clerks room. He is efficient and works with solicitors to get the right counsel for the job. Simple, straightforward and unfussy.’
Mountford Chambers
The set at Mountford Chambers is highly experienced in fraud relating to tax evasion, money laundering, and insider dealing and investment fraud. While it is known primarily for defence work, members of the set also frequently act for prosecuting bodies, including the SFO. Recent cases include Richard Furlong defending a client supposedly connected to a £300m money laundering scheme allegedly tied to celebrity James Stunt.
Doughty Street Chambers
The broad 'leading heavyweight' set at Doughty Street Chambers is known for its 'substantial experience' and 'strong reputation in criminal defence', which includes a range of heavyweight fraud cases. Recent work includes Philippa Eastwood's instruction in an upcoming case concerning an alleged £700,000 fraud on a local authority by way of fraudulent disability support claims.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great chambers overall, substantial experience, exceptional members, clerking is superb and always keeps instructing solicitors up-to-date even with last minute changes by courts.’
‘A set with a great reputation in criminal defence and white collar fraud work that is well deserved.I have never been disappointed.’
‘Doughty Street is a leading heavyweight Criminal set.’
‘Doughty Street has a strong reputation in criminal defence.’
‘The chambers have a very wide spread of distinguished Counsel and are always able to assist at times of emergency. They cover every aspect of fraud and have specialist teams dealing with criminal appeals.’
Clerking
‘Matthew Butchard is a modern thinking senior clerk.’
‘Matthew Butchard is a first-rate and conscientious clerk.’
‘Very good clerking for their criminal barristers. Matthew Butchard is first class.’
‘The clerking service is excellent.’
‘The clerking team is very efficient, very helpful, and very knowledgeable.’
Foundry Chambers
The 'well established and recognised set' at Foundry Chambers have a 'great strength in depth' and are 'well respected, particularly in the area of fraud prosecutions', having been regularly instructed by the SFO and the FCA, although members also act for defence in fraud matters, including complex boiler room fraud, VAT and MTIC cases. James Waddington QC successfully represented the SFO as respondent in appeals by traders from European and American banks after a Euribor manipulation case, having been lead prosecutor in the three original trials. Mark Bryant-Heron QC was appointed to the circuit bench in September 2021.
Testimonials
Set
‘A strong set with talented individuals at all levels.’
‘Good set for criminal fraud. They train their juniors well, are hard working, diligent and client-focused.’
‘Foundry Chambers are a well established and recognised set, covering multiple disciplines.’
‘Foundry Chambers are well respected, particularly in the area of fraud prosecutions. They have real depth with strong up and coming advocates evidence at all call levels within chambers.’
Clerking
‘Excellent chambers, great strength in depth, quality at every call. Clerks are amazing and accommodating with lay and professional clients. Undoubtedly a set of good standing but still on the up.’
‘Clerks are brilliant. Senior clerk Angela May controls and directs all matters with charm and effectiveness. Good with clients, lay and professional. Ably assisted by Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman.’
‘Brilliant clerks – Angela May runs a tight ship, ably supported by Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman. A well-oiled machine.’
‘Dean Begley and Daniel Blackman are standout clerks. They are efficient, approachable, hardworking and intelligent.’
Garden Court Chambers
'An extremely diverse, ambitious and political set', Garden Court Chambers 'have a large number of counsel wit the requisite skills, knowledge and expertise' to defend in complex UK-based and cross-border fraud cases. Recent notable work includes 'first-rate jury advocate' Keir Monteith QC leading in the an a case concerning a man who is alleged to have provided services to organised crime through money services businesses in London and the United Arab Emirates, operating primarily through Skype and in which the prosecution have served 10,000 messages as evidence.
Testimonials
Set
‘An extremely diverse, ambitious and political set.’
‘Garden Court are a huge set and have a large number of counsel with the requisite skills, knowledge and expertise in the field such that there is never any issue about whether they are able to cater to our needs. Chambers are also always willing to go the extra mile to make things work and their counsel genuinely work as a team which is not always the case at other chambers where it often feels more like a group of competing individuals. I know also that Chambers are really trying to build up a greater presence in fraud and that has really paid off for them recently.’
‘Garden Court are very well respected in the sphere of criminal defence. They have enormous depth and I have appeared against very many of them in serious cases in the last few years. One always knows, when prosecuting counsel from Garden Court that they will be well prepared before trial and effective in trial.’
‘Garden Court have a big team of barristers who are able to deal with all aspects of criminal defence. They have a variety of barristers for any type of case imaginable and have a broad range of call so that we are able to get quality barristers who are also very experienced.’
Clerking
‘The clerking team have become very professional, very organised and above all, more client focussed. Colin Cook is a real gentleman and always a pleasure to deal with.‘
‘The clerking team led by Colin Cook and Charlie Tennent are excellent and are very approachable and friendly. They are able to help with any queries and know their barristers very well, such that they know which cases are suitable for each barrister.‘
‘Colin Cook is the best clerk a barrister could wish for.’
Matrix Chambers
The financial crime team at Matrix Chambers specialises in acting for prosecutors, regulators, and corporates regarding criminal fraud and all forms of financial crime. 'Highly skilled advocate' Richard Whittam QC was instructed by Vitaly Orlov concerning a proposed private prosecution for perverting the course of justice in Orlov's long-running litigation against Alexander Tugushev concerning the ownership of fishing company Norebo.