Financial Crime

David Perry KC is a star player and a highly accomplished silk who is at the apex of the Criminal Bar. He is lauded for his efforts in high-stakes criminal matters such as those concerning overseas bribery and corruption investigations into household-name companies. He also boasts an impressive record of advising major corporates on multi-jurisdictional internal investigations.

"David is a consummate all-rounder. His knowledge of the law is second to none and he is highly respected by judges."

"David Perry is, quite simply, an icon of the industry, with unparalleled experience gained over decades of practice. He is unfailingly polite, eloquent and unfazed."

"He has a brain the size of a planet and is just phenomenal."

Duncan Penny KC handles high-profile prosecutions involving overseas corruption and company law breaches, among others. His practice also includes acting for the defence in market manipulation matters and appearing in fraud private prosecutions.

"Duncan is exactly what you need in challenging cases. He is tenacious, very intelligent, highly experienced and great to work with."

"Duncan is outstanding. He is experienced and analytical."

"Duncan is the legend. He is extremely high calibre."

Esther Schutzer-Weissman regularly acts for the prosecution, handling cases relating to allegations of investment fraud, misstatement of financial accounts, and money laundering. She is deeply experienced in large Serious Fraud Office investigations and her practice has a notable international aspect.

"Esther is simply outstanding. She delves deeply into the case, understanding all of the complexities and issues, which are condensed into easily digestible formats for clients to understand."

"Esther is a brilliant senior junior who is quick to adapt to any situation and can methodically dissect the most complex of cases with ease."

Simon Ray has experience both prosecuting and defending major financial crime cases. He has won instructions from the Serious Fraud Office, as well as from corporations, officers and directors facing investigation in relation to matters including tax fraud, bribery and corruption.

"Simon is a go-to counsel. He can lead matters or act as a senior junior for individuals and corporates alike."

"Simon Ray is brilliant at negotiating and his knowledge of the law is fantastic. He is really approachable and comes back quickly, is good with the client and provides helpful advice."

"Simon Ray is absolutely rock-solid ‒ a leading junior you want around in difficult situations."

Miranda Hill KC is increasingly sought out to advise corporations implicated in financial crime, and has acted for some household names from the media, manufacturing and financial services sectors. She has acted on both the prosecution and defence sides in high-profile corporate corruption investigations. Hill has particular expertise in bribery cases.

"Miranda has a really nice style with the client, is responsive and clearly very pragmatic and experienced. She cuts through the issues very quickly."

"Miranda is the go-to counsel for high stakes corporate criminal investigations and enforcement."

Gareth Patterson KC is a versatile performer accustomed to acting for the Serious Fraud Office in criminal investigations and prosecutions, including fraud and corruption matters. He is also recognised for representing defendants accused of fraud and rate manipulation. Patterson is lauded for his ability to handle large financial crime cases.

"Gareth is extremely intelligent, can identify the real issues very quickly and provide sound, considered advice when required."

"He is a class act, always exceptionally well prepared, and very polished in and out of court."

"Gareth's attention to detail and his understanding of the facts are second to none."

Peter Ratliff is equally adept whether acting for the prosecution or the defence in criminal investigations by HMRC and the Serious Fraud Office and is noted for his adroit handling of cases concerning all areas of financial crime including fraud, bribery and corruption. Many of his instructions originate overseas and involve international activity.

"In one word: brilliant. Peter is the practical voice of reason in a case, his strategic sense is first class and he's always ten steps ahead thinking strategically down the line for clients."

"Always calm and assured, Peter is an exceptional advocate who builds cases on strong foundations."

Leila Gaafar trained and qualified as a solicitor before transitioning to the Bar, providing her with a diverse skillset beyond her years of call. As a barrister she has a varied criminal practice with particular experience defending complex fraud and bribery allegations, in addition to advising and representing corporates.

"Leila is a future star in the financial crime space. She is very level headed and combines that with an enormous capacity for hard work and an excellent legal brain."

"Her contributions are always highly valued and she brings a refreshing alternative perspective to discussions, demonstrating a willingness to think outside the box and bring diversity of opinion."

"Leila is client friendly and exceptionally experienced. She is responsive, thoughtful, strategic and a dream to work with. She is destined for greatness."

Sasha Wass KC is an excellent choice of counsel for serious fraud cases. She acts for both defence and prosecution in complex proceedings against individuals and high-profile corporations.

"Sasha is a formidable silk. She is hugely impressive whether prosecuting or defending and a delight to work with."