On 20 October 2005, Chambers & Partners published the 2006 edition of Chambers UK, one of the leading UK legal services directories.

BCL Burton Copeland achieves ‘the crime double’; with the firm ranked in the top band of recommended firms for both our Fraud and Crime departments.  We also receive recognition for the first time for our work in the field of Health & Safety investigations and prosecutions.

In the business practice area of Fraud, we maintain our position in the premier league of recommended firms, with four of our partners included in the top 14 leading individuals and senior partner, Ian Burton, sharing top position.

The directory states:

One of the few untouchable magic circle firms that consistently produces the best work in this area, this group was commended as “thoroughly deserving of its stellar reputation.”  Seamlessly mixing white-collar crime with regulatory, disciplinary work and serious crime, it is particularly noted for its advice in relation to money laundering and the drafting of new fraud and corruption legislation.  This specialist firm is noted for its “stunning run of successes” in representing individuals and companies investigated or prosecuted by the SFO.  An example is in the major ongoing SFO investigation into allegations to defraud the NHS in relation to prices charged by suppliers for prescribed penicillin-based antibiotics.  It is “undoubtedly one of the best firms around for commercial fraud and business crime,” commentators said.  Another highlight is its involvement in the longest-running criminal trial to date, the Jubilee Line extension corruption case.  Market authorities were also quick to highlight the team’s asset recovery work and commended the “effective working relationships established with agencies and lawyers in other jurisdictions”.

In relation to individual lawyers, the directory says:

The “iconic and polished all-rounder” Ian Burton was described as “being in every smart case around; clients just love everything about him.” Head of the white-collar crime and regulation department, he was admired for being “approachable and clever, a first-class solicitor with a first-class team around him.”  A highlight during the year for Burton was working on the ongoing investigation by the SFO in relation to a $345 million fraud allegedly perpetrated by selling offshore investments. 

Clients “could not fault the first-class” Harry Travers.  “He is down-to-earth and you really feel comfortable around him.”  He is acting on the ongoing prosecution concerning ‘share ramping’ allegations against high-profile journalists allegedly seeking to manipulate the market by publishing bogus share tips. 

“Always covering every angle” Brian Spiro won adulation for “the quiet air of confidence he exudes” and for “always being in control of things.” 

Jane Glass also picked up her fair share of recommendations for her “ability to just get on with it and do a real good job with the minimum of fuss.”  Glass is noted for her involvement in an ongoing matter relating to the first criminal prosecution brought by the FSA for market abuse under section 397 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

In the business practice area of Crime, we are promoted to the top band of recommended firms, with partner Mark Haslam rising to joint top position of leading individuals.

The directory says:

The overwhelming market approval for this firm rendered its elevation into the top tier of this year’s rankings a near formality.  Possessing “absolute star quality throughout,” it has, in recent years, fostered a general crime practice to stand alongside its fabled reputation for excellence in the white-collar crime sphere.  Mark Haslam has been instrumental in this process.  “Prodigiously intelligent” and “oozing gravitas,” he is hugely respected by barristers and solicitors alike, having earned his stripes on a number of high-profile matters.  The past year has seen him acting in matters as diverse as the Grosvenor House rape inquiry, jockey fixing allegations and courts martial work amongst others.  Haslam is ably supported by Rachel Hubbard, whose ability to remain “calm and composed even under the heaviest of fire” drew applause.  She is noted for her particular experience in serious rape cases.

In addition, and for the first time, BCL achieves recognition for our Health & Safety work.  Partner, Harry Travers is identified as a leading individual in the practice area with the directory stating:

Harry Travers of BCL Burton Copeland is a respected market figure acting in the field of criminal breaches of health and safety law.  With a background steeped in criminal work, he has acted in complex and sensitive HSE prosecutions for corporate clients.  Market sources view him as “extremely intelligent, committed and analytical,” and able to “apply his intellectual ability to penetrate complex cases and relentlessly explore their possibilities”.