PCB Byrne maintains a strong reputation in financial crime, with expertise spanning high-value fraud, money laundering, tax and financial services investigations, and bribery and corruption cases. The team regularly acts for high net worth individuals, particularly where sanctions issues intersect with regulatory and criminal investigations. Its cross-border capability is a clear strength, with the firm routinely involved in complex international matters and prominent SFO-led investigations. Co-head Sara Teasdale is highly experienced in criminal and regulatory investigations, often acting for senior individuals in sensitive, high-profile matters. Fellow co-lead Michael Potts brings long-standing experience acting against key prosecution and regulatory agencies in major cases. Matthew Frankland is a recognised figure in the defence of serious fraud investigations and trials. Emma Brooks is frequently instructed by high-net-worth individuals, advising across the full spectrum of financial crime and complex business crime allegations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘What makes this team truly unique is their combination of sharp legal expertise and genuine empathy. From the start, they were incredibly responsive, clear, and strategic, making a complex and stressful process feel manageable. Their deep knowledge of fraud and white-collar crime, along with their calm, confident approach, really set them apart.'
‘Sara Teasdale was exceptional in every respect. Professionally, she is sharp, strategic, and incredibly knowledgeable; her expertise in fraud and white-collar crime is clear from the outset. What really sets her apart, though, is the way she combines that professionalism with genuine care and humanity. Her calm confidence was incredibly reassuring during a difficult time, and I always felt that I was in the best possible hands.'
‘PCB Byrne has evolved into a highly specialised, elite unit of practitioners who deliver a product of exceptionally high quality with the minimum of fuss.’
‘Emma Brooks is a complete star. Her unusual blend of great intelligence, deep experience and utter tenacity has made her one of the very few stand-out forces in the white-collar arena. No one fights harder for their clients than Emma, and she always delivers.'
‘Very responsive to client needs. Legally innovative and determined.’
- 'Emma Brooks is a legal innovator and master of the detail in complex fraud cases.'
Lawyers
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Leading partners
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Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Practice head
Sara Teasdale; Michael Potts
Other key lawyers
Matthew Frankland; Emma Brooks