Chambers UK Client’s Guide to the Legal Profession 2013

Chambers UK Client’s Guide to the Legal Profession 2013

On 1 November 2012 Chambers & Partners published the 2013 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 UK.

In the 2013 edition, BCL has been ranked as a leading firm in the following practice areas:

  • Corporate Crime & Investigations (UK-wide)
  • Fraud: Criminal (UK-wide)
  • Competition: White-Collar Crime: Cartel Defence (UK-wide)
  • Crime (London)
  • Tax: Contentious: Fraud (UK-wide)
  • Health and Safety (UK-wide)

BCL stands out from its competitors by being the only firm to be ranked in all six of these practice areas and top ranked in five of them.  Twelve of BCL’s Partners and General Counsel are individually ranked in Chambers UK, 2013 and it is the only firm to have lawyers singled out as Star Individuals in both Fraud: Criminal and Crime.

Chambers’ editorial for each practice area is set out below:

Corporate Crime & Investigations

This is a new practice area included for the first time in the 2013 edition of Chambers UK.  BCL are placed straight into Band 1 and are the only firm to have four partners ranked, as follows:

  • Brian Spiro – Band 1
  • Harry Travers – Band 2
  • Michael Drury CMG – Band 3
  • Richard Sallybanks – Band 3

In relation to the firm, the directory states:

The lawyers at this London firm are noted for their expertise in regulatory, fraud and general criminal defence work, and advise high-profile corporate clients on SFO investigations and UK and international anti-bribery and corruption legislation. Recent highlights for the team include acting for Robert Tchenguiz’s investment company, R20, in relation to the SFO’s fraud investigation, and advising Trafigura on investigations by UK and Dutch authorities into the alleged corruption of overseas governments.

In relation to the ranked partners the editorial reads:

Brian Spiro is “a star,” according to interviewees, who go on to note that he is “particularly good with clients.” He has recently been advising a UK-based engineering company on allegations of international corruption and illegal overseas payments, and an investigation by the European Anti-Fraud Office.  

Harry Travers is noted for his expertise in the crossover between civil and criminal fraud. He is currently putting this to good use advising a number of clients on the implications of the Bribery Act 2010.  

Michael Drury is “brilliant to work with, very hands-on, very knowledgeable about criminal procedure, and good at anticipating bear traps as well,” according to sources, who go on to laud his client care and pragmatism. Former director for legal affairs at GCHQ, he has recently been advising an oil and gas support company in an SFO investigation into alleged overseas corruption, as well as conducting the company’s own internal international inquiry.  

Richard Sallybanks is regarded as one of the practice’s key figures by market sources. He was involved in advising R20 on the SFO’s investigation into an alleged £1 billion fraud.

Fraud: Criminal

BCL has for many years been top ranked in Band 1 for this practice area and remains in this position in the 2013 edition.

Individually, the following are ranked in the table of leading individuals in the UK, as follows:

  • Ian Burton – Star Individual
  • Jane Glass – Band 1
  • Brian Spiro – Band 1
  • Harry Travers – Band 1
  • Robin Booth – Band 3
  • Richard Sallybanks – Band 3
  • Guy Bastable – Band 4

The editorial states:

This London firm specialises in fraud, crime, regulatory and compliance work, and has long been regarded as one of the top criminal fraud firms in the country. It is noted for acting on behalf of senior executives and high-profile individuals in complex and high-value fraud cases, and is home to “high-quality people at all levels,” according to market sources. The team is often involved in the most high-profile disputes in the market, such as acting for Robert Tchenguiz in relation to the alleged fraud committed against Kaupthing Bank.

In respect of the ranked individuals in this practice area, the directory states:

Founding partner Ian Burton is a long-time star of criminal fraud who shows no signs of slowing down and “is still at the top of his game,” according to sources. Peers and clients praise his “impeccable judgement” and his “incredible” breadth of knowledge and experience: “He does everything – white-collar crime, extradition, search warrants – and acts for high-profile star clients.” He is currently advising News International on the phone hacking scandal, and defended Harry Redknapp in his headline-grabbing fraud trial. 

A leading light in the fraud market, Jane Glass is praised as being “fantastically hard-working, dedicated, down-to-earth and brilliant with clients.” She has acted in a number of ‘firsts’, including the biggest ever Defra prosecution, and defending the highest-ranking British Army officer ever to face a court martial.

A recent highlight saw her act alongside senior partner Ian Burton on the Harry Redknapp trial.  

Brian Spiro is an experienced fraud lawyer who has “seen it all before,” and is “incredibly commercial” and “immensely responsive.” Sources also single out his ability to instil calm and confidence in clients, even in difficult circumstances. Over the past year he has been acting for a senior executive who is being prosecuted by HMRC for alleged fraud involving the carbon credit trading system, and advising a senior executive being investigated in relation to the LIBOR scandal. 

The “excellent” Harry Travers specialises in cases which straddle criminal and civil fraud, handling major tax frauds and acting on behalf of those who are subject to SFO investigations. Recent highlights include successfully representing a senior employee of Vantis Tax who was suspected of involvement in marketing an alleged £100 million tax evasion scheme.  

Guy Bastable has extensive experience in fraud and health and safety law, and represents clients facing charges of money laundering, VAT fraud, cash seizure and corporate manslaughter.  

Robin Booth is very much a keeper turned poacher when it comes to criminal fraud work, as he formerly headed the CPS’s fraud division. He currently advises large corporate clients on money laundering, sanctions, Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) and search warrant issues.  

Richard Sallybanks, “a very effective solicitor” with “a real eye for detail,” is noted for his strategic ability. He has decades of fraud experience and is currently acting in a number of the firm’s marquee cases, including acting for Robert Tchenguiz, and for Alstom’s UK president and UK finance director in relation to an SFO investigation into allegations of corruption.

Competition: White-Collar Crime: Cartel Defence

BCL is again listed as one of the leading firms for this practice area with the editorial stating:

BCL Burton Copeland houses a highly respected level of expertise in criminal cartel defence, handling top investigations across multiple jurisdictions. Highlights include representing individuals in the European Commission investigation into an alleged automobile electronic component supply cartel. Practitioners are noted for their advocacy capabilities.

Richard Sallybanks is again ranked in Band 1 in the table of leading lawyers for this practice area with the directory stating:

Richard Sallybanks is a respected practitioner who impresses with his “eye for detail.” He represented the former managing director of a UK-based manufacturer of commercial vehicles in an OFT market investigation.

Crime

BCL has been consistently top ranked for this practice area for many years with six partners ranked as leading individuals as follows:

  • Mark Haslam – Star Individual
  • Rachel Hubbard – Band 2
  • Paul Morris – Band 2
  • Brian Spiro – Band 2
  • Jane Glass – Band 3
  • Ellen Peart – Band 4

The editorial states in relation to the firm:

The serious and general crime department at BCL Burton Copeland continues to handle a range of high-profile cases and is singled out as a very impressive team. Solicitors focus on privately funded work, acting for both corporate and individual clients. The department offers experience and expertise across the spectrum of criminal offences and regulatory enforcement matters. Partners at the firm have acted for a number of public and private individuals on a range of issues in the past year, including bribery, fraud, sexual offences and disciplinary hearings. Sources describe BCL as “one of the leading private criminal solicitors firms in London.”

In regard to the ranked individuals in this practice are the directory states:

Mark Haslam is praised for his attention to detail and is described as an “absolutely excellent solicitor – one of the very best.” He is involved in a number of significant cases, such as the now-concluded Mazhar Majeed cricket fixing trial and an HMRC investigation into allegations of an illegal supply of arms.  

Rachel Hubbard offers expertise and experience in complex sex cases, public order offences and dealing with juvenile offenders. She is actively involved in the defence of professional individuals, and also regularly advises corporate entities.  Paul Morris earns the respect of peers for having an “extremely wise head on his shoulders.” He has experience of dealing with violent and sexual offences, including a recent historic sexual abuse case.  

Brian Spiro advises media and entertainment artists and a selection of businesses. Sources remark upon the ease with which he handles the needs of such a variety of clients and single him out as a great lawyer. He counsels the BBC on criminal matters and represented Amy Winehouse’s family at the inquest into her death. Spiro is held as “one of the elder statesmen of the criminal legal world.” 

Jane Glass represents individuals caught up in serious criminal investigations. Her handling of cases such as the high-profile Redknapp tax evasion proceedings has led to her being described as a “standout lawyer, very classy.” She also acted for Colonel Jorge Mendonca, the highest ranking British officer to face a court martial hearing.  

Ellen Peart has been involved in a number of complex and varied cases, and is noted for her “dynamic, knowledgeable and no-nonsense client skills.” Recent highlights include extradition cases involving Iraq and Pakistan, and an attempted murder case where a rare verdict of not guilty by insanity was secured.

Tax: Contentious: Fraud

BCL is top ranked in 2013 with the editorial stating:

Peers are quick to recognise this team as one of the leaders in the market, describing it as a “quality firm” with an impressive spread of work. Clients praise the team’s “clear advice, tenaciousness and experience in the field.” The team recently represented Vantis in a high-value tax fraud investigation.

On an individual basis, Harry Travers is again ranked in Band 1 about whom the directory states:

Clients say Harry Travers “thinks outside the box and comes up with creative solutions.” One interviewee said: “He outlined my options clearly and concisely and gave me excellent advice.”

Health & Safety

BCL continues to be ranked as one of the leading firms for this practice area with the directory stating:

The health and safety team here specialises in advising corporations and individual directors in relation to health and safety inspections, enforcement actions and criminal prosecutions. Sources describe BCL as a “good boutique white-collar crime firm,” with “good work and good people.” The firm advised the London Borough of Southwark in relation to the investigation into the fatal fire in the Lakanal tower block in Camberwell.

Guy Bastable and Harry Travers continue to be ranked as leading lawyers with the editorial stating in regard to them:

One source said that Guy Bastable “is good at trying to fend off a prosecution before any decision is made; if a case does proceed he can identify all the flaws that are in it.” He is the head of BCL’s practice and focuses on defending corporate clients in the wake of serious incidents. He recently acted for a waste disposal firm under investigation by the police following a fatality.  

Harry Travers is “very good at fighting for his client’s best interests and getting the best results.” He is involved in the team’s work on large incidents such as the Lakanal fire matter, in addition to pursuing his own cases, which include representing rendering firm JG Pears in an HSE investigation following a near fatal accident.