Fielding an ‘excellent diverse team with a wealth of knowledge,’ Simmons & Simmons expertly handles bet-the-company criminal and regulatory matters for a diverse roster of blue-chip clients. The group sits within the firm’s broader disputes and investigations team and also collaborates closely with its international network of offices. Practice head Camilla de Silva leverages her in-agency experience from the SFO to advise private sector and government clients on regulatory enforcement actions and internal investigations. Cherie Spinks attracts praise for her ’unmatched’ expertise in sanctions and money laundering issues, Nick Benwell is a key name for multijurisdictional investigations, while Emily Agnoli is regularly instructed by clients in the energy, tech, and pharma sectors. They work alongside a strong group of ‘terrific associates’, including Tom Bowen, praised for his ’fearsome ability’, and Alexandra Webster, another key contact for AML and sanctions mandates.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
- Profile
- Social
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Camilla de Silva is a real leader in this field: effective, experienced and often leads the way tactically in multi-suspect cases. Alexandra Webster is an excellent and knowledgeable lawyer.'
'Camilla de Silva stands out. Top-drawer.'
‘Nick Benwell is one of the leading figures in the field. Clients love his ability to boil down complex cases to the essential points. He is pragmatic and sensible and carries enormous gravitas. Emily Agnoli is a huge talent. The team also benefits from some terrific associates, including Tom Bowen.’
‘Camilla de Silva is an experienced and talented lawyer in this field. Her experience as a former senior lawyer with the SFO gives an added valuable dimension to her approach to regulatory and corporate crime investigations.’
‘An excellent diverse team with a wealth of knowledge. Provided fantastic support throughout a difficult period for me. They gave me confidence with their depth of experience and understanding of the case.’
‘Leaders in the field with unparalleled strength and depth in their offering. Fast becoming blue chip investigations team of choice. True experts across the full spectrum of this field coupled with unique prosecutorial and defence experience. Brilliant client care and engagement. Great team ethos driven by Camilla de Silva's leadership and vision, alongside Nick Benwell and Emily Agnoli. People want to work with this team.’
- 'Cherie Spinks' FS money laundering and sanctions knowledge is unmatched. Tom Bowen is a rising star. Fearsome ability and work ethic allow him to understand incredibly complex internal misconduct.'
‘Deep subject matter expertise in financial crime and the contentious regulatory environment in the UK.’
‘Alex Webster is a subject matter expert in financial crime, especially AML and sanctions. She's practical and an excellent communicator.’
Key clients
- Petrofac
- The Department of Business and Trade
Work highlights
- Advised Petrofac in relation its successful resolution of a SFO investigation into allegations of bribery in respect of oil and gas contracts across the Middle East worth up to $8.4bn.
- Advised on the £4.25bn sale of Chelsea Football Club to the Boehly/Clearlake consortium, including in relation to the impact of financial sanctions and licensing of the sale by UK and international authorities.
Lawyers
Hall of fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
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
Camilla de Silva
Other key lawyers
Nick Benwell; Emily Agnoli; Cherie Spinks; Alexandra Webster; Tom Bowen