Addleshaw Goddard's multi-disciplinary private prosecutions group is adept at handling early-stage investigations, relationships with law enforcement, financial cases, and Proceeds of Crime Act applications. The group is referred to as ‘one of the most experienced in bringing private prosecutions in the UK’. Practice head Polly Sprenger‘s prior experience at the Serious Fraud Office enables her to provide clients with an ’understanding of the approach taken by the police in criminal matters’. Among the key clients for the group are multinational corporations hailing from sectors such as pharmaceuticals, retail, and gaming. Matt Stockton has experience not only in dealing with UK authorities in private prosecutions, but also in commercial litigation and fraud disputes.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is one of the most experienced in bringing private prosecutions in the country. They have strong links to specialist counsel whom they work with on a regular basis. This makes for effective teamwork and is reassuring to a client.'
- 'The team's depth of knowledge and experience makes them a standout choice when looking for a team that is able to deal with multiple agencies and commit the resources necessary to act quickly.’
‘Polly Sprenger has an unusual background which is markedly different from most law firm partners. She was with the SFO and has a good understanding of the approach taken by the police in criminal matters. She has advised on many private prosecutions and her insight is invaluable when considering litigation strategy.'
- 'Matt Stockton and Charlotte Moss are dedicated, knowledgeable and extremely hardworking. They are both very personable and make a great team with Polly.’
Key clients
- John and Heidi Hassenfeld (R (Hassenfeld) v Tierney and others)
Work highlights
Advising John and Heidi Hassenfeld on a private prosecution following an alleged fraud of $2m.
Representing the family of a renowned architect, now suffering with dementia, in a private prosecution of an individual alleged to have abused her position as his power of attorney.
Acting for a multinational retail chain in an investigation of allegations of kickback payments being demanded by employees of its subcontractors on a 2500+ store remodelling and fit out.
Lawyers
Leading partners
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Practice head
Polly Sprenger
Other key lawyers
Matt Stockton; Charlotte Moss