BCL top-ranked in Chambers UK 2018

BCL top-ranked in Chambers UK 2018

On 2 November 2017, Chambers & Partners published the 2018 edition of Chambers UK – a Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession. This is one of the leading independent directories of UK legal services, identifying the leading firms and lawyers.

In the 2018 edition, BCL has been ranked as a top tier / leading firm in the following practice areas:

  • Financial Crime: Individuals (London)
  • Financial Crime: Individuals: Cartel Investigations (UK-wide)
  • Financial Crime: Corporates (London)
  • Crime (London)
  • Crime: Extradition (London)
  • POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture (UK-wide)
  • Tax: Contentious: Fraud (UK-wide)

BCL stands out from its competitors by being the only firm to be ranked in all seven of these practice areas.

In addition, 12 of BCL’s lawyers have been individually ranked – more than any other top-ranked firm in these areas.

Chambers UK’s rankings and editorial for each practice area are set out below.

Financial Crime: Individuals

BCL is ranked as a top tier firm in Financial Crime: Individuals. We have six partners ranked in this practice area, including four top-ranked, more than any other firm. Those ranked are as follows:

  • Ian Burton – Band 1
  • Jane Glass – Band 1
  • Richard Sallybanks – Band 1
  • Harry Travers – Band 1
  • Michael Drury – Band 3
  • Shaul Brazil – Up and Coming

 

In relation to the firm’s position, Chambers UK states:

What the team is known for:
A premier outfit with an excellent reputation for its representation of individuals including company directors, officers and employees. Boutique firm offering a large team with extensive experience in handling SFO investigations. Frequently advises on complex commercial fraud, regulatory enforcement and money laundering cases. Also demonstrates a strong capability in handling cartel investigations.

Strengths:
Sources say: “There is no doubt at all to me that BCL is the top of the top. They have good lawyers and a very good culture – they look after the client.”

One commentator says: “They are extraordinarily knowledgeable about procedures and have dealt with all the big prosecutors. They are collaborative and work extremely diligently – high-quality and pragmatic.”

 

In relation to the ranked partners, Chambers UK states:

Ian Burton is a deeply experienced white-collar practitioner whose recent work includes a number of international anti-corruption matters. Sources commend him as a “rainmaker extraordinaire” who “picks up clients of the highest level.”

Jane Glass is a long-standing fraud practitioner with a wide range of experience in the defence of government investigations into individuals. Sources commend her “fantastic presence and intellect.”

Commentators describe Richard Sallybanks as “calm, experienced and highly able,” with one source noting that “he is extremely thorough, his judgement is excellent and his client handling is superlative.” He provides expert counsel to senior executives on a range of criminal fraud matters, including corruption, money laundering and accounting fraud.

Harry Travers maintains a wide-ranging practice defending clients from allegations of corruption, as well as other financial crime charges. He wins acclaim from commentators as a “relentless litigator” with a “tremendous analytical mind” and “great client skills.”

Michael Drury draws on his national security background to provide expert counsel to clients in extradition cases, as well as international financial crime more broadly. Sources describe him as “an intellectual heavyweight whose points run a coach and horses through the other side.”

The “bright and enthusiastic” Shaul Brazil is noted by commentators for an “urbane, easy-going manner that makes individuals warm to him.” He is a qualified barrister with a growing reputation for his work in financial crime, which includes a number of multi-jurisdictional, multi-agency investigations.

Financial Crime: Individuals: Cartel Investigations

Additionally, both the firm and Richard Sallybanks are top-ranked in relation to Financial Crime: Individuals: Cartel Investigations.

Financial Crime: Corporates

BCL is ranked as a leading firm for this practice area, with partner Shaul Brazil ranked as a leading individual.

 

In relation to the firm, Chambers states:

What the team is known for:
Well-established practice that provides deep expertise in the business crime area. Offers tailored specialist advice to corporates affected by search warrants, allegations of money laundering and SFO investigations. Draws corporate clients from a wide range of sectors, including energy, communications and retail.

 

In relation to Shaul Brazil, Chambers UK states:

Employed barrister Shaul Brazil has a wide-ranging financial crime practice which includes the representation of individuals and corporates in fraud, bribery and corruption proceedings. Sources say: “He is very intelligent and has a stellar future ahead.”

Crime

BCL is top-ranked for this practice area, with four partners [and one associate] appearing in the rankings as follows:

  • Mark Haslam – Band 1
  • Paul Morris – Band 1
  • Rachel Hubbard – Band 2
  • Ellen Peart – Band 2

 

In relation to the firm, Chambers states:

What the team is known for:
Outstanding firm specialising in the defence of high-profile private clients. Strong bench of top-flight individuals experienced in handling highly complex cases, including those involving notable personalities from the sports and entertainment worlds. Advice covers a wide range of serious and general criminal charges, including sexual offences, drug trafficking and violent crimes. Also offers expert representation to corporate entities. 

Strengths:
One source says: “Their crime team is the most complete I have ever encountered and they select counsel for specific cases. This thoughtful approach means that their success rate is unparalleled in stopping prosecutions at the earliest stage or ultimately securing a ‘not guilty’ verdict. Their attention to detail is superior and their selection of solicitors is case-specific, so clients are placed in the best position from day one.” 

 

In relation to the ranked partners, Chambers UK states:

Sources say Mark Haslam is “reactive and has a personality that puts clients at ease very quickly, which is so important for criminal work.” He offers clients the benefit of his deep criminal defence experience, particularly in the sports sector.

Rachel Hubbard “is meticulous in her case preparation, provides incredible support for her clients and always goes the extra mile,” one source says. She is regularly called upon to assist professionals, whether suspects, defendants or witnesses.

Paul Morris “knows the procedures, statutes and regulations inside out,” can “give clear, concise advice on the spot” and is “also very amiable and excellent with clients,” sources comment. He provides counsel to businesses, individuals and witnesses alike.

The “calm and reassuring” Ellen Peart is “fantastic on client care,” according to sources who add that she “understands and anticipates their needs.” She has a wide ranging criminal practice, which includes appeals work. Commentators say that she is “formidable, yet retains a sensitive, human touch.”

Crime: Extradition

BCL is ranked as a leading firm for this practice area, with partners Ian Burton, Michael Drury, and Shaul Brazil ranked as leading individuals and associate Kate Chanter identified as an associate to watch.

 

In relation to the firm, Chambers states:

What the team is known for:
Highly experienced team noted for its representation of high-profile individuals in complex cases. Specialist expertise in politically sensitive matters, frequently acting on proceedings involving multiple jurisdictions, asset freezing and INTERPOL red notices. Particularly active representing high net worth individuals and public figures in extradition requests from Russia and Eastern European jurisdictions.

Strengths:
One source comments: “The firm has a wealth of outstanding and talented lawyers in all areas of criminal law. Extradition is a very specific area in which BCL has a demonstrated record of outstanding achievements.”

Clients say: “They are very much into the details; they always make time available to investigate deeply into the details of the case.” 

In relation to Shaul Brazil, Chambers UK states:

Sources report that Shaul Brazil is an “imaginative lawyer who fights his cases extremely hard,”and “gets on extremely well with clients.” He handles high-profile extradition work, with particular experience representing Russian businesspeople.

POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

BCL is ranked as a top-tier firm with partner Richard Sallybanks top-ranked and partner Shaul Brazil ranked as a leading individual.

 

In relation to the firm, Chambers states:

What the team is known for:
Market-leading defence practice handling the full spectrum of POCA and asset forfeiture matters. Frequently assists high-profile individuals and corporate clients with anti-money laundering compliance as well as representing them in investigations and pre- and post-conviction litigation. POCA practice benefits from complementary specialisms in general crime, financial crime and tax fraud. 

Strengths:
Sources say: “They are very knowledgeable in this area, they know their stuff. They are very practical and responsive with the other side. They communicate very well.”

One commentator says: “They are the pre-eminent firm for criminal fraud work. They are thorough, very good on the law and prepare cases immaculately.”

 

In relation to the ranked partners, Chambers UK states:

Richard Sallybanks is widely recognised as an expert in POCA work. Commentators say: “He is extremely user-friendly, brilliant at running the show and keeping everybody informed and happy.” He is experienced handling domestic and international investigations with restraint, confiscation and money laundering aspects.

Shaul Brazil is a well-regarded POCA practitioner, focusing on corporate crimes and regulatory enforcement. He has experience in cross-border restraint and confiscation measures. Sources report: “He is very clever, tenacious and hard-working. He analyses situations very carefully. He is excellent.”

Tax: Contentious: Fraud

BCL is again top-ranked for this practice area with partner Harry Travers also top-ranked.

 

In relation to the firm, Chambers states:

What the team is known for:
Pre-eminent business crime practice well known for defending clients against significant tax fraud allegations. Possesses an outstanding track record of defending clients facing HMRC investigations. Represents senior executives in the banking and asset management industries.

Strengths:
Clients say: “They are the leaders of the pack in white collar, and provide excellent and quality service with extremely good response times.” 

 

In relation to Harry Travers, Chambers UK states:

The “razor sharp” Harry Travers is regarded as “tactically right on the ball” by sources who value his deep experience on cases. He is noted for his breadth of expertise spanning the full range of tax fraud.