“Clients praise the personal touch that really makes you feel like… your case is the only one they’re dealing with.”

Chambers UK

Many professionals are regulated by an official regulatory body.  At BCL, we can advise and defend people who are being investigated, prosecuted or are at risk of investigation or prosecution by their regulator. We assist clients from a wide range of professions, such as company directors, doctors, dentists, lawyers and financial advisors, and offer expert advice on professional regulation and discipline.

We also regularly advise companies, directors and senior managers in the context of company investigations, directors’ disqualification proceedings and related criminal investigations. At BCL, we understand how distressing and disruptive proceedings can be, and we assist clients as early as possible in order to minimise damage to our clients and their businesses and in order to reduce cost.

At BCL, we advise in all aspects of proceedings from challenging the making of a disqualification order, negotiation in terms of the length of an order and applying for permission to act notwithstanding disqualification.

When our clients are the subject of an investigation they need to keep their regulator informed and act swiftly. Regulatory intervention and suspension can have a significant negative impact on a professional’s career, and accusations of professional misconduct or impaired fitness to practise, for example, can cause high levels of stress and anxiety.

If an individual or corporate body anticipates an investigation or has received confirmation that regulatory or disciplinary proceedings are imminent, it is important that expert legal advice is sought without delay. In order to protect professional registration and reputation, we assist our clients by intervening early to mitigate the potentially damaging impact of an investigation as quickly as possible. In the event that an interview with the regulator is required, we advise and assist so that our clients are prepared for questioning. Wherever possible, we also put together written submissions on behalf of our clients, and shield them from unnecessary damage and distress.

Many of our clients’ regulatory investigations and associated criminal investigations can generate unwanted media interest. At BCL we have unsurpassed experience in dealing with the media and we will advise you on how best to deal with media interest in your case.