Chambers & Partners have now published the 2019 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:
A source remarks that BCL Solicitors "are really the pinnacle of complex white-collar work for HNW clients." The firm is described as "a major presence in this market." A lawyer reports: "They are very good at complex, multi-jurisdictional criminal matters – these are very difficult to handle and run for many years across the globe. They are very capable at handling these matters and we work hand in hand with them." The team provides advice on high-value financial crime matters, including fraud, bribery and corruption. One London lawyer says the team at BCL are "the first
people I would call for assisting my HNW clients in this area – you have total confidence in them."
One source reports: "They are a market leader in this area as they have strength and depth and few firms can match their sophistication." The team has experience of very high-profile investigations brought against wealthy clients by HMRC, the SFO and the FCA. A source says that "they have had cases which are the envy of everyone and they can hold their own against any firm."
In relation to the ranked partners, Chambers High Net Worth states:
Notable practitioners:
According to a barrister, Ian Burton "is now the éminence grise of the white collar crime world." A peer reports: "He has the most impressive high net worth clients and more profile in this area than anyone." Burton works regularly with domestic and international clients on a wide range of matters. One industry source states that "he is a big name and he knows everything about financial
crime. He has been there, done it all and seen it all; nothing fazes him." Another interviewee states that "he is very tactical and a very good strategic thinker," adding that "he commands great respect from his clients."
Jane Glass is recognised as "one of the strongest in this market" and "very experienced acting for ultra high net worth clients." She handles a broad array of financial crime cases. "She really does make magic," says one lawyer; "she has such brilliant judgement and her strategic thinking is utterly extraordinary. She does the most exceptional job and her experience is vast." Another lawyer comments: "If I had a client in prison on serious charges and needed fingernails-in-the-dirt representation, I'm going to call her."
Richard Sallybanks has extensive experience handling complex litigation in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations. "He can handle tough cases in obscure jurisdictions and has an amazing reputation," reports one source. Another adviser says: "He is a go-to person and is a very thoughtful and cerebral lawyer who has a wonderful reputation – he is smart and is also a nice man." Interviewees note Sallybanks is "very astute tactically" and that "he has a deep reservoir of knowledge and is very, very shrewd."
Harry Travers advises on large commercial fraud and corruption cases. He frequently acts for wealthy individuals facing serious charges from the SFO, the FCA or HMRC. One source states: "He is very responsive and very efficient, and is on top of his stuff." The source continues: "He is very engaging and always gets to the heart of the matter." Another interviewee notes that "he is often
readily available to deal with high net worth clients," reiterating that he is "very responsive." One market insider states that "he's ferociously clever, he's committed and he's versatile."
Shaul Brazil acts for high net worth individuals and focuses his practice on business crime and regulatory enforcement. He regularly handles multi-jurisdictional cases connected to corruption, fraud investigations and extradition proceedings. He is described as "a solid up-and-comer" who is "on the circuit." One source enthuses: "He's excellent at managing clients and he's just so
creative. He always thinks outside of the box, which makes people think of him as one of the leading future stars of the profession."
Michael Drury "is fabulously tenacious and works really, really hard for his clients," says a source. Another states that he "has a very interesting background which can be very helpful for clients." Having previously worked at GCHQ and as a tax barrister, Drury has extensive experience dealing with complex financial and political matters for high-profile individuals. Interviewees report that he is "very sensible, commercially minded" and "super bright."
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