Quotes about us from Chambers UK A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2010  (current edition)


1. Fraud Civil (Band 1)

The LLP: This specialist firm leads the way in more esoteric fraud work,where it handles both claimant and defendant-led cases for government entities, public companies and high net worth individuals.

Sources Say: “What it may lack in size it makes up for with the sheer dedication it puts into its assignments and the commercial awareness it demonstrates.”

The Lawyers:

Keith Oliver is lauded for his strength as a negotiator: “He's strategically excellent and knows exactly where the weaknesses are on the other side.” He is also commended for his conduct of large and long-running cases: “He has the rare ability to formulate and put into effect a long-term plan.” He is currently acting for the London Strategic Health Authority in a claim by the NHS against a fraudulent prescription charges ring. Working closely with Oliver, Sarah Gabriel is “realistic about goals, works hard to achieve them and does not give up without a fight.” Her practice has a strong cross-border element; for example, she is currently handling a claim in the UK and Spain against a major bank concerning funds misappropriated by a former employee.

Jonathan Tickner is “tenacious and extremely persuasive when dealing with opponents.” Apart from spearheading the continuing NHS price and supply fixing litigation related to three generic drugs, he also leads the practice’s appointment to National Grid’s panel for fraud-related matters.

2. Fraud: Criminal (Band 1)

The LLP: This firm concentrates on fraud work and maintains its excellent reputation for high-quality service and expertise. Defending clients in SFO prosecutions remainsits stronghold, but the firm has shifted its focusover the years towards crisis management,advising individuals and corporations on compliance, asset forfeiture and dawn raid and anti-corruption policies.It acted on the UN Oil-for-Food Inquiry and highly sensitive diplomatic immunity matters involving political officials of foreign countries.

The Lawyers:

Joint head of the department and a full-time consultant, Monty Raphael "brings an unsurpassed amount of experience and insight into the investigator's agenda,” advising on the most high-profile and complex matters.

Anand Doobay focuses on extradition and undertakes the most high-calibre cases, many of which are connected to the Russian Federation. Clients applaud his judgement, commenting that "he gives the appearance of a person with far greater years behind him."

Michael O'Kane has been active in the fields of corruption and mutual assistance, and is tipped to have a great future ahead of him.

David McCluskey is a creative lawyer who is not afraid of a challenging scenario. He is particularly adept at mortgage fraud cases.

3. Competition: White-Collar Crime: Cartel Defence (Band 1)
Peters & Peters

The LLP: This firm acted for two UK executives in the OFT's marine hose cartel investigation and is acting for two British Airways executives facing criminal charges. It also frequently advises on cartel investigations with a potential criminal component.

The Lawyers: Michael O'Kane is the main contacts for this work.

4. Tax: Contentious: Fraud (Band 1)
Peters & Peters

The LLP: This impressive team is adept at handling direct and indirect tax investigations and all other customs and excise violations on behalf of businesses and high net worth individuals.The contentious tax team recently secured a landmark victory at the ECJ for clients Optigen and Fulcrum following years of litigation, where it successfully challenged HMRC’s approach to disrupting legitimate trade in its efforts to prevent missing trader intra-community fraud, and recovered huge sums for the companies.

Sources Say: "If I were in trouble, these are the people I would go to." "It has an expert team of problem solvers."

The Lawyer: Joint head of the group Monty Raphael is recommended for his immense knowledge and experience.

5. Fraud Corporate (Band 2)

Please see Fraud Criminal above for the Firm and Lawyer Information 

6. Financial Services: Contentious Regulatory (Band 4)
Peters & Peters

The LLP: This firm commands a fast-evolving practice in regulatory enforcement matters. Over the past year, it has enjoyed several successes with insider dealing investigations for individual clients, including some with an international aspect. For example, it defended a high-profile investigation conducted in France by the AMF with the assistance of the FSA, involving the purchase of shares in the UK shortly before the takeover of the company. It also handles investigations undertaken by the FSA on behalf of foreign regulators, particularly the SEC in the USA. The team also provides compliance advice to corporate clients.

The Lawyer: Charismatic joint head of department Monty Raphael is a long-established and highly respected practitioner in this arena.

7. Dispute Resolution: Mid Market (Band 4)
Peters & Peters

The LLP: This disputes team has a vast amount ofexperience in commercial and regulatory litigation, asset tracing and recovery, and fraud and compliance in the financial services sector. It receives instructions from a diverse range of clients, including government agencies, corporates and individuals. The group continues to represent the Department of Health in the NHS price-fixing and anti-cartel litigation.

Sources Say: "It always provides creative and focused advice."

Lawyers:

Head of commercial litigation Keith Oliver led the team that actedfor Kamos-Finanz on its USD300 million claim against Formula One's Jersey parent company, SLEC Holdings, and Bernie Ecclestone’s Jersey family trust, Bambino Holdings.

Jonathan Tickner is an "excellent tactical thinker with the know-how to run a successful fraud case."

Sarah Gabriel is an excellent commercial litigator, praised for her "punchy, no-nonsense approach."

8. Dispute Resolution: London

Jonathan Tickner (Band 6)
Keith Oliver (Band 5)
Sarah Gabriel (Band 6)

Click on the Link to Chambers UK A Client's Guide to the Legal Profession 2010 edition here Peters & Peters