Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations)

25 Bedford Row

25 Bedford Row is recommended for advice on the full gamut of corporate financial crime, corruption, and serious regulatory breaches, offering vast knowledge of interpreting regulations and the implementation of compliance systems in relation to anti-money laundering and bribery, as well as experience in proceedings related to waste management, pollution and statutory nuisance. Nicola Howard KC appears in proceedings related to an ex-Met Police officer, the so-called ‘Sheriff of Soho’, who took gifts and hospitality, including access to a party hosted by Sir Elton John, while working in the Westminster licensing unit. Ben Summers joined the set in April 2024 from Three Raymond Buildings, and acted for the FCA in the re-trial of R v Bayes & Swan, a prosecution of alleged insider dealing related to an international manufacturing company, after the original trial resulted in a hung jury.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Impeccable. Alfie Lee being appointed to director of clerking has reinvigorated this already thriving set. The clerk’s room know each other well with a number of people returning having gained more experience elsewhere. A true sign you are doing something right.'
'The transition from Guy Williams to Alfie Lee has been seamless and recent new additions and the return of Chris Jones bodes well for the future.'
'The newly-appointed senior clerk, Alfie Lee, is a tour de force. He is rain-maker of exceptional talent, industry, energy, intuition and foresight. Forever effervescent, always approachable and thoroughly modern in outlook he represents the present and future of how good clerking should be done to the benefit of all users.'
'The clerks are always ready to assist and really seem to listen to what is required. They are always open to discuss any particular concerns or requirements. Alfie and Emma are the heart of the clerks room.'
'Excellent - can't do enough for you.'
'Excellent clerks room and very responsive.'
'A very solid set from what I have seen.'
'25 Bedford Row is home to some of the elite white collar defence juniors, instructed for the defence in nearly every ongoing SFO investigation and prosecution.'
'Good criminal set.'
'The set offers top-rate silks in this sector together with industrious juniors.'

Lawyers

Leading silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

George Carter-Stephenson KC

‘A hugely experienced and redoubtable performer with an infinite capacity to master complex detail in any proceedings. His advocacy exudes gravitas, command of the material, resourcefulness and calmness under pressure. He has no weaknesses.’

Nicola Howard KC

‘Nicola is a fantastic advocate to work with, a view shared with all of my clients that instruct her. This is mainly due to her relentless approach to thorough preparation of cases and an ability to really focus on what is at the heart of a client's case and therefore the route to an acquittal.’

Leading juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.

Duncan Jones

‘Duncan is an intelligent barrister who gives clear advice and produces high quality written work. He is engaged in all the myriad issues of the case and provides a keen insight, particularly based on his previous experience dealing with high profile corruption cases brought by the SFO.’

Ben Summers

‘An absolute powerhouse counsel, capable of conjuring results from the least promising cases. Understated class. He has a total command of his brief, is easy to work with and always driving the defence team forward. Ben has razor-sharp intellect and superb client care skills.’