Stephenson Harwood is regularly instructed to advise investment clients, large banks, retailers, and asset management companies on the full range of corporate crime issues. Justin McClelland heads up the team and handles cartel issues, market misconduct work, and internal investigations, attracting praise for his ‘impeccable judgement’. Sean Jeffrey takes point on matters concerning financial sanctions, while the ’immensely knowledgeable and hardworking‘ Alan Ward is routinely instructed by financial institutions on multijurisdictional regulatory investigations. 2023 saw the firm strengthening its financial regulatory offering with the arrival of the ’outstanding‘ David Capps, previously at Ashurst. Tony Woodcock left the team in 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Justin McClelland is an extremely experienced practitioner. He has impeccable judgment, and he reads the next steps to be taken by the investigating authorities like a book. He is a good lawyer and a very calming influence for his clients.’
‘Excellent financial services sector knowledge and expertise.’
‘Sean Jeffrey is highly engaged and effective, whilst also affable and calm in a tight spot.’
‘The regulatory investigations team at Stephenson Harwood is excellent. Every member of the team is fully engaged on the matter and in the detail so that all have the knowledge and understanding to assist, and I have felt very comfortable dealing with the senior associate on the very rare occasions the partner is not available.’
‘Strong team with great experience and expertise.’
‘Alan Ward - strategic, practical, hardworking.’
‘Alan Ward is one of their brightest stars - immensely knowledgeable and hardworking and a pleasure to deal with.’
‘David Capps is outstanding. Very commercial, extremely helpful in the most challenging of circumstances, always looking for solutions, unflappable and always willing to take the time to work through issues, even when they don't fit squarely within his specialism.’
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Justin McClelland
Other key lawyers
David Capps; Alan Ward; Sean Jeffrey