Willkie Farr & Gallagher (UK) LLP is noted for its deep bench, regularly advising corporates and financial institutions on investigations related to bribery, sanctions, fraud and money laundering. The team brings a mix of UK and US legal expertise to cross-border matters, with notable experience across regulatory enforcement and internal investigations. Practice head Peter Burrell is described as a ‘legend in the sector’ and oversees all compliance, investigations and enforcement mandates. UK and US-qualified Rita Mitchell frequently represents clients before international enforcement authorities and has notable experience in compliance programmes and whistleblowing matters, while Simon Osborn-King is recommended for his work involving fraud, bribery, money laundering, and sanctions violations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Fantastic team led by Peter Burrell. Work product is superb for such a lean team. Highly recommended. Other firms could learn a lot from the model employed by Willkie. The associates under Peter Burrell are very impressive and ones to watch. They will go far.’
‘Willkie's is one of the most respected and feared opponents in the regulatory sector. They provide superb service to some of the largest institutions in the London market and have vast experience in cases which cross over with criminal and international proceedings involving the same clients.’
‘Peter Burrell is rightly regarded as a legend of the sector.'
‘The team is strong in the UK and works seamlessly with their colleagues in the U.S. They are responsive and personable.’
‘Rita Mitchell is great. She is very proactive and sensitive to client needs.’
'The team works well with local counsel and is incredibly collaborative.'
Key clients
- Man Group PLC
- Essentra plc
- Tate & Lyle plc
- General Electric/Alstom
- Nichols plc
- Warburg Pincus
Work highlights
Acting for a UK-headquartered global financial institution in resolving a long-running FCA enforcement action, securing a £10m reduction in the fine and an agreed public position on non-acceptance of the FCA’s findings.
Acting for Man Group in a $1bn High Court dispute involving allegations of historic bribery and corruption, with parallel criminal and regulatory proceedings in Kuwait and Switzerland.
Acting for an oil and gas exploration and production company in an independent investigation into allegations of embezzlement involving a multi-million dollar oil exploration contract.
Lawyers
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Next Generation Partners
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Practice head
Peter Burrell
Other key lawyers
Rita Mitchell; Simon Osborn-King