Polly Sprenger > Addleshaw Goddard > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Addleshaw Goddard continues to expand its footprint in high-profile, complex white-collar criminal investigations, representing a diverse range of businesses facing allegations of money laundering, fraud, bribery and corruption, as well as handling unique issues relating to blackmail, crypto assets, and sanctions, alongside representing companies in actions against former directors and employees. Alongside regular work for domestic clients against the SFO, NCA, and FCA, among others, the firm is also increasing its share of cross-border investigations, including those led by the US DOJ and other global agencies. The team is led by the ‘tenacious‘ Nichola Peters, a key name for global investigations and white collar defence proceedings, with Michelle De Kluyver praised for her ‘thorough and strategic‘ work in complex, cross-border financial crime cases, including international government investigations. Polly Sprenger has in-house SFO expertise and notable capabilities in asset recovery and fraud proceedings. Sarah Thomas represents asset managers, insurers, and other financial services companies in investigations relating to lending, governance and culture, and management accountability.

Headed by Polly Sprenger, the practice at Addleshaw Goddard is adept in both bringing and defending private prosecutions on behalf of corporate and individual clients, with particular expertise in bringing serious fraud cases in concert with its global investigations and civil fraud teams. The firm has been involved in a number of high-profile proceedings, including failed prosecutions that resulted in further litigation and criminal action, and is also able to contribute defence and investigations experience, enabling it to handle the full process. Alongside Sprenger’s SFO and asset recovery experience, the work of civil fraud specialist Mark Chesher is also key to the team.

Addleshaw Goddard fields a ‘terrific team with great attention to detail and amazing client engagement’. It acts in the full range of civil fraud claims, from initial investigations and injunctive relief issues to the prosecution of actions, and ultimately, enforcement and recovery matters. Clients include corporates, banks and high-net-worth individuals. Polly Sprenger has experience acting before the civil and criminal courts; she leads the practice together with Maria Frangeskides who is noted for being ‘very clear and concise in her advice’. Commercial disputes practitioner Mark Molyneux  also handles a number of fraud cases, and Mark Chesher made partner in May 2022.