Crime: fraud in South West
Burges Salmon LLP
The business crime and regulatory investigations team at Burges Salmon LLP sits within the firm's litigation department. It has expertise in criminal and white-collar fraud cases arising from the proceeds of crime, money laundering and bribery. The group, led by David Hall, has experience of Serious Fraud Office (SFO), National Crime Agency (NCA) and police investigations, with a particular strength in asset freezing, recovery and proceedings against fraudsters. Cross-border work is another element of the practice, and lawyers are often instructed in cross-border investigations involving multiple enforcement agencies. Andrew Burnette specialises in civil fraud matters, as does Michael Ward. In February 2019, the team was joined by associate Sam Aldous from DAC Beachcroft LLP, who brings substantial experience in SFO investigations.
Practice head(s):
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘Very strong capability for this work, and clearly the best in South West England. Able to draw on corporate and commercial associates who are able to inject valuable commercial expertise into commercial crime cases.’
‘David Hall is measured, with good judgment. He is calm, thoughtful and knowledgeable.’
‘Michael Ward is outstanding; extremely thorough and with a unique sensitivity to the nuances that are specific to civil recovery work.’
Key clients
Financial Services Compensation Scheme
Ludlow Street Healthcare
Nationwide Building Society
Celtic Energy
Work highlights
- Handling a large portfolio of claims for Nationwide, arising from debts in its commercial lending book, with total recoveries to date amounting to around £35m
- Advising in a dispute between a leading private healthcare business and its former CEO and his wife, involving claims relating to alleged unauthorised diversion of significant sums of money.
- Handling an increasing amount of work to do with cyber-fraud attacks, which have been launched against a number of clients, including answering questions of criminal and civil liability, dealing with enforcement agencies and asset recovery.
Michelmores LLP
At Michelmores LLP, Andrew Oldland QC is the experienced advocate heading the firm's fraud practice, and is able to draw on significant regulatory expertise and experience as a prosecutor. On the contentious front, Oldland regularly handles investigations, but is also instructed in commercial litigation stemming from financial crime and police investigations. Non-contentious work, such as AML compliance, is another area of focus, as is M&A due diligence.
Practice head(s):
Testimonials
‘Andrew Oldland QC provides real expertise. He understands the court dynamic better than anyone.’
Key clients
AIFCA
Two former bank traders of Rabobank
Work highlights
- Advising AIFCA on a major project to set up Kazakhstan’s own international financial centre in Astana, in a similar manner to those in Dubai and Qatar.
- Representing two former bank traders of Rabobank in a claim against their former employer following the LIBOR scandal.
Ashfords LLP
Assisting with both the defence and prosecution side in fraud cases, Jeremy Asher is the name to note at Ashfords LLP. Asher specialises in advising individuals, institutions and corporates on anti-bribery measures, fraud prevention and in relation to fraud compensation claims.
Practice head(s):
Bobbetts Mackan
At Bobbetts Mackan, healthcare sector fraud cases are a particular area of expertise. Practice head Giles Tippett is noted for handling enforcement proceedings, investigations and criminal trials.
Practice head(s):
Osborne Clarke
Jeremy Summers at Osborne Clarke is instructed on a variety of fraud- and bribery-related cases, including cross-border work. He also advises on asset recovery, and in cases involving cybercrime.
Practice head(s):