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John Carl Townsend has been described in the major legal directories, as “extraordinarily knowledgeable on the crossover of commercial and criminal fraud practice”, “hard-working, technically brilliant”, and as having a “great ability to think outside of the box in difficult cases”.

He is recognised for his particular expertise in complex financial and reputational disputes where there is the potential for civil, regulatory and criminal liability and is frequently instructed for his ability to advise and represent corporate clients in all three forums.

His practice encompasses a variety of commercial chancery disputes, with a particular focus on claims that derive from allegations of financial misconduct and misrepresentation (including claims for breach of fiduciary duty, unlawful means conspiracy, deceit, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt). John Carl’s practice in asset forfeiture and seizure includes applications for international freezing orders, search orders and applications for Norwich Pharmacal and Bankers Trust relief in civil fraud claims and all proceedings connected to the freezing and forfeiture of assets under the provisions of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (including High Court Asset Forfeiture under Part 5 and Tax Proceedings under Part 6). He is described by the Legal 500 as having “superb technical knowledge of all POCA related issues and litigation” and as “an outstandingly clever lawyer”. His practice in this area frequently includes the representation of corporates claiming proprietary rights over funds that have been seized under POCA’s civil freezing and forfeiture regime.

John Carl also has extensive experience of appearing in the criminal courts for companies and directors in high value, cross-border, financial investigations relating to allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption, and money laundering, that have been initiated by the SFO and the FCA.  He is ranked in this area by both major directories and is described by Chambers & Partners as having “extensive knowledge, expertise and personality” and a barrister who “is regularly called upon to provide insight into a range of different financial crime matters, especially those that involve commercial aspects”.

He has acted for clients in judicial review proceedings, for government agencies and for companies and individuals exposed to allegations of regulatory breach (including FCA regulated corporates and individuals in the financial services industry, corporates regulated by the HSE, law firms dealing with AML compliance, investigations and enforcement by the CMA and sports regulators). His sanctions practice includes international law firms and large corporate entities facing cross-border compliance issues where there is an intersection of European, UK and US sanctions regimes (particularly in respect of Russia).

The Fraud Lawyers Association

Constitutional and Administrative Law Bar Association (ALBA)

The Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association (POCLA)

Criminal Bar Association

BA (Hons) Queen’s University Belfast Middle Temple Jules Thorne Scholar Blackstone Entrance Exhibitioner