Chambers and Partners rankings released for 2022
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. Commentators say: "33 Chancery Lane is quality. They are the best set for this kind of work and for advice on asset forfeiture and criminal and civil fraud proceedings."
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 always very helpful and willing to take a practical and pragmatic view in relation to fees and expectations of counsel.” “Chris Chiles and Martin Adams are very switched on and clear with estimates.”
“Martin Adams is absolutely on it and makes the client very happy.” “The clerking service is absolutely first rate.”
“Practice director Martin Adams is "a very good clerk who knows the barristers very well."
Kennedy Talbot QC
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Star Individuals
Kennedy Talbot QC is a 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: “Talbot is the ultimate POCA expert. He always gets to the core of the issue no matter how complex the question.” “He is very reactive, very pragmatic and someone who really understands this area of law.”
Recent work: Represented the FCA in an investigation into the collapse of Worthington Group and consequent asset freezing.
Financial Crime: Corporates - London (Bar)
Band 2
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: "He is very responsive and pragmatic. He is also exceptionally knowledgeable on the law and has confidence in a field where people want confidence because of the risks." "He has excellent judgement and strong advocacy skills. He is very intellectual in his approach."
Recent work: Instructed in a private prosecution involving a £2.5 million building development fraud.
Andrew Mitchell QC
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Star Individuals
Andrew Mitchell QC is a 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 is the standout person. He is so easy to work with, good with clients, and gives clear and definitive advice.” “A total legend. He is an institution and amazing on money laundering issues.”
Recent work: Advised DPP, Jamaica as to the use and extent of production orders in Proceeds of Crime legislation.
Financial Crime - London (Bar)
Band 1
Andrew Mitchell QC is 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: "An exceptionally clear communicator who is very affable, has a sound knowledge base and is solutions-oriented."
Recent work: Acted as leading counsel in the investigation and prosecution of individuals on charges of corruption, fraud and money laundering further to a Commission of Inquiry into a number of property developments in the Turks & Caicos Islands.
Alistair Webster QC
Financial Crime - The Regions (Bar)
Band 1
Alistair Webster QC is 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: "Fantastic with juries and judges. He's the best and most natural advocate - he's simply superb." "A brilliant trial lawyer."
Recent work: Represented one of the principal defendants in a case arising from a large-scale postal fraud (£80 million plus).
Mark Rainsford QC
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 3
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 is really great at dealing with very complex situations on behalf of high net worth clients.” “Mark has an excellent brain and is extremely experienced.” “He commands the respect of the court.”
Recent work: Represented Othman Louanjli, an investment banker accused of laundering EUR100 million stolen from the billionaire owner of an energy corporation.
Financial Crime - London (Bar)
Band 4
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: "His analytical skills are very impressive."
Amanda Pinto QC
Financial Crime: Corporates - London (Bar)
Band 1
Financial Crime - London (Bar)
Band 2
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 easy-going 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: "A polished advocate with superb judgement." "She is a really good advocate who leaves no stone unturned."
Recent work: Instructed to advise as an expert on English and EU law on abuse of process and to appear as an expert witness in Greek trial proceedings alleging corruption, fraud and money laundering in the Greek medical appliance profession.
Graham Brodie QC
Financial Crime - London (Bar)
Band 2
Graham Brodie QC is 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: "Strategically astute and very commercial."
Recent work: Defended an engineering company charged with corruption concerning the procurement of engineering contracts with Coca-Cola.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 3
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: “An exceptionally bright and eloquent barrister whose written submissions are impeccable.” “He is able to deliver difficult messages to clients in a clear and straightforward manner and is prepared to roll up his sleeves to deliver the best result.”
Martin Evans QC
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 1
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: “He is clearly respected by judges and other practitioners in the field.” “Evans is absolutely phenomenal.” “He understands how the authorities work and how they're going to react to issues.”
Recent work: Appeared before the Supreme Court acting on behalf of Aquila Advisory in a case concerning the impact of a POCA confiscation order over the defendants’ fraud proceeds.
Barry Stancombe
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 2
Barry Stancombe is a 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: “A barrister with a calm nature who excels at tricky arguments.”
Recent work: Represented the defendant in R v Andrey Tsikheyenka. Tsikheyenka was the lead suspect in an alleged £7 million fraud involving online suppliers such as Amazon.
Penelope Small
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 2
Penelope Small is 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 skilled and robust advocate who always gives reassurance to the client.” “She is thoughtful in her analysis of the legal issues and a pleasure to work with.”
Recent work: Represented a multinational corporate in R v T Ltd, successfully securing the release of significant funds held in a UK bank account under the domestic asset freezing/forfeiture legislation.
Christopher Convey
Financial Crime - London (Bar)
Band 1
Christopher Convey is 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: "He is superb with clients and very easy to deal with."
Recent work: Acted for the defendant in R v Dodds, proceedings relating to the multimillion-pound supply of illegal satellite streaming services to multiple venues.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 2
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: “Very personable and goes above and beyond to provide expert, timely advice.” “He is hugely knowledgeable and a very impressive lawyer.”
Recent work: Acted for John Trevor Dodds in criminal trial proceedings and contested confiscation proceedings relating to the multimillion-pound supply of illegal satellite streaming services.
Fiona Jackson
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 1
Fiona Jackson is 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: “A superb practitioner in the field of POCA who is very approachable and shows the highest levels of organisation.” “She has a very good and effective advocacy style which judges like.”
Recent work: Acted for the SFO in a trial concerning a multimillion-pound fraudulent scheme to install solar panels which defrauded hundreds of victims including elderly, retired and vulnerable people.
Ian Smith
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 2
Ian Smith is a 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: “A leading light in this field.” “He asks brilliant questions and is a very eloquent cross-examiner.”
Fraud: Civil - London (Bar)
Band 3
Ian Smith is 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 thorough, strategic, accurate and commercial in his approach. He's a good advocate who works well under pressure and is trusted by the judges."
Faisal Osman
Financial Crime - London (Bar)
Band 1
Faisal Osman is a careful barrister with great powers of factual recall 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: "His written advocacy is superb." "Incredibly approachable and really easy and natural to work with."
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 3
Faisal Osman is a 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: “His advocacy is excellent and he is an expert in this area.” “There are few barristers that can do what he does. Very accessible and a pleasure to work with, he's very understanding of the client's position and adept at the technology involved in a case.”
John Townsend
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 3
John Townsend offers a wealth of experience of advising in criminal and civil disputes and acts on behalf of both claimants and defendants. He is noted for his strong expertise when it comes to serious financial investigations and money laundering, and he demonstrates proficiency in confiscation orders, civil recovery proceedings, and asset forfeiture orders.
Strengths: “Hard-working, technically brilliant and someone whose written work and advocacy are both excellent.”
Recent work: Represented Peter Carroll in an appeal, judicial review and Section 23 proceedings following a £4.5 million confiscation order.
Catherine Collins
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - All Circuits
Band 3
Catherine Collins is 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. Collins is appointed to the SFO Proceeds of Crime B Panel and the SFO Prosecution B Panel.
Strengths: “A very confident performer.” “A star of the future and an asset to the Bar who is intellectually extremely able, a fantastic communicator and someone who displays authority in the way she delivers her advice.”
Recent work: Instructed following conviction to represent Shahid Ullah, the former COO of Afren, in confiscation proceedings brought by the SFO.