Financial Crime

Andrew Bird KC is an experienced barrister who regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence in financial crime cases. He offers expertise in matters relating to bribery, corruption and fraud, and is adept at handling private prosecutions.

"Andrew is a very clever man and a very good and technical lawyer with lots of prosecution experience."

"He is very knowledgeable on the law and an expert in financial crime."

Sarah Wood currently serves as joint head of the business crime team at 5 St Andrew's Hill and is noted for her expertise in private prosecutions. Her broad financial crime practice also encompasses asset recovery and complex money laundering cases.

"Sarah very quickly understands the issues and clients love and trust her. She is a really superb lawyer."

"Sarah brings a nice light touch and a good balanced view. She is good on the detail."

David Stern is noted for his experience in fraud work and proceeds of crime cases arising out of fraud investigations. His areas of expertise include advising on rate rigging, corruption and investment fraud cases. He draws an impressive number of instructions from clients in the financial services industry.

"David Stern has a first-rate brain. He is an excellent counsel on his feet but his written work is quite exceptional, too. He is very user-friendly, makes himself available and responds quickly."

Danielle Barden has a strong practice in financial crime, appearing for both the prosecution and defence. She has particular expertise with cases relating to fraud, money laundering and human trafficking and her broad practice also encompasses general crime and extradition work.

"Danielle is a supremely conscientious and diligent advocate with a fine eye for detail.She is relentless in pursuit of her clients' interests and both fearless in court and approachable out of it."

"Danielle is approachable and gives clear, concise and well-reasoned advice, meaning clients feel well supported and have absolute confidence in her."

"She has a nice way with the witness and a charming manner with the jury and is very engaging."

David McNeill is a well-regarded junior experienced both in prosecuting and defending financial crime cases. He acts in a range of fraud and money laundering cases, and has added expertise in related confiscation matters. He is regularly instructed by HMRC, the National Crime Agency and the Crown Prosecution Service.

"David is very good with clients, can assimilate data quickly and is very good in written and vocal delivery of advocacy."

Dominic Connolly is a robust and effective prosecutor of complex financial crime cases. A Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Grade 4 specialist prosecutor for fraud and serious crime, he regularly takes instructions from the Specialist Fraud Division of the CPS. Connelly has particular expertise prosecuting cases involving large-scale organised crime.

"Dominic is a fair and ruthless cross-examiner and a smooth operator."

"Dominic is a tough prosecutor and knows his area. He is very determined and tenacious, is very thorough and well organised, and presents a case really well."

"Dominic Connolly is a seasoned prosecutor who can turn his hand to anything."

Edmund Burge KC is a popular and highly experienced barrister who frequently leads for the prosecution. His high-value financial criminal cases include a number relating to MTIC (missing trader intra-community), VAT and diversion fraud. He also prosecutes money laundering matters and acts as a regular adviser to the Crown Prosecution Service on pre-charge investigations. Burge is rated for his ability to handle the more complex cases.

"Edmund has that experience, calmness and surety that comes with having done really messy and tricky cases before. He is able to stand up and command the confidence of the judge."

"Edmund Burge has a lovely brain on him. He is mentally astute and eloquent for a jury."

Ini Udom is a talented junior barrister who primarily acts for the prosecution in complex financial crime cases. She is regularly instructed by HMRC and the Crown Prosecution Service and is well versed in cases involving allegations of VAT tax fraud and money laundering.

Mark Cotter KC is a sought after and experienced barrister both for the prosecution and the defence in business and financial crime cases. His practice often sees him assisting and representing high net worth individuals or acting on matters with an international element. In addition to his financial crime work, Cotter is regularly involved in complex asset recovery and confiscation proceedings.

"Mark has a quick and analytical mind and is a great jury advocate."

"Mark has a keen eye for detail while retaining the overall picture of the issue at hand. He works well within the litigation team and presents cases effectively and clearly."

"Mark Cotter KC is very thorough and very knowledgeable. He tells it how it is and is very organised."