CHAMBERS UK 2021 RANKINGS
Recommendations for 33 Chancery Lane in POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture, Financial Crime and Financial Crime Corporates. Recommendations for individuals in POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture, Civil Fraud, Financial Crime, Financial Crime Corporates and High Net Worth Individuals: Financial Crime:
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture
A highly praised set with experience across the full spectrum of POCA matters, which is especially noted for its expertise in money laundering investigations. Members act for defendants and prosecutors alike in cases which are often high-profile and international in nature. They also frequently represent receivers and third parties with regard to issues ranging from civil recovery and restraint proceedings to regulatory advice. Recent matters include an international drug trafficking confiscation case for the CPS, and a civil recovery claim for the SFO on behalf of a foreign government. One impressed client states: "The barristers have strength and depth in POCA and a knowledge of the whole regime that enables them to offer an overall perspective on the legislation."
Client service: "The clerks are always on top of what's going on. They know what's happening with everyone's cases and if there's ever a problem they're immediately on it." "Practice director Martin Adams is incredibly experienced and knowledgeable."
Andrew Mitchell QC
Famed individual, extensively experienced in POCA work, whose practice covers a wide array of cases including those concerning money laundering, asset recovery, bribery and corruption. Frequently instructed in high-profile and complex matters, he is considered to be a master litigator who represents clients at the top level including in the Court of Appeal. The matters he undertakes regularly include international elements.
Strengths: "Andrew works hard no matter where he is in the world. He can turn around work and advice in a short period of time and he's completely definitive in his view, which gives the client confidence to act on that advice." "A statesman of this area and a punchy advocate."
Recent work: Represented the Turks & Caicos Islands Government in R v Misick & Others, a case concerning civil recovery as part of an ongoing investigation. The charges involved included allegations of corruption, fraud and money laundering.
Kennedy Talbot QC
Highly regarded silk who frequently handles civil recovery, restraint, receivership and confiscation cases. Clients include private individuals and financial institutions. His practice covers advice on money laundering obligations compliance and novel regulatory developments.
Strengths: "Kennedy is a master at POCA. His is a knowledgeable and practical approach to commercial matters, which is invaluable to corporate clients." "An incisive, helpful barrister who is always approachable and available. He's an excellent, tactical and, above all, decisive advocate."
Recent work: Instructed by the FCA in an investigation into the collapse of Worthington Group, and the consequent asset freezing.
Mark Rainsford QC
Handles specialised financial crime, proceeds of crime and asset recovery cases, and boasts particular expertise in money laundering matters. His clients include major financial institutions and private individuals. Rainsford is further instructed by prosecution agencies.
Strengths: "He makes measured, well-constructed arguments."
Recent work: Acted on behalf of Robert Gold in confiscation proceedings following his fraud conviction in Operation Amazon.
Graham Brodie QC
Acts for claimants and defendants in proceedings relating to allegations of commercial wrongdoing, and is renowned for his involvement in civil fraud and asset forfeiture cases. He handles cases concerning restraint, freezing and confiscation of assets in both the civil and criminal spheres. Brodie is regularly instructed in POCA cases that are multi-jurisdictional in nature.
Strengths: "His approach combines intellectual rigour with a no-nonsense attitude to great effect." "His real skill is in problem solving and unravelling tricky situations."
Martin Evans QC
Boasts expertise in both POCA and criminal fraud matters, and is particularly adept at restraint, confiscation and civil recovery cases. He represents defendants, receivers, companies and prosecuting agencies, among others. Evans has been instructed in numerous cases in the High Court and the Court of Appeal.
Strengths: "Phenomenally bright and clear-headed, he can deal with complex matters in a very simple way." "He'll go out of his way to make sure that he delivers high-quality work in a timely manner."
Recent work: Acted for Access Finance Limited, a Zimbabwean bank, in relation to an asset freezing order concerning over £800,000 in funds. The assets were collected by individuals in the UK to be sent on to relatives living in Zimbabwe.
Barry Stancombe
POCA and asset forfeiture specialist with noteworthy experience in civil recovery and receivership. He acts for prosecuting agencies such as the SFO and FCA, as well as receivers, defendants and companies. His work includes fraud-related restraint and receivership matters. Instructed in high-profile cases, often with international components, Stancombe has had involvement in a number of matters that have helped to develop the law relating to asset recovery.
Strengths: "Really good when it comes to unexplained wealth orders, account forfeiture and confiscation." "He's no-nonsense and a favourite of receivers."
Recent work: Represented Anthony Hanlon in R v Pangold & The Official Receiver & Liquidator of Pangold Gp of Companies. The dispute concerned issues including the question of whether, and how, assets obtained through an instance of consumer fraud should be sold.
Penelope Small
Recognised for her specialist expertise in POCA proceedings, asset recovery and restraint orders in both the civil and criminal spheres. She represents prosecuting authorities and defendants, and regularly tackles cases with cross-border aspects to them. Small has particular expertise in third-party representation.
Strengths: "A charming advocate who's fluent in the law." "She's a versatile counsel with great knowledge in this area."
Recent work: Appeared in R v Richard Cornish, successfully representing a spouse in protecting her asset from being swallowed up in confiscation proceedings.
Christopher Convey
Frequently acts for defendants and third parties in POCA proceedings relating to allegations of business crime and corporate wrongdoing, regularly appearing before the High Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. He has particular experience of advising offshore trusts on money laundering and compliance issues.
Strengths: "An all-round strong performer" who is "thorough and diligent."
Recent work: Acted for criminal, international hacker and blackmailer Zain Qaiser in confiscation proceedings. A multimillion-pound confiscation order was sought by the prosecution, but following a successful defence on behalf of Mr Qaiser a confiscation order was made in the greatly reduced sum of £270,000.
Fiona Jackson
Experienced criminal counsel who assists defence and prosecution clients with fraud, POCA and asset recovery matters. She is frequently instructed in cases with international elements, including those relating to international mutual legal assistance and international regulatory work. Jackson is experienced at representing clients at all court levels and is a regular in the High Court and Court of Appeal.
Strengths: "She always has an excellent understanding of the shape of a case. Even when you're dealing with global complex litigation with a myriad of strands, she's got a first-class ability to deal with it." "She's a tenacious advocate with a deep knowledge of POCA."
Recent work: Acted in the High Court and Court of Appeal in Saleh V SFO, appearing for the SFO on behalf of a foreign government. This case concerned millions held in a London bank account that were the proceeds of criminal conduct, being the benefit that Saleh and other individuals linked to the Government of Chad were paid as corrupt financial inducements in return for the award of a contract to exploit oil reserves.
Faisal Osman
POCA practitioner specialising in domestic and international civil recovery stemming from commercial wrongdoing. He advises claimants and third parties on asset recovery matters, and also handles confiscation, fraud and regulatory enforcement cases. He is regularly instructed in appeals against confiscations, and his clients include governments and commercial organisations, among others.
Strengths: "A polished advocate" who "has a scholarly knowledge of the law and is extremely bright."
Recent work: Acted in HMRC v Richards, highly complex confiscation proceedings relating to a very high-value tax cheat.
Ian Smith
Commercial litigator and criminal lawyer who has a specialist knowledge of POCA. He is known for handling more general complex commercial cases with a fraud element. Smith is experienced in civil recovery restraint order and enforcement proceedings, both domestically and internationally. He also covers advisory work on anti-money laundering regulation.
Strengths: "Has a good depth of knowledge of the law and all its facets." "He's very knowledgeable and experienced."
Catherine Collins
Experienced in both the prosecution and defence of asset forfeiture issues. She frequently advises and represents third parties on a broad range of POCA and financial crime cases, particularly matters with a civil and criminal law crossover. She is appointed to the SFO Proceeds of Crime B Panel and the SFO Prosecution B Panel.
Strengths: "Methodical, calm and good at explaining difficult concepts." "She's well aware of the key points and vulnerabilities of legislation and is able to attack them."
Recent work: Instructed by Shahid Ullah in confiscation proceedings brought by the SFO after being convicted for fraud and money laundering. The matter involves assets based outside of the UK.
FINANCIAL CRIME
The barristers at 33 Chancery Lane offer expertise spanning the full range of financial crime matters. The set is regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and defence in complex bribery and money laundering cases, and members are also well versed in the handling of HMRC investigations. Asset recovery matters are a key area of strength for the team, owing to the set's recognised prowess in POCA proceedings. The set's enviable client list includes both leading corporations and individuals.
Client service: "The clerks are all very down to earth and easy to communicate with." "Practice director Martin Adams is helpful, organised and always able to assist. He is also a pleasure to deal with."
Andrew Mitchell QC
A well-known heavyweight silk who is a great choice of leading counsel for high-value matters connected with financial wrongdoing. His reputation has spread far and wide, ensuring he is instructed to advise on marquee matters both at home and abroad. He offers particular expertise in large-scale bribery and corruption investigations, and is also valued for his expertise in related POCA proceedings.
Strengths: "He is exceptionally gifted, able and experienced."
Amanda Pinto QC
Acts for the prosecution and the defence in serious financial crime cases, including those involving misstatement of financial accounts, investment frauds and money laundering. Interviewees reserve special mention for her easygoing manner and clear commitment to obtaining the best result for her client. She is valued for her advice to corporates on financial crime matters, and also has experience of dealing with private prosecutions.
Strengths: "She is sharp, intelligent, articulate and has a lovely court manner." "A formidable advocate." "Her huge experience shines through in her attention to detail. Clients and juries love her."
Recent work: Acted for the defence in R v Bohart & Others, a case involving allegations of conspiracy to defraud by traders and submitters for Barclays, Deutsche Bank, SocGen and several other banks.
Graham Brodie QC
A silk noted for his attractive presentation style in court and for being a good team player. He regularly advises on allegations of money laundering and overseas corruption, and he is also experienced in related POCA work. He provides expert counsel to a variety of corporate clients, and has a particular focus on cases with overlapping civil and criminal elements.
Strengths: "He is a very clever guy and a good advocate." "He is good on the crossover between civil and criminal." "Very personable and very easy to speak to. His real skill is in problem solving and unravelling tricky situations."
Recent work: Defended a company director charged with tax fraud relating to claims for corporation tax group relief.
Mark Rainsford QC
Has superb legal knowledge and great judgement in how best to advance the client's cause. He regularly handles corruption cases and all manner of investment frauds, including those relating to Ponzi schemes, and is noted for his skill in money laundering cases. He draws on complementary expertise in confiscation matters and those with a civil fraud aspect.
Strengths: "He really understands the subject matter and is a true strategist."
FINANCIAL CRIME (The Regions)
Alistair Webster QC
A highly experienced silk who excels in complex cases involving allegations of loan, tax and pension fraud, among other matters. He regularly represents the SFO in both fraud and proceeds of crime cases.
Strengths: "He is a very skilled silk." "He is a tactical genius."
Recent work: Acted for the SFO in the successful prosecution of individuals involved in fraudulent nationwide solar panel sales schemes.
FINANCIAL CRIME
Keith Mitchell
Puts clients in stressful situations at ease and speaks to them in a style they can readily understand, according to those who instruct him. He frequently acts unled, acting for the defence in high-value cases. His caseload includes a number of tax fraud, corruption and trading standards matters. He has noted expertise in major bribery cases and is adept at handling cross-border issues.
Strengths: "Has a very easygoing style and is very practical." "A sophisticated advocate."
Recent work: Acted for a defendant in Operation Cornflour, a cold calling and diamond fraud based in Birmingham and Croydon.
Christopher Convey
Recognised for the diligence, great attention to detail and fine advocacy skills that he brings to the defence of fraud and financial crime cases. Rate rigging and corporate theft matters feature highly in his caseload, as do complex money laundering matters. He is experienced in advising clients on international matters. Convey further offers counsel on compliance issues.
Strengths: "A brave, intelligent and persuasive advocate. Equally skilled on his feet or on paper." "He is obviously super clever, very dedicated and works very hard."
Recent work: Advised several Guernsey trusts on anti-money laundering obligations in relation to politically exposed persons, the settlement of tainted funds, international treaty obligations, compliance with overseas orders, domestic regulatory compliance and the release of restrained assets.
Faisal Osman
A careful barrister with great powers of factual recall and a highly supportive junior counsel, who adds clear value to proceedings. He is highly rated for his astute defence of clients in financial crime cases. His experience includes advising on high-value allegations of tax fraud and international money laundering. He offers additional expertise in asset recovery, including those cases concerning highly complex, cross-border matters.
Strengths: "A charming, fiercely bright and sought-after lawyer." "He has one of the greatest minds for finance and can pick things apart just by looking at numbers."
FINANCIAL CRIME: CORPORATES
The barristers at 33 Chancery Lane offer expertise spanning the full range of financial crime matters. The set is regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and defence in complex bribery and money laundering cases, and members are also well versed in the handling of HMRC investigations. Asset recovery matters are a key area of strength for the team, owing to the set's recognised prowess in POCA proceedings. The set's enviable client list includes both leading corporations and individuals.
Client service: "The clerks are all very down to earth and easy to communicate with." "Practice director Martin Adams is helpful, organised and always able to assist. He is also a pleasure to deal with."
Amanda Pinto QC
Acts for the prosecution and the defence in serious financial crime cases, including those involving misstatement of financial accounts, investment frauds and money laundering. Interviewees reserve special mention for her easygoing manner and clear commitment to obtaining the best result for her client. She is valued for her advice to corporates on financial crime matters, and also has experience of dealing with private prosecutions.
Strengths: "She is sharp, intelligent, articulate and has a lovely court manner." "A formidable advocate." "Her huge experience shines through in her attention to detail. Clients and juries love her."
Recent work: Acted for the defence in R v Bohart & Others, a case involving allegations of conspiracy to defraud by traders and submitters for Barclays, Deutsche Bank, SocGen and several other banks.
Kennedy Talbot QC
Acts for and advises major corporate clients on a wide range of financial crime matters. He fields significant expertise in anti-money laundering, and is regularly instructed by financial institutions to advise on their responsibilities.
Strengths: "Very skilled advocate, tactical and highly astute." "He's down to earth, pragmatic and easy to have a blunt conversation with. He's solutions-based and cuts through to the heart of the issue quickly." "An incisive subject expert. He is very helpful, always available, approachable and clever."
FINANCIAL CRIME: High Net Worth Individuals
Graham Brodie QC of 33 Chancery Lane often acts for high net worth individuals in high-profile financial crime matters. A source comments: "He is good to work with; very bright, very smart and kind." Several interviewees praise him for his responsiveness, with one instructing solicitor saying: "He is excellent and he handles time zone differences well. He is amazingly responsive - I wonder if he sleeps! He is always at the end of the phone if you need him." Another solicitor agrees, adding: "He is very approachable and you can phone him any time of day or night wherever he is in the world and get hold of him, which helps with urgent and short notice matters."
FRAUD CIVIL
A civil and criminal fraud specialist comfortable managing complex proceedings involving such issues as asset recovery and money laundering. Much of his work pertains to overseas jurisdictions. He is adept at both bringing and defending claims.
Strengths: "He is very comfortable when navigating the rocky path between civil and criminal law." "He is very resilient and he never stops asking questions until he is satisfied that he has the answer." "He is responsive, supportive and good with clients."