Janes Solicitors > London, England > Firm Profile
Janes Solicitors Offices
CORDING HOUSE
34-35, ST JAMES'S STREET
LONDON
SW1A 4HD
England
Janes Solicitors > The Legal 500 Rankings
Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general Tier 2
The ‘phenomenal team’ at Janes Solicitors is well-known for its work in general crime. Notably, the firm has strong experience in cases regarding illicit substances, which has resulted in them receiving a large amount of EncroChat-related work. Leading the firm, Robert Berg
is described as 'an all-round Rolls-Royce solicitor' with 'a brain the size of a planet'. Alex Mincoff, ‘working on cases on the cutting edge of law’, is well-versed in high value theft cases, while the ‘extremely hard-working’ Fiona Gavriel is a key contact regarding high value money laundering matters. James Mullion and Alex Chapman are both experts cases concerning the importation, supply, and distribution of class A drugs.
Practice head(s):
Robert Berg
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘It is always a pleasure to work with anyone at Janes. They are a classy team of solicitors. ’
‘Fiona Gavriel is the solicitor that you want in any case. She is extremely hard-working, bright and has exceptional judgement. Fiona works tirelessly for her clients.
Alex Chapman’s preparation on cases is exceptional. He always puts in proper thought and consideration in cases. He also has experience in working on cases on the cutting edge of the law. ’
‘Professional, approachable and always fearless in the defence of their clients.’
‘Dedicated, bright and always approachable. ’
‘A well known criminal solicitors with a well-deserved reputation for commitment to excellence’
‘Alex Chapman is a hugely gifted solicitor.’
‘Janes Solicitors are a boutique outfit who should not be underestimated. They have a phenomenal team across all sectors and are very well regarded in this sphere. In my interactions with them, they appear as a single unit and as such have a team strength with which they collaborate, and produce outstanding results. ’
Work highlights
- Advising a client at retrial on charges of £266m in money laundering.
- Acting for a defendant who faced trial for murder at the Central Criminal Court.
- Acting for a defendant charged with causing death by dangerous driving, which has attracted huge media attention.
Crime, fraud and licensing > Fraud: white-collar crime (advice to individuals) Tier 4
Fraud and criminal defence boutique firm Janes Solicitors is regularly instructed by CEOs, employees, and senior executives on a broad range of mandates, including tax avoidance investigations, SFO investigations, and fraud and bribery matters. Founding partner David Janes leads the team and attracts praise for his ‘brilliant mind‘; Janes’ caseload includes asset recovery and POCA cases, money laundering and tax evasion investigations, and forgery issues. James Mullion takes point on fraud instructions and regulatory matters, while Fiona Gavriel has extensive trial experience with a strong track record securing acquittals for defendants accused of forgery and tax evasion. Also in the team is Simon Barker, a key contact for complex fraud, confiscation, and money laundering issues.Practice head(s):
David Janes
Other key lawyers:
Testimonials
‘A long established track record for excellence attracts clients who seek first class legal support.’
‘Fiona Gavriel is the firm’s secret weapon. Combining legal nous with buckets of charm, she kills her opponents with skill and kindness.’
‘Proper niche financial firm well known in the sector for years.’
‘David Janes. Brilliant mind.’
‘James Mullion is a walking legal brain, he works with ingenuity and strategy, very impressive.’
‘Fiona Gavriel – hugely well respected and liked. Her clients really like her down to earth approach and ability to explain the difficult in an easy and uncomplicated way.’
‘Great client focus and willingness to go the extra mile.’
‘James Mullion – good experience across crime, extradition and sanctions. James will go the extra mile to represent his client’s interests.’
Janes Solicitors > Firm Profile
Janes Solicitors is a niche firm specialising in fraud, tax, bribery and corruption, and serious crime. Janes is also very experienced in proceeds of crime matters including confiscation, freezing orders and civil recovery proceedings. The firm demonstrates fearless commitment to the cause of its clients and prides itself on its professional esteem and standards.
The firm: Janes Solicitors was founded more than 30 years ago and from its inception has had a strong and renowned presence in the field of serious fraud and crime. It has successfully defended many SFO and HMRC cases. The firm has consolidated itself at the forefront of the field, with success built on the solid foundation of a team of skilled litigators with a wealth of experience. Current instructions include the SFO Rolls Royce inquiry, Operation Amazon, HMRC inquiry into alleged breach of UN Sanctions Order against Iran, investigation into MLRO banking of just short of a billion pounds and inquiry by HMRC in respect of loans from Middle East to UK.
Janes Solicitors is accustomed to high-profile cases and has conducted many renowned cases – including, to name but a few, Peter Foster (‘Cheriegate’), the Jubilee Line fraud case, Fergal Lynch (the race fixing trial), the London Metal Exchange fraud trial (Anand Jain), the Grillo sisters (the Nigella Lawson and Charles Saatchi case) and the Libor broker case (R v Goodman). In each matter a specialised team has been put together, tailor made to the particular case.
Types of work undertaken
Serious fraud: Janes Solicitors has extensive experience in this highly skilled and demanding field, and has the technical expertise and ability to deploy appropriate resources to such cases. It has been instructed in some of the largest and most high-profile matters in recent years and continues to be sought after by clients involved in serious and complex cases. The firm has successfully defended two major SFO prosecutions – the TAF fraud trial and Libor broker trial.
HM Revenue and Customs: the firm is regularly instructed in particularly complex and large- scale cases concerning the highly regulated area of VAT and excise duties before the VAT and Duties Tribunal and associated tribunals. It also provides representation in civil investigations by HMRC in relation to both VAT and personal and corporate tax affairs. The firm has been instructed for over eight years in the Operation Amazon case, the largest direct taxation prosecution of its type. Janes Solicitors also successfully represents in film scheme cases such as Operation Crystallite and Operation Lunar.
Bribery and corruption: Janes Solicitors is experienced in this field dating back to the Jubilee Line case and currently instructed by nine current or previous executives of Rolls Royce in respect of the SFO inquiry.
Serious crime: Janes Solicitors has great experience in cases of serious crime. Led by Robert Berg there is a devoted team of the most able and knowledgeable practitioners. The firm continues to act for clients accused of all manner of serious crime including murder, robbery, drug offences and trafficking, and allegations of sexual assault.
Money laundering and POCA: the firm has particular expertise in matters relating to confiscation proceedings, cash seizure/forfeiture, restraint orders, property freezing orders and civil recovery orders under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Janes Solicitors has succeeded in recovering substantial sums of money on behalf of clients whose assets have been seized in cash forfeiture cases.
Regulatory proceedings: the firm offers advice and representation in regulatory proceedings, for example concerning the Financial Services Authority, HM Customs and Revenue and the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills. The firm offers more specialist advice to clients who are subject to the provisions of the Money Laundering Regulations, or who require representation in connection with proceedings before professional disciplinary bodies.
Extradition: Janes Solicitors has built up considerable experience in representing clients who are subject to extradition proceedings. The firm has established close connections with foreign lawyers and legal experts to ensure that it is able to call upon a wide body of expertise in many foreign jurisdictions.
Privy Council: Janes Solicitors is one of the few firms authorised to handle cases before the Privy Council.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior partner | David Janes | [email protected] | 02079305100 |
Solicitor Profiles
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Simon Barker | Partner practicing in all areas of criminal litigation particularly complex fraud, confiscation… | View Profile |
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Robert Berg | Partner representing clients in major criminal prosecutions including fraud, murder and money… | View Profile |
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Alex Chapman | View Profile | |
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Fiona Gavriel | Fiona is a senior criminal litigation lawyer specialising in and with extensive… | View Profile |
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David Janes | Senior Partner of Janes Solicitors. David is exceptionally highly regarded in the… | View Profile |
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Marc Livingston | View Profile | |
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Alex Mincoff | View Profile | |
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James Mullion | James has been a Partner at Janes since 2010. He advises clients… | View Profile |
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Catriona Virden | View Profile |