On 28 October 2010, the 2011 edition of Chambers UK was published. This is one of the leading independent directories of UK legal services.
The directory recommends BCL Burton Copeland as a leading firm in the following practice areas:
- Fraud: Criminal (UK-wide)
- Fraud: Criminal: Corporate (UK-wide)
- Competition: White-Collar Crime: Cartel Defence (London)
- Crime (London)
- Tax: Contentious: Fraud (London & UK-wide)
- Health & Safety (London & UK-wide)
In addition to the above practice areas, partner Harry Travers is singled out as a notable practitioner in the practice area Fraud: Civil.
BCL stands out from its competitors in two distinct ways: it is the only firm to be recommended in all of the above practice areas and, secondly, it is the only firm to have partners listed as Star Individuals in the lawyer ranking tables in both Fraud: Criminal and Crime, as well as being a top-ranked firm.
The directory’s editorial for each practice area is set out below.
Fraud: Criminal
Fraud: Criminal: Corporate
In relation to Fraud: Criminal and Fraud: Criminal: Corporate, BCL is once again ranked at the top of the table of leading firms in the UK.
On an individual basis, seven of BCL’s partners are ranked in the table of leading individuals in the UK, as follows:
- Ian Burton – Star Individual
- Brian Spiro – Band 1
- Jane Glass – Band 1
- Harry Travers – Band 1
- Robin Booth – Band 3
- Richard Sallybanks – Band 4
- Guy Bastable – Band 4
In regard to the firm, the directory states the following:
This remains one of the pre-eminent firms in the country for complex criminal fraud work. With experts in asset recovery, tax fraud and SFO investigations, the group is a first choice for both claimants and defendants, from large corporate entities to individuals. Operating from its London base, the firm is renowned for its multi-jurisdictional capabilities.
In relation to the ranked partners, the directory states:
Ian Burton is singled out as one of the foremost criminal fraud practitioners in the country. He regularly acts in some of the largest and most controversial financial crime cases in the UK, and is described as “an eminent lawyer who knows everyone and gets things done.” Esteemed practitioner Brian Spiro is applauded for his adroit management of highly complex international disputes. Commentators note that he is “very good at putting clients at ease” and can also “provide clear and accessible advice on complex matters.” Jane Glass is commended for her commitment to client service and her ability to handle unusual fraud cases. Harry Travers is acclaimed for his work at the intersection between crime and tax. Travers is described by sources as“a meticulous worker” who “is absolutely first class – a star.” Robin Booth used to work at the CPS, and is adept at dealing with issues relating to money laundering, asset forfeiture, confiscation and corruption. Guy Bastable has a highly regarded practice encompassing a range of fraud-related work, including insider dealing. Richard Sallybanks is hailed as “efficient, unflustered and good with clients.” He is praised for his skilled representation of clients in SFO investigations and prosecutions.
Competition: White-Collar Crime: Cartel Defence
BCL is identified as one of the five leading firms in the practice area of Competition: White-Collar Crime: Cartel Defence.
Its comments regarding BCL are as follows:
Sources say this firm is “a leading player in the field.” The dedicated business crime and regulation department acts on some of the most significant cases in the sector.
Richard Sallybanks is ranked as Band 1 in the table of leading individuals in the UK for this practice area and the directory states:
Richard Sallybanks has a very strong reputation with clients. Sources say he is “switched-on, approachable and a strong litigator.” His recent work includes acting for British Airways in the cargo fuel surcharge cartel case.
Crime
As in previous years, BCL is listed at the top of the table of leading firms and this year six of BCL’s partners are ranked as leading individuals in this practice area, as follows:
- Mark Haslam – Star Individual
- Rachel Hubbard – Band 2
- Brian Spiro – Band 3
- Paul Morris – Band 3
- Jane Glass – Band 4
- Ellen Peart – Up and Coming
In relation to the firm, the directory states:
This firm is renowned for its ability to handle a wide array of complex and high-profile criminal matters. Its extensive experience and breadth of knowledge in the field allow it to successfully represent clients from a range of industries, such as sports and media. It also acts for foreign governments.
Client Service: “They combine a wealth of experience with approachability – this enables me to always feel confident that my clients will get the best service from them.”
In relation to the ranked partners, the directory states:
Mark Haslam is widely considered to be a “private side star individual.” He regularly advises clients from a variety of industries, often acting on highly sensitive and urgent criminal matters. Rachel Hubbard is widely respected for her ability to “win the trust and friendship of her clients.” She acted for a leading medical consultant in relation to an investigation into domestic violence. Paul Morris is praised for his ability to “get in tune with the requirements of his commercial clientele.” He recently secured the withdrawal of investigations of an investment banker accused of sexual assault and rape. Brian Spirocurrently advises Channel 4 on various criminal issues in relation to the ‘Big Brother’ programmes. Ellen Peart was recently made partner at the firm. According to interviewees, “she has a bearing and composure that gives clients great confidence.” Jane Glass is currently representing the main defendant in the largest ever prosecution brought by Defra.
Tax: Contentious: Fraud
BCL continues to cement its presence in the table of leading firms for this practice area with the directory stating:
This white-collar crime boutique provides specialist expertise in tax investigations and litigation proceedings. It takes on a diverse range of tax disputes involving carousel fraud and civil and criminal prosecutions. It recently represented an employee in an HMRC investigation alleging the marketing of a fraudulent tax avoidance scheme.
Harry Travers is ranked as Band 1 in the table of leading individuals and the directory states, as follows:
Department head Harry Travers is prized for his broad expertise in tax investigations and is described by market sources as a “powerful litigator.”
Health & Safety
Guy Bastable is elevated to Band 2, as BCL’s reputation in this practice area continues to grow. In relation to the firm, the directory states:
BCL’s business crime and regulatory team is a formidable presence in the health and safety market, bringing the firm’s experience in criminal law to bear on its defence work. Recent work includes advising Trafigura in relation to a major multi-jurisdictional investigation alleging the dumping of toxic waste in Côte d’Ivoire.
In relation to BCL’s partners ranked in the table of leading individuals, the directory states:
Guy Bastable wins plaudits for “putting the clients at their ease and showing sympathy where it’s required.” Harry Traversis best known as a criminal fraud lawyer, but has a substantial regulatory practice.
Fraud: Civil
Harry Travers is recognised as a notable practitioner in this practice area and the directory states:
Harry Travers is a standout lawyer at BCL Burton Copeland. He is acclaimed for his comprehensive practice, which covers civil and criminal fraud. On the civil side, he frequently undertakes carousel fraud-related work, and is praised by sources for his ability to tackle issues in a “meticulous and determined” manner.