Simmons & Simmons covers all bases in civil fraud matters, regularly assisting both major corporations and high-net-worth individuals, with strong capabilities to act on both the claimant and defendant sides. Underpinned by expertise in complex financial fraud, cross-border asset tracing, and international enforcement of judgments, the practice also works closely with the firm’s experts in related areas of competition, market abuse, and bribery, forming large teams of counsel for work in multiple jurisdictions. Two lawyers head the department: Ed Crosse, whose practice covers financial disputes, civil fraud, and regulatory matters, and Patrick Boylan, who heads the firm’s UK litigation team and has specialisms in interim-relief, tracing remedies, and the intersection of civil and criminal law. Adam Brown has a strong base of banking, private equity, and hedge fund clients for fraud matters, and Kirsten Kitt is the name to note for cases arising from insolvency. Chloe Morris stands out from the pool of lawyers below partner level.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent to work with. Calm and considered. Excellent judgement.’
'Key growth areas for the firm include enforcement banking, as well as commercial and civil fraud. Its continued success is driven by the strength and quality of its team, along with effective cross-selling between practice areas.'
'The banking litigation team continues to be strong and highly active, with notable work advising on and pitching for Group Litigation Orders and collective actions.'
'The fraud: civil team is deservedly recognized as Tier 1, evidenced in the high profile and quality of cases.'
'The team is all invested in clients matters, from the Partner right down to the trainee.'
'They provide a cohesive unit, all understanding the detail and the wider strategy. This allows you to engage with any of the team to progress matters efficiently and effectively.'
Key clients
- Joint official liquidators of Abraaj Investment Management Limited and Abraaj Capital Limited
- Petrofac
- Three former shareholders of MP & Silva Holding SA
Work highlights
Representing Sushovan Hussain in the $5bn claim brought by Hewlett-Packard arising out of alleged fraudulent misrepresentations made about the financial state of the FTSE-listed Autonomy Corporation.
Advising the Abraaj group on professional negligence claims worth in the region of $1bn against their former auditor, KPMG Lower Gulf Limited, following the collapse of the Abraaj group.
Advising Petrofac on its defence of multiple shareholder class action lawsuits worth $500m in connection with alleged bribery and corruption issues.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Patrick Boylan; Ed Crosse
Other key lawyers
Adam Brown; Kirsten Kitt; Alexander Thavenot; Chloe Morris; Abby Thompson