Due to the nature of our work, coming second is not a result we would normally wish to celebrate.

However, we are delighted that in the recent Lawyer Magazine Awards BCL Burton Copeland was placed second in the category “Niche Firm of the Year”, only losing out to London-based pensions specialists, Sacker & Partners.

The award is for smaller (fewer than 15 Partners) specialist firms that have demonstrated a standard of excellence in their chosen field, high market share, evidence of both growth and retention within their client list, and legal and/or entrepreneurial innovation.

The Lawyer Magazine said about the firm:

“Specialising in challenging criminal investigations, many of which are high profile, span jurisdictions and have significant value.  Founding partner Ian Burton sets the bar high at BCL Burton Copeland.  He is known by his peers as being the “godfather of white collar crime law”.  In 2007, Burton led the team which successfully defended champion jockey Kieran Fallon from allegations of price fixing in horse racing.  The eleven-partner firm is also advising two of the worlds largest pharmaceutical companies on Serious Fraud Office investigations into the Oil for Food programme in Iraq.  With a strong team of partners, including Brian Spiro, Harry Travers and Jane Glass, the firm sets the standard for other fraud lawyers to achieve.”