Chambers & Partners have now published the 2020 edition of their High Net Worth (HNW) Guide and BCL has been top-ranked (Band 1) in Financial Crime: High Net Worth Individuals – UK, with six partners identified as leading individuals and ranked as follows:

Band 1:

Ian Burton

Jane Glass

Richard Sallybanks

Harry Travers

Band 3:

Shaul Brazil

Michael Drury

In relation to the firm's position, Chambers High Net Worth states:

BCL Solicitors has an excellent reputation in the market for advising high net worth individuals on financial crime matters. One source states that they are "an absolutely fantastic firm and a go-to for financial crime – they are a powerhouse in this area."

Several interviewees comment on the strength of the team. One interviewee remarks: "They are, as a group, the best in class. They have such a deep bench of talented lawyers – they are the go-to white-collar niche firm." Another commentator reports: "They have a fantastic team. BCL have a number of talented individuals who have been doing high-quality work for many years. They are a real market leader. I have never had a reason to say a bad thing about them."

In relation to the ranked partners, Chambers High Net Worth states:

Notable practitioners:

Ian Burton has an excellent reputation for financial crime matters involving high net worth individuals, with one barrister stating: "He is an absolutely outstanding lawyer at the top of his game – the doyen of financial crime." One source describes him as "the most experienced criminal solicitor in the country," while another says: "He is an absolute legend. He is excellent, incredibly bright and hard-working." A fellow lawyer reports that "he has seen it all before, he is very calm, nothing fazes him and he gives practical and good advice."

Jane Glass has extensive experience handling financial crime cases for high net worth individuals. A barrister enthuses: "I would certainly recommend her very highly. She lives and breathes her cases when she's on them. She is the most intelligent solicitor that I know in London." Another barrister remarks: "Jane is terrific. She is super user-friendly and very personable. She is very, very good and extremely hard-working, sympathetic and diligent." A solicitor notes: "She is just brilliant. I can call her and she gets the issues immediately, and she is really reassuring with clients."

Richard Sallybanks "is absolutely first-class," according to one interviewee, who adds: "Richard is really, really, really good. He is careful, considerate and concerned with his cases. He likes to see the whole picture – he wants to make sure that we get it right from all angles." He has a wealth of experience handling cross-border investigations brought against wealthy individuals. A lawyer comments: "I would highly recommend him; he is a star. I love working with him, clients love working with him, and he has the biggest brain."

Harry Travers has a depth of experience handling business crime cases for affluent clients. He specialises in commercial fraud and corruption investigations. "There isn't much he doesn't know – he is a real player in this game," says a peer. Another comments: "He is one of my favourites. He has got a very, very good tactical sense about him. He is a standout operator in this field." One commentator remarks: "He was very enthusiastic and eager, and certainly willing to go the extra mile for the client."

Shaul Brazil acts for wealthy clients in cross-border corruption and fraud investigations. "I know of Shaul as one of the Premier League of financial crime lawyers in the country," says a lawyer. One barrister states: "He is a ferocious defender. He is very clever and very strategic." A source describes Brazil as "extremely responsive," adding that "he knows the case inside and out, he knows every single document – he is remarkable."

Michael Drury has extensive experience advising high net worth individuals on financial crime investigations with both the SFO and FCA. "He has an absolutely excellent reputation," says a source, while another reports: "He is well regarded in the sector."