Slaughter and May is well regarded for its expertise in complex multi-jurisdictional corporate crime investigations, enforcement actions, internal reviews and compliance, with recognised strengths in sanctions, anti-money laundering and data protection. The practice is led by a trio of partners: Richard Swallow, who has a strong track record in high-profile cross-border regulatory and criminal matters; Jonathan Cotton, who regularly advises on SFO investigations across sectors including aviation, telecommunications and consumer goods; and Ewan Brown, who focuses on supporting financial institutions and has extensive experience handling mandates involving various enforcement authorities. Jonathan Clark has defended clients against allegations of deliberate wrongdoing, including cases involving alleged bribery, corruption, cartel activity and tax evasion, while senior counsels Ella Williams and Nicholas Querée are recommended for their significant involvement in cross-border investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The team is at the very top of the market. The superb quality of the advice and the strength in depth are the stand-out features.'
- 'Jonny Cotton and Richard Swallow are hugely experienced and excellent lawyers. They are at the very pinnacle of the market. There is simply no one better for a company in difficulty. Other superb partners include Ewan Brown, Gayathri Kamalanathan, Holly Ware, Camilla Sanger, and Jonathan Clark.'
- 'The team is supremely capable of bringing together a mix of excellent lawyers and brilliant strategists with a proper understanding of the issues.'
- 'Jonny Cotton and Richard Swallow are outstanding leaders and always have the best of the associates in this space.'
Key clients
- British American Tobacco
- Bombardier Inc
Work highlights
Successfully defended the Canadian aircraft manufacturer Bombardier in relation to the SFO’s investigation into suspected bribery and corruption in relation to contracts with an Asian entity.
Acted as coordinating counsel in relation to BAT’s $100m settlement with a Nigerian competition and consumer protection regulator.
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.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Nicholas Querée
Ella Williams
Practice head
Richard Swallow; Jonathan Cotton; Ewan Brown
Other key lawyers
Gayathri Kamalanathan; Ella Williams; Nicholas Querée; Jonathan Clark