Fraud: Criminal: London

THE SET Sources once again cite this as one of the strongest sets in fraud, as well as in general crime. Sheer barrister numbers afford it a high profile, particularly at the Queen's Counsel level, and it further benefits from having "one of the best rainmakers in the business" on board in the form of senior clerk John Grimmer. The barristers have advised on matters including the MPs' expenses scandal, the 'Oil for Food' investigation and a number of HMRC prosecutions.

SILKS Head of chambers William Clegg QC is one of the London Criminal Bar's longest-serving and most recognisable barristers. A great choice for high-stakes work involving crime and fraud matters, he is known for the quality of his advocacy. Such is his reputation that he has been retained by Asil Nadir to defend him against any fraud proceedings arising out of the high-profile 1990 Polly Peck insolvency. Jim Sturman QC is another instantly recognisable face in the criminal law world. As well as prosecuting a busy sports practice, he also juggles general crime and fraud work. A highly energetic performer who really gets himself about, he is never without a brief. He recently acted in the high-profile R v Foster property VAT fraud matter. Interviewees agree Richard Kovalevsky QC is a sound choice of counsel when an "aggressive and detailed" advocate is required. In addition to providing consultancy on the Bribery Act, he has also acted in a number of fraud cases recently, including R v Haddrell.

The "utterly reliable" Peter Lodder QC is the present chairman of the Bar. He is a respected practitioner whose recent highlights include advising the SFO on its 'Oil for Food' investigation in Iraq. He shares a set with Mark Milliken-Smith QC, "an articulate and clever lawyer with a great jury manner." Milliken-Smith's recent cases include a matter concerning an investment banker who conspired with others to use USD1 billion worth of counterfeit bank documents to secure multimillion-pound loans from banks. "Attractive advocate" Ian Stern QC is particularly good on money laundering cases, such as R v Howard. As well as fraud cases, his practice is also heavy on general crime and professional discipline work. Peter Griffiths QC is well known as a comprehensive all-rounder in general crime, as well as fraud matters. As well as a role in a pharmaceutical criminal cartel case, he acts in VAT and missing trader intra-community (MTIC) fraud prosecutions.

JUNIORS Alison Pople is "hugely bright and deserving of the highest recognition." Equally comfortable on the defence and prosecution sides, she can tackle just about anything from general VAT offences, MTIC and carousel fraud cases to corruption cases, money laundering offences and banking frauds. She advised on R v George, a prosecution arising from the British Airways and Virgin Atlantic cartel action brought by the OFT. Stephen Ferguson is a regular sight acting for the defence and is acclaimed by sources for his "strong client skills" and authoritative advice. His recent work includes advising on a £15 million ‘after the event’ insurance fraud. Dean Armstrong had a six-year financial services career before coming to the Bar, and it is felt that this has given him "great insight into business fraud." He recently handled R v Wilmot, a huge multimillion-pound 'boiler-room' fraud, and is also acting as a junior in the Asil Nadir matter. Fraud and general criminal expert Kieran Galvin enjoys a notable profile on the defence. He recently acted in R v M, a £53 million MTIC fraud. Timothy Kendal wins market recognition for his "smooth delivery when handling difficult cases." His sorties of late include acting for former Merrill Lynch senior trader Alexis Stenfors in an alleged mis-marking of positions case. Sean Hammond defends cases brought by the SFO, FSA and HMRC. His notable cases include Operation Tangeloa, a diversion fraud prosecuted by HMRC. Also recommended, Nigel Ingram is "a deservedly popular choice for clients who seek a real fighter," according to sources. He primarily acts for the defence and shares a set with younger barrister Dean George. George's notable highlights include R v MB, a case concerning alleged money laundering of £100 million.  

THE SET Cloth Fair is unusual by only having six barristers on its books, but what it lacks in size is more than made up for by the talent on offer. All six of its members are well capable of handling top-drawer cases and some are true superstars in the field. Its barristers routinely act in the great cases of the day, both for the SFO and for household-name clients such as Harry Redknapp.

SILKS The "supremely able" John Kelsey-Fry QC continues to advise on leading high-profile cases, including R v Mandaric, in which he is acting for Harry Redknapp. Sources were particularly enthusiastic about him, saying that he is "an outstanding, pragmatic counsel who adds considerable value to any case." The senior and highly accomplished Timothy Langdale QC remains a much sought-after choice for criminal, fraud and regulatory matters, as well as war crimes work. His key clients include the SFO and Virgin Atlantic. Nicholas Purnell QC is "really effective and tough - you would want him in your corner." According to those that use him, "he fights to the last and is monumentally persuasive in court." He acted on the high-profile Innospec matter, concerning the alleged bribery of foreign officials. Ian Winter QC is a younger silk who is "at the top of his game; he is impressively proactive in all he does, and presents in a highly polished manner." He acted on the BAE matter.

JUNIORS Clare Sibson attracts a considerable amount of market attention and is viewed as "no doubt a future star of this area." Solicitors favour her as her paperwork is of the best and she is "more than capable of holding her own with the best in court." Key clients she has advised include Boris Berezovsky. Jonathan Barnard has built a laudable reputation over the years in cases involving criminal fraud, as well as general crime. His clients include Thames Water Utilities.

THE SET Three Raymond Buildings is a set whose name one expects to see in high-level fraud cases as a matter of course. Instructed by the vast majority of the marquee name solicitors in this field, it proves highly adept in all aspects of fraud, whether MTIC fraud and cartel work or money laundering and insider dealing. Its offering in this area has always been strong and has only become stronger with the arrival of Richard Horwell QC from Cloth Fair Chambers and Trevor Burke QC from Charter Chambers, both of whom have long had a strong reputation in fraud work. The set is an obvious choice for all types of situations, from everyday enquiries to hotly contested, high-level appeals. Highlight matters handled by the set include a pharmaceutical case and the multimillion-dollar Al Sanea case. 

SILKS The "fantastic" Alexander Cameron QC is currently head of the set. He is a top choice for many, as not only is he exceptionally talented but "his drive and energy are second to none," sources say. Following on from the Uberoi insider trading case, he also advised on R v GG ('the pharmaceutical case'). Patrick Gibbs QC is praised in the market as a "superb advocate, who is accessible and good to work with." Sources point to his "fantastic tactical judgement" as one of his key strengths. He acted on the Fonseka matter, concerning an alleged Ponzi scheme aimed at the Sri Lankan community. Stephen Batten QC has spent a substantial part of the past year on purely criminal work, but remains a more than sound choice in fraud matters. He wins strong market support along with James Lewis QC, an "extremely clever lawyer who is effective in court." Lewis is a well-known figure in criminal fraud and extradition matters, and enjoys an international practice that sees him appear in far-flung locations such as Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands, as well as in England. He acted in the Al Sanea case concerning an alleged USD9.1 billion fraud. 

Simon Farrell QC can be found acting for both the prosecution and defence sides and is particularly adept at handling money laundering matters. He delights those that instruct him as "not only is he personable and approachable, but he also delivers work on time and is extremely expert in all he does." He advised regarding the SFO prosecution of Patwa & Others, an alleged £50 million commercial loan fraud. Hugo Keith QC has been in the news this year handling the inquests into the 7/7 London bombings. He does, however, have a notable fraud practice, as evidenced by his involvement in the high-profile FSA insider dealing case against former Cazenove partner Malcolm Calvert. Reliability personified, he is very popular with solicitors as "he has incredible focus but never loses his sense of humour or ability to get on with people." Richard Horwell QC is a newer silk and former First senior Treasury counsel. His recent work includes advising on the OUF case, a matter involving the restraint of UK assets of a Brazilian hedge fund. Fellow new arrival Trevor Burke QC  led for the defence in Jay Patel and others, a case concerning an alleged complex USD500 million banking fraud. He is seen as a real catch for the set and as someone whom judges really warm to.

JUNIORS  Jonathan Ashley-Norman acts on both the prosecution and defence side when handling fraud work. He wins high praise for his "effective, enthusiastic yet beautifully understated" court style. Highlights for him include advising accountancy entities on a Madoff-related SFO investigation. Neil Saunders is "a great choice for top criminal fraud matters," interviewees say. He appeared in the Jay Patel case and also in Sabrewatch, the first major prosecution for the Security Industry Authority regarding the licensing of guards. "Measured and economical in his approach," he is "easy to get along with and thus very effective in long fraud trials," according to those that instruct him. James Hines is recognised by interviewees as a combative and keen advocate, who "identifies the issues in a case very quickly." He advised the SFO in its prosecution of Brian O'Brien for an alleged boiler-room fraud. Ben Brandon is a bright younger barrister who is recognised for both his criminal fraud and extradition work. He attracts attention as he is one of the younger, brighter breed whose extensive knowledge extends to international criminal law. He has provided advice related to the Italian prosecution of Silvio Berlusconi. Christine Braamskamp is admitted in the Netherlands as well as England, and is a fluent Dutch speaker. She advised on the high-profile Trafigura toxic waste matter, and also handled a UK MTIC fraud case concerning First Curaçao International Bank. Others to be recommended here include Nicholas Yeo, who recently advised HMRC in Re David Jacobs, a large VAT fraud. He wins support along with general crime and fraud practitioner Richard Wormald, "a very colourful advocate who injects life into a case, and who really knows his stuff." He advised on R v Napoli and Others, a case concerning an alleged Ponzi fraud.

THE SET 18 Red Lion Court is a strong general criminal set with a more than decent sprinkling of effective fraud advocates. It has long had a reputation on the prosecution side and undertakes a good deal of work for the main prosecution agencies, including the SFO and HMRC, with which it has long had strong links. It further undertakes defendant work, however, and is felt to be a good all-rounder in the fraud arena. Numbers have swelled at the set to some degree in the past year, with three barristers joining from rival 2 Hare Court alone. The presence of such a large body of barristers ensures that the set is well placed to handle a variety of work, from identity fraud and money laundering to cartel cases and VAT fraud. Commentators endorse it heartily and are also keen to support the clerking here, which is seen as being "responsive and suitably efficient."

SILKS Antony Shaw QC, a regular adviser to the SFO, wins considerable market praise for being an intellectually powerful and highly effective jury advocate who is "experienced, thorough and fair." His highlights include the Re Vintage Hallmark matter, concerning an alleged wine investment fraud. Mark Lucraft QC is esteemed for the quality of his fraud and cartel work. He wins plaudits for being "very accessible" and for his "quiet but effective approach" in court. He acted for the SFO in connection with its share brokerage investigation in Spain, Operation Steamroller. The senior and accomplished Peter Carter QC, who acted in the Hunter case concerning alleged VAT fraud, is equally at home acting for the prosecution or the defence. Sources point to his "high intellect" as one of the keys to his success and describe him as "a passionate and formidable advocate." David Etherington QC is a seasoned performer, whose upbeat manner makes him a good choice in this area. "He can charm a jury very well," say those who use him. He acted for the defence in R v A, a matter concerning allegedly false mortgage claims. Jeremy Benson QC joined 18 Red Lion Court recently from 2 Hare Court. He regularly advises and represents HMRC in large-scale VAT appeals, involving allegations of national and international VAT fraud. A recent example of his work was Eurosel v HMRC, an appeal against a decision to withhold VAT repayment where fraud was alleged. 

JUNIORS Allison Clare is an accomplished senior junior. Interviewees rate her as a cerebral yet user-friendly barrister, who is "great at translating complex facts into digestible plain English." Her extensive fraud practice has seen her advising on R v Cryne, one of the first prosecutions for conspiracy to commit market abuse. Tom Forster is a sound choice of counsel as he is "very impressive intellectually," according to interviewees. His key work has included advising on the SFO's investigation into BAE Systems. Sally-Ann Hales is active across the fraud and criminal arena and impresses particularly on the prosecution side. She recently advised on an alleged £50 million Birmingham mortgage fraud case brought by the SFO. The "bright and able" Tom Payne acted for the prosecution in R v Meddes, a case arising from Operation Victor, a prescription-only medicines investigation.

THE SET Market sources agree that the professionals at this set have what it takes to advise on high-stakes litigation in this arena. General and financial crime matters have been a mainstay of the chambers for years and it has established a rock-solid reputation in the upper reaches of the market. Its practitioners act in the UK courts and beyond, both prosecuting and defending major cases. Their recent highlights include advising on the OFT airline cartel matter.

SILKS Andrew Radcliffe QC is a "relaxed, urbane and understated" silk, who "doesn't take unnecessary points," according to sources. These qualities mean that "judges listen keenly to what he has to say," and afford him a rare respect. His highlights of the year include advising a British Airways executive on the widely reported OFT price-fixing prosecution involving BA and Virgin. The hard-working, "razor-sharp" James Pickup QC brings considerable skill and know-how to the table, according to those that instruct him. As well as handling SFO prosecutions, he also tackles a good deal of VAT matters. He acted for the appellants in Mobilx et al v HMRC, a major VAT fraud case. Martin Hicks QC is also admitted to the Bar of Trinidad. He recently acted in R v Kamsan Mahmood, a case concerning RTA insurance fraud. Hicks is recommended along with Brendan Kelly QC, who is one of the more junior silks in the market, but nevertheless enjoys a strong practice. He advised on R v Ketheesvaran and Others, a fraud case linked with a kidnap.

JUNIORS Craig Ferguson is "a barrister who's really got something." Known for his proficiency in fraud, particularly on the defence side, he "has a calmness and an eloquence in his delivery that instils confidence into all who listen to him." Recently, he advised on the VAT fraud case of R v Mukhtar. Robin Barclay acted in the Southwark Crown Court case of R v CII, appearing for the sister of a Nigerian politician accused of fraud and money laundering. Those seeking a "bright and enthusiastic" advocate would do well to consider instructing him, according to sources. Christopher Coltart practised as a solicitor before being called to the Bar. He handles SFO prosecutions, as well as general criminal matters, and acted on the internet banking fraud case of Rajdeep Toot.

THE SET 7 Bedford Row is a respected common law set that impresses across a number of areas, including the commercial, public and criminal law spheres. Solicitors single it out for its keen front-line service, noting that its barristers produce "written documents that are always excellent and on time," and that its clerks are "very good in terms of communication skills." The set has acted in a number of leading cases over the years and has a particularly strong interest in matters with an offshore element. Its recent highlights include the Asil Nadir case, as well as a number of FSA and SFO matters.

SILKS The "formidable" Richard Latham QC is a "jury-friendly and highly effective advocate," who acts for both the prosecution and the defence. Of late, he has acted for the prosecution in the iSOFT stock market conspiracy matter of R v Cryne. Collingwood Thompson QC has an international slant to his practice and he is seen acting in places as far afield as Jersey and Hong Kong. Sources agree that "he is one of the men for broader international financial crime matters." His recent cases include Coleman, an SFO matter relating to boiler-room investment fraud. Stablemate Timothy Barnes QC is "a committed and straight-talking advocate," who takes pains to put clients' interests first. His matters of late include acting in the long-running £150 million Ponzi scheme prosecution of Brook & Fraser. Nicholas Dean QC handled the insider dealing case of R v Littlewood. Sources rate him as he is "an effective prosecutor who goes about his business without being pompous." He sits in the tables along with the "intellectually sound" David Farrer QC, who is one of the most senior silks at the Bar. He is a regular sight, particularly on the prosecution side, and recently acted for HMRC in R v Scragg, a construction industry tax fraud. 

JUNIORS Jason Mansell is a senior junior who is "robust in court" and is further praised for his "great attention to detail." He acted for the iSOFT finance director in the Southwark Crown Court case of FSA v Whelan. David Matthew has "a first-class work ethic." He acted on the money laundering and confiscation case of R v Yan Li, a matter connected with the notorious cockle-picking deaths in Morecambe Bay. Jennifer Carter-Manning acted in R v Rodley, a case concerning attempted theft and laundering of £229 million from a London bank, while Steven Gray's recent matters include acting for an entrepreneur accused of money laundering in R v Grewal. Both are highly recommended, along with Andrew Wheeler. He advised on Operation Digits, one of HMRC's largest investigations into tax fraud in the construction industry. Sources say that Wheeler "is firm but fair and really knows how to prosecute a case well."

THE SET QEB's move from premises in the Temple to a new suite of rooms in the City of London reflects its ambitions in a competitive market. City institutions can be assured that they now have on their doorstep a strong white-collar crime unit with real pedigree. Members of the set have been handling business crime and general fraud work for more than 40 years and are well versed in all aspects of the market. They regularly involve themselves in causes célèbres of the day, as illustrated by their appearance in the OFT British Airways and Virgin Atlantic fare-fixing case, the FSA ‘pharmaceuticals’ case and the SFO investigation into sanctions busting in Iraq. 

SILKS William Boyce QC is a barrister who "prepares meticulously" and has "an extraordinary gift for persuasive, dogged advocacy." He acted for a British Airways director in the high-profile OFT price-fixing action against British Airways and Virgin Atlantic. Peter Finnigan QC is admired as a "tenacious advocate" who takes an "inclusive, team-based" approach to his work. Following on from the 'Oil for Food' matter, he advised in R v Mahmood, a multimillion-pound excise fraud. Mark Ellison QC is "a good communicator who brings great judgement and fine advocacy skills to any case." Although more of a criminal specialist, this ex-Treasury counsel is a fine fraud practitioner who is "an unvarnished star" at whatever he turns his hand to. He recently advised on the fraud and blackmail prosecution of R v Wu. Highlights for Sean Larkin QC include Ajaib, a case concerning a multi-defendant, multimillion-pound mortgage fraud. His "hard-working and persistent" nature pleases solicitors. Recent silk Tom Kark QC's "incisive, tough" style is often applied to corruption and trade prohibition cases. His practice has developed more on the regulatory side of late, but he is still a noted fraud practitioner. He is rated along with Anthony Glass QC, who has a sound reputation for acting on serious criminal matters, including large boiler-room frauds. 

JUNIORS Adrian Darbishire acted for a British Airways executive in the high-profile OFT airline price-fixing prosecution. A strong performer with a highly effective skill set, he is a barrister whose "advocacy skills are second to none," according to those that use him. Selva Ramasamy is a "calm, professional and hard-working" individual who enjoys the full confidence of the market. His recent matters of note include advising on the anti-Mafia-related restraint proceedings of R v Dines. Paul Raudnitz enjoys a rising profile, particularly on the prosecution side, acting for bodies such as the FSA. He acted for Brent and Harrow Trading Standards in the alleged car-clocking fraud conspiracy prosecution of Ghulaman & Sadiqi.

THE SET 23 Essex Street is a set with broad horizons that it is more than willing to go where the work is. Its barristers undertake cases in London, the South, the Midlands, the North West and the North East, and have an annexe in Manchester to further service their truly national practice. The set has no shortage of clients seeking it out for fraud, regulatory and serious crime work and, on the fraud front, is instructed on a variety of matters, including VAT and MTIC fraud work. The barristers also advise on allegations of international corruption. Commentators note that, in the past year, the set has increased the amount of defence work it undertakes.

SILKS Gareth Rees QC is a "dynamic and very astute" practitioner who recently acted on R v Neil Rollins, an FSA insider dealing prosecution. Rees is a general criminal and fraud expert, as is Dafydd Enoch QC, who remains a popular choice amongst solicitors. Enoch's recent cases include the £20 million MTIC fraud case of R v Ardip Hayre. Sources hold Charles Miskin QC in high regard for his work, saying that he is "a good man to use if you've got your back against the wall." HMRC turned to him for advice with regard to a building society corporation tax investigation. Stablemate Cairns Nelson QC has not been in silk for long but is already garnering rave reviews. "Highly professional but very entertaining with it," he is "destined for great things," according to many. A member of the SFO panel of preferred silks, he led in R v Richardson, an IFA investment fraud. Paul Bogan QC's recent matters include Hauschild, a substantial mortgage fraud prosecution. He "has a really great working relationship with solicitors and always engages fully on every aspect of a case." 

JUNIORS Legal proficiency is a given amongst all the barristers here, but sources reserve special mention for the "very charming and friendly" Mark Fenhalls. His long experience has seen him acting, often not led, in a number of important matters. His recent cases include R v Hill, a mortgage fraud and money laundering case. Colleague Gary Summers is "very strong on legal points, and has an excellent client manner," say observers. He acted on Haroutuinian, a case concerning a large money laundering conspiracy in West London. Others recommended here include Ashraf Khan, who is "a diligent professional" acclaimed for his "fantastic knowledge" of his subject. He advised on the major MTIC fraud case of Uropa. His set houses Jonathan Lennon, who acted for the appellants in SOCA v Gale, a case involving aspects of drug dealing and money laundering. Lennon "has the right blend of skills" and "clients take to him immediately," sources insist.

THE SET 25 Bedford Row has always had a general crime stronghold. Over the last five years or so, however, it has striven with some success to increase its profile in the fraud arena. Leveraging off its long-standing solicitor relationships it has secured a stronger foothold in the market and has been bolstered by the arrival of key individuals such as Charles Salmon QC. It is now a much more frequent sight defending major fraud and regulatory prosecutions brought by entities including HMRC, the FSA and the SFO.

SILKS George Carter-Stephenson QC is an ideal choice for many as he "is succinct and has a great way with juries." He acted on the Operation Felbella prosecution, R v Kalakis, which concerned an alleged £850 million mortgage fraud. Charles Salmon QC is a "very considered and incisive advocate" who excels in both general crime and fraud matters. His highlights include advising on R v Sellers, a matter relating to the Operation Inertia MTIC fraud investigations. Peter Doyle QC "employs his great presence in court to achieve the best result with minimum intervention," according to sources. He recently acted in R v Rahul Natwar Patel, a boiler-room fraud with a Spanish connection. Nigel Sangster QC's highlights include R v Lynda Parkers, a matter connected with the Operation Raiment construction industry VAT fraud investigation. Commentators say that "he is vastly experienced and has natural court flair." He wins market support along with Rudi Fortson QC, who advised in the SFO metal trading fraud prosecution of R v Rastogi. Like Fortson, Tom Price QC is another barrister who has settled well into silk over the past year or so. Despite his seniority he "still has the enthusiasm of an aspiring junior," sources enthuse. He advised on the circa £250 million MTIC fraud case of R v Halliday.

JUNIORS Richard Furlong's past experience as an investment analyst stands him in good stead in the fraud arena. He advised the defence in the BAE Systems-related R v Alfons Mensdorff Pouilly case. Nicola Howard recently returned to private practice from maternity leave. She wins increasing court backing due to her communicative client manner and her skill in swiftly amassing evidence. Her recent cases include Ade James, a case concerning an alleged international share revenue fraud. Samantha Riggs is another established name at the set. In tandem with Tom Price QC, she appeared in R v Halliday, a case connected with the Operation Euripus MTIC fraud investigation. Nathaniel Rudolf advised the defence in the Operation Slick boiler-room fraud prosecution of R v Wilmot. Solicitors say that "his written work is second to none." They also praise Colin Wells, who they confirm is "a tough defender of client interests." His criminal work includes regulatory and fraud work, and he recently advised on a large Defra veterinary medicine supply prosecution.

THE SET This is one of the newer chambers on the market, having been formed in 2008 as the result of a split from Furnival Chambers. It handles general criminal fraud but has really made its name in asset forfeiture work, where it already attracts considerable market attention as a "really strong" outfit. General fraud matters it has handled recently include cases relating to both Operation Vaulter and Operation Xclusive. 

SILKS Fraud and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) expert Andrew Mitchell QC heads up the set. He outshines much of the competition due to the fact that he "can simplify the most complicated cases and develop successful strategies to deal with them." He advised the defence on R v Michael Richards and Carbon Capital. David Evans QC is a senior practitioner now in his 21st year of silk. He is recognised for his reputation in white-collar crime and SFO work and has recently handled a number of MTIC fraud matters and high-value commercial property frauds.

JUNIORS Keith Mitchell is "superb with clients and popular with juries." He regularly acts before the VAT tribunal, as well as in the criminal courts. He recently had a role in Operation Vaulter, defending charges of money laundering and MTIC fraud. Graham Brodie advised on R v Gold, an alleged Beijing Olympic Games online ticket sale fraud arising from Operation Xclusive. Interviewees admire his combination of "a keen intellect and a steely determination to advance his client's cause." Ivan Pearce is recognised as an effective operator in the fraud market. He acted for a director in connection with Operation Rize, the City of London Police investigation into the safety deposit box sector. Simon Taylor was another at the set to advise on Operation Vaulter. Sources say that he is "well versed in confiscation and proceeds of crime cases."

THE SET 5 Paper Buildings is a 45-strong chambers with a distinguished past stretching back well over 100 years. It has a diverse practice that takes in serious crime, fraud and regulatory, trade descriptions, and health and safety cases. Its fraud practitioners are all seen as being keen, efficient and well capable of offering a top-class service to the client. Cases they have handled include the Ritz fraud, R v Fallon, and Operation Inertia.

SILKS Jonathan Caplan QC serves as co-head of the set. He is a highly rated and popular senior figure at the Bar who has "standout skills" in both general and regulatory crime and criminal fraud. His high-profile SFO and FSA work includes the widely reported insider-dealing case of FSA v McQuoid. "Bright spark" Anuja Dhir QC is a newer silk who also acts on highly sensitive matters as a special advocate. She has rising market recognition due to the "great dedication to duty" she shows when handling matters. She acted in the notorious Ritz hotel sale fraud.

JUNIORS Those seeking a "bright, enthusiastic" team player would do well to consider engaging former solicitor Justin Cole. He led for the first defendant in R v Bello, a prosecution concerning immigration fraud. Ben Douglas-Jones has substantial experience in the fraud sector and is a frequent sight acting for the prosecution. He advised on Operation Valgus, a multimillion-pound mortgage fraud matter.

THE SET The traditional view of 6 King's Bench Walk was as a Rolls-Royce criminal set with a heavy prosecution bias and a strong old-guard client base. As times have changed and much of the CPS's work has gone in-house, however, that description has come to hold less and less true. Today, the set relies more on a mix of prosecution and defence work and has talented members capable of tackling both. These individuals follow in a tradition of gifted performers in the set who have been involved in matters such as Guinness, Maxwell and Blue Arrow. The set's key areas of work include cartel, MTIC fraud and money laundering matters.

SILKS David Perry QC is a former Treasury counsel who is "almost in a class of his own." He wins plaudits at the highest level for being "a first-class lawyer who is easy to get on with." His recent cases include R v Bessent and the BAE Systems litigation, in which he turned in his customary deluxe performance. Gibson Grenfell QC is a highly senior practitioner in the market, who divides his practice between general crime and fraud. He acted in the prosecution of Christopher Ford and Edwin Dayan, in relation to an alleged £1.6 million revenue fraud. Sasha Wass QC is known in the market for her work on serious crime, but enjoys a rising profile for her fraud work. She led for the prosecution on R v Theresa Nkoyo Ibori, a matter concerning the alleged misappropriation of public funds in Nigeria.

JUNIORS Miranda Hill is a "very detailed and hard-working" barrister who "applies herself well to the task in hand." She recently impressed when led by David Perry QC in the BAE litigation. Duncan Penny has a high profile as he is a Treasury counsel and thus is a frequent sight prosecuting major criminal cases. He advised on the British Airways and Virgin price-fixing matter. Annabel Darlow is a grade 4 CPS prosecutor and is also on the SFO's 'A' List. Her 20 years of experience mean that she is well capable of acting on substantial cases, and she has handled a number of Court of Appeal and Supreme Court cases. She acted for the SFO in the Court of Appeal in Re Abdul Chiragh, a case concerning an accountant at the centre of the BCCI fraud. 

THE SET Carmelite Chambers is a set of 80 or so barristers that has done a good job in the past few years of securing a sizeable slice of the fraud caseload pie. It is established as a good set for those looking for committed counsel who are ready to put the hours in to tackle document-heavy cases. Its defence-slanted work sees it handle both privately and publicly funded matters, as well as some pro bono work.

SILKS Charles Bott QC serves as deputy head of the set and is a well-known and highly respected figure, especially on the defence side of criminal fraud. He specialises in cases of serious fraud, money laundering and revenue evasion, and had a role in the FSA pharmaceuticals fraud. He also acted as leading counsel for the chief executive of a private psychiatric hospital faced with allegations of having perpetrated a multimillion-pound fraud on the NHS. Bott is known as "a good strategist who gets on very well with the jury." Stablemate Robert Marshall-Andrews QC is a man of great experience who has been a silk for 25 years. He divides his time between being a backbench MP and appearing in fraud hearings across the country. His recent matters include R v Thorne, where he co-defended with Bott in an SFO prosecution concerning fraud charges arising out of the collapse of one of the UK’s largest car dealerships. Sources describe him as "a fun fellow who is a natural advocate." Leonard Smith QC gets his fair share of decent work, as evidenced by his role in the Imperial Consolidated fraud case, one of the largest and most complex frauds ever. He continues to apply his considerable skills to MTIC and SFO-related matters. Smith is popular in the market, along with John Jones QC, who recently appeared in Operation Steamroller, a USD100 million boiler-room fraud prosecuted by the SFO. He is known for his forceful advocacy and capacity for hard work.

JUNIORS Adam Kane regularly advises on HMRC, regulatory and HSE prosecutions, amongst others. On the fraud front, he recently appeared in Operation Dwight, an EC invoice funding fraud case. Colin Aylott attracts market attention for the prowess he exhibits when defending complex fraud cases. He acted for Vinisha Sharma, who was accused of forging dental qualifications, and also appeared for the director of an accident management company in R v Hussain (Operation Exhort). Peter Woodall has proved himself "an adept performer in large SFO and HMRC matters. He deals with the paperwork well," according to sources. He received endorsement from interviewees, as did Mark Harries, who is known for his "cutting arguments and fabulous cross-examinations." He has substantial experience of commercial fraud and money laundering matters, and recently appeared in R v Peter Roope, an alleged investment scam. Also recommended, Gerard Hillman handles various fraud matters, including regulatory and confiscation work. "An excellent advocate with a great breadth of knowledge, he has the ability to pull the rabbit out of the hat when required."

THE SET Matrix is a set with many strings to its bow, of which fraud is but one. Its efforts in fraud matters are as impressive as in all of the disciplines it undertakes. It offers "quality, heavy hitters" who understand the full workings of a case and approach matters in a highly thoughtful manner. In 2011, many of its best juniors in the fraud field took silk, as if to further emphasise its good standing in the area. 

SILKS Clare Montgomery QC is "a first-class advocate" who would be in anybody's top ten of the best silks at the Bar, regardless of practice area. Such is her esteem in terms of general crime, fraud and public law that she can virtually have the pick of any cases she wants. By way of example, she was recently involved in matters arising from the British Airways cartel and BAE Systems corruption allegations. Ken Macdonald QC, the former Director of Public Prosecutions, is a "clever and resourceful" man who is a boon to solicitors as he is "such a great communicator." He advised on R v Storrie, Redknapp and Mandaric, a high-profile case concerning alleged tax irregularities. Tim Owen QC has "very intricate knowledge of the law," backed up by an excellent client manner. He is recognised for his POCA skills, as well as his general criminal fraud work. Highlights for him include acting for the former commercial director of iSoft in R v Cryne, a widely reported market abuse case. Alex Bailin QC brings an interesting skill set to the table as he is not only a hugely talented barrister but also a former City derivatives trader. He advised on the high-profile alleged Alstom cross-border bribery matter and is known for his "great intelligence and worldliness." Julian Knowles QC's talents in the criminal and fraud fields have been recognised following his accession to silk this year. He is a "switched-on and committed" lawyer who is an excellent choice for appellate work. 

JUNIORS Andrew Bodnar is "a very bright senior junior," who is on the SFO A panel. An expert on all fraud-related matters, he is particularly good on POCA issues and restraint orders. He, too, appeared in R v Storrie, Redknapp and Mandaric.