As part of a ‘first-rate litigation team’, Addleshaw Goddard's civil fraud offering has ’experience in many of the more acrimonious and innovative cases’. The group is jointly led by Maria Frangeskides and Polly Sprenger. Frangeskides regularly advises multinational companies, large corporates, and high-net-worth individuals, and Sprenger has a broad disputes practice with particular strength in sensitive and high-profile private cases and asset recovery. Alex Hogarth is a specialist in fraud claims supported by urgent injunctive relief, while Alex Unger has standout experience of big-ticket banking and finance litigation.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The team has a real breadth of understanding of the inter-related issues that arise in civil fraud cases, and of the tactical and strategic issues.’
‘Maria Frangeskides is brilliant. Clever, able to see the heart of the problem quickly and propose and carry through creative solutions, She is also a brilliant team builder, meaning those working under her reflect the same high attention to delivery, through their own talents having been honed.’
‘Absolutely first rate litigation team.’
'Alex Hogarth is an up-and-coming young partner.’
‘Impressive team.’
‘I would inform clients that Addleshaws strength in civil fraud work rests on two key things which I have encountered in practice: (1) experience in many of the more acrimonious and innovative cases, and (2) really strong connections around the world for asset tracing - either in house or with well placed local practitioners.’
‘Alex Hogarth, whose career was forged in Eastern European fraud litigation, and who continues to take a hard and effective line for clients in difficult cases, is recommended.'
- 'Mark Chesher brings long term experience.’
- 'The team are willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. They are particularly adept at preparing urgent injunctions, including freezing injunctions, on very short notice. They strive to achieve the optimal outcome for their clients.'
- 'Alex Hogarth is a rising star. He has brilliant judgement and manages to project calm in a high stress situation. He fights for the client's best interests.'
Key clients
- Unitel S.A.
- British International Investment plc
- Department for Business and Trade
- Kroll Advisory Limited
- Aareal Bank
- Barclays Bank Plc
- Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey
- Begbies Traynor (London) LLP
Work highlights
Acting for Unitel SA in proceedings it has brought against Unitel International Holdings BV, a company owned by Isabel dos Santos, Unitel's former chairwoman, daughter of the former President of Angola, and Africa's richest woman.
Acting for BII in defending a $200m Commercial Court claim brought by Crane Bank Limited for unlawful means conspiracy, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt alleged to arise from the acquisition of Crane Bank's assets by DFCU Bank Limited.
Acting for the Department for Business and Trade in respect to the ongoing high-profile Horizon Post Office scandal.
Lawyers
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Polly Sprenger; Maria Frangeskides
Other key lawyers
Mark Chesher; Alex Hogarth; Lauren Hamilton; Alex Unger; Aziz Abdul; Chris Atkinson; James Byrne