The 2009 edition of The Legal 500 was published in September 2009. This is one of the leading independent directories of UK legal services, identifying the leading firms and lawyers in the UK.
BCL Burton Copeland is once again top ranked in relation to both Fraud: Crime and Crime. In addition it is ranked as one of the leading firms for Corporate and Commercial, Fraud: Commercial and Regulatory Investigations and Health and Safety.
Overall, the directory recommends BCL Burton Copeland as a leading firm in the following practice areas:
- Fraud: Crime
- Crime
- Customs & Excise
- Fraud: Commercial and Regulatory Investigations
- Health and Safety
The directory’s editorial for each practice area is set out below:
Fraud: Crime
Once again, BCL Burton Copeland is ranked at the top of the table of leading firms for Fraud: Crime, with the directory stating:
BCL Burton Copeland continues to represent three major companies in the Oil for Food SFO investigations. Ian Burton is a well-respected practitioner; the experienced and knowledgeable Brian Spiro is a formidable player in criminal fraud cases; and Harry Travers is known for his good intellect.
Crime
In relation to Crime, the directory once more lists BCL Burton Copeland at the top of the table of leading firms, and states:
BCL Burton Copeland covers all areas of criminal and regulatory law, acting for high-profile corporations and individuals. It represented Steve Wright in the Suffolk Murders case, involving allegations of murdering five prostitutes in Ipswich, and has also represented Amy Winehouse in connection with allegations of assault and drug offences. Practice head Mark Haslam is faultless, providing an exceptional level of service, and Brian Spiro is also very competent. Overall its lawyers respond quickly and have a complete grasp of what is involved and what needs to be done in a criminal case.
Customs & Excise
In regard to Customs & Excise, BCL Burton Copeland is listed as a leading firm. The directory states:
BCL Burton Copeland is well known for its work in MTIC cases. Harry Travers is a well-respected figure in the market.
Fraud: Commercial and Regulatory Investigations
BCL Burton Copeland continues to be ranked as a leading firm in Fraud: Commercial and Regulatory Investigations with the directory stating:
Recent work for BCL Burton Copeland includes representing an executive of Kellogg/Halliburton in a £2bn DoJ investigation. The energetic and proactive Harry Travers is well known in tax fraud matters, while Brian Spiro is a good tactician with good judgement.
Health and Safety
Again, BCL Burton Copeland is ranked as a leading firm in Health and Safety. The directory states regarding the firm:
The team at BCL Burton Copeland has a wealth of experience and a flair for multi-jurisdictional litigation. The practice advises on investigations and prosecutions by regulating bodies and coroner inquests, with outstanding attention to detail.