BCL Solicitors LLP are pleased to be once again recognised as a top-tier firm with an extensive team of outstanding individuals in the new Legal 500 United Kingdom 2020-2021 Guide.

The Legal 500 UK Guide is one of the leading independent directories of UK legal services, in which the UK's leading firms and lawyers are identified.

In the 2020-2021 edition, BCL is recommended as a top-tier or leading firm in the following practice areas:

  • Crime: General
  • Fraud: White-Collar Crime (advice to individuals)
  • Health & Safety
  • Regulatory Investigations & Corporate Crime (advice to corporates)
  • Customs and Excise
  • Tax litigation and Investigations
  • Data protection, privacy and cybersecurity

In this year's 'Hall of Fame' which highlights individuals who have received constant praise by their clients for continued excellence. The Hall of Fame highlights, to clients, the law firm partners who are at the pinnacle of the profession.

Three lawyers are listed in the elite "Hall of Fame" list:

Six lawyers are listed in the "Leading Individuals" list. The Legal 500 United Kingdom 2021's guide to outstanding lawyers nationwide:

A further three BCL lawyers are recognised in the "Next Generation Lawyers" list:

And finally we have one lawyer in the "Rising Stars Lawyers" list:

The Legal 500's editorial for each of BCL's practice areas is set out below:

Crime: General

'The premier crime team in the country... Ferocious on behalf of their clients, commercially minded and forensic in their analysis. These are the guys you want going out to bat for you'.

Although renowned for its expertise in high-net-worth cases, with past clients including high profile public figures such as prime minister Boris Johnson, the general crime team at BCL Solicitors LLP handles work for a broad range of clients. In particular, it is notable for handling allegations relating to drugs, physical assault, sexual offences, serious driving matters and advice on appeal. Rachel Hubbard advises on collateral and regulatory proceedings that run in parallel to criminal issues, while associate David Hardstaff has established a reputation for his work on complex litigation cases. 'Skilful navigator' Paul Morris leads a team that also includes industry 'titan' Ellen Peart.

Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals)

'It is the firm of choice for anyone responding to a white-collar criminal investigation, and it has had notable successes in some of the most high-profile cases'.

BCL Solicitors LLP is well-regarded for its top tier white-collar crime practice, representing individuals in financial crime investigations and proceedings. It handles the full gamut of financial crime matters including commercial fraud, international financial regulation, money-laundering, corruption, sanctions, price-fixing, extradition, tax and company investigations. Ian Burton heads the practice and has more than 40 years' experience advising high-profile individuals in national and international cases. Harry Travers is noted for his experience defending suspects in large SFO investigations. The 'experienced, wise, efficient, responsive and personable' Richard Sallybanks is adept at dealing with various enforcement agencies, including the SFO, FCA, HMRC and CMA. Jane Glass focuses on fraud, insider dealing and market abuse matters, representing clients in FCA and SFO investigations. Shula de Jersey handles fraud and bribery matters; John Binns whose 'wise insight can often change the way you think about a case' and Julian Hayes are also recommended.

Health & Safety

'As a team, they are able to talk to any boardroom and gain its respect and trust. A first class performer... Rooted in criminal law and a reputation for being fearless. The standard of client care and legal ability is outstanding'.

BCL Solicitors LLP focuses on contentious health & safety work, advising businesses and directors on serious allegations such as corporate manslaughter, fatal accidents, fire safety incidents, environmental protection and food safety matters, where Richard Reichman plays a key role. Reichman also supports and defends clients in the entertainment sector. Practice head Guy Bastable has significant experience advising on inquests, investigations and in defending prosecutions. The group draws on a deep knowledge of corporate crime and regulatory investigations, and is known for dealing with cases involving aggressive action by prosecuting authorities.

Regulatory Investigations & Corporate Crime (Advice to Corporates)

'An excellent all-round dedicated team...Outstanding strategic vision and a determination to do all that is necessary to produce the best outcomes'.

BCL Solicitors LLP advises UK and international clients on various regulatory enforcement and corporate crime issues. It often acts for suspects in investigations brought by the CMA, FCA, HMRC, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) and SFO, amongst others. Areas of expertise include advising on matters involving allegations of bribery, financial sanctions, terrorist financing and tax evasion, and it has recently seen an uptick in instructions relating to the medical cannabis industry and UK money laundering laws. Ian Burton heads the team.

Customs and Excise

'BCL are well-known for their expertise in dealing with criminal tax investigations. They are amongst the top tier of firms that combine criminal law and tax expertise'.

BCL Solicitors LLP specialises in crime, investigations and regulatory enforcement, and is 'well-known for its expertise in dealing with criminal tax investigations'. The London firm's team is often instructed on customs and excise matters where there are allegations of fraud, drawing on its broader corporate criminal defence expertise. The group is led by seasoned tax litigator Harry Travers.

Tax Litigation and Investigations

'BCL's team has extensive experience in particular with dealing with the criminal aspects of tax investigations. This is very rare amongst firms practising in tax.'

Under the leadership of Harry Travers, BCL Solicitors LLP's team has developed a practice that operates at the intersection between fraud and tax law, where it predominantly represents clients in HMRC criminal investigations and judicial reviews. Ian Burton handles high-profile tax investigations for individuals and corporates.

Data Protection, Privacy and Cybersecurity

'BCL is one of the very few firms that is able to properly advise clients in the area where data protection issues overlap with the criminal law. Most data protection specialists don't know anything about the criminal law and most criminal lawyers don't know anything about data protection – what they offer is therefore unique.'

BCL Solicitors LLP is a 'hardworking and lateral-thinking firm' which advises on law enforcement data requests, cyber attacks and GDPR compliance. Michael Drury leads the team; his role as former Legal Director of GCHQ has given him a unique insight into the field of investigatory powers, cyber security and data protection. The 'competent, clever' Julian Hayes is also recommended for his work on data regulation matters and cross-border data transfers.

For full access to the 2020-2021 The Legal 500 rankings, visit their website.