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About
Provided by Nicola Sharp
Practice Areas
Nicola has risen to prominence in legal circles through her outstanding expertise in fraud, civil recovery and business crime and her experience of leading some of the UK's most important, contentious and demanding cases.
She has a reputation for leading the most involved and sizeable commercial and financial disputes and a recognised track record regarding cases involving the financial services markets. Nicola’s expertise in devising preventative measures and in conducting internal investigations has led to her being in demand as an advisor to corporates and large organisations.
She has been praised by The Chambers UK Guide for her diligence and skill at working through huge amounts of material. Her ability to excel on the most complex cases has led to it repeatedly highlighting her as one of the best in her field. Chambers has described Nicola as “excellent’’ and “an absolute first-rate solicitor’’ and has emphasised her growing reputation in civil recovery, fraud-related Proceeds of Crime Act and cross-border matters. Its 2024 edition calls her “very efficient and very hands-on’’ and highlights her client skills.
The Legal 500 has called Nicola “a litigator of high calibre’’ with “frightening intellect’’ and has said she is “never fazed no matter how complex the case.’’ The Legal 500’s 2024 edition highlights her “extensive track record in handling major financial investigations’’ and calls her “a star quality operator’’ and “a truly great commercial litigator’’.
Her specialities include investment fraud, mortgage fraud, money laundering and bribery and corruption cases. She is heavily involved in multinational investigations into investment frauds that span continents and involve a wide variety of commodities and securities, ranging from conservation-related products to forex.
Her caseload includes some of the UK’s largest pension liberation fraud and mortgage fraud investigations, the biggest investment fraud prosecutions, multi-million pound Proceeds of Crime Act cases and major global energy sector corruption investigations involving international agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office. It also includes cases that require extensive knowledge of deferred prosecution agreements (DPA’s) as well as investigations into large-scale fraud and bribery allegations in a wide variety of countries.
She has led teams on some of the most notable fraud cases and defended clients in actions brought by the European Commission’s anti-fraud body OLAF over alleged improper use of EU funds.
Her expertise, attention to detail and ability to rapidly and accurately assess the most detailed and difficult circumstances has led to her being in increasing demand to conduct internal investigations on behalf of corporate clients. Her judgement in such investigations has proved invaluable in helping clients identify and remove a problem with minimal financial and reputational damage.
Nicola is also part of Rahman Ravelli’s international arbitration team. She provides effective representation for clients at all stages of high-value arbitration cases, involving a wide range of business sectors and jurisdictions.
Professional Memberships
International Bar Association (IBA)
The Law Society
American Bar Association (ABA)
Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA)
Female Fraud Forum (FFF)
Women in Criminal Law (WICL)
Publications
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2024 - Business Crime
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2021 - Business Crime
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2020 - Business Crime
The International Comparative Legal Guide 2019 - Business Crime
Chambers Review
UK
Nicola Sharp has particular expertise in bribery, corruption and money laundering matters. She also assists with mortgage and investment fraud investigations.
Nicola Sharp enjoys a strong reputation for her work on civil recovery and fraud-related POCA matters and has experience working on cases with cross-border elements.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Nicola is superbly efficient and a delight to work with."
"She's a good operator and is experienced."
"Nicola Sharp is fantastic. She has a sharp mind, is intelligent and hard-working, and has encyclopeadic knowledge."
"Nicola is superbly efficient and a delight to work with."
"She's a good operator and is experienced."
"Nicola Sharp is fantastic. She has a sharp mind, is intelligent and hard-working, and has encyclopeadic knowledge."
Articles, highlights and press releases
39 items provided by Rahman Ravelli Solicitors
THE CPS’ REVISED MONEY LAUNDERING GUIDANCE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details the significance of the Crown Prosecution Service’s revised guidance to prosecutors on money laundering.
Litigation privilege and the dominant purpose of correspondence
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details a case that considered the evolving issue of litigation privilege.
The Use of Norwich Pharmacal Orders in Tackling Art Fraud and Theft
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that illustrates the circumstances when an NPO can be granted.
THE FCA’S LATEST EFFORTS TO CURB MARKET ABUSE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the Financial Conduct Authority’s recent approaches to ensuring market integrity
The Art Market’s Money Laundering Deadline
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the money laundering obligations facing those in the art dealing world.
The EBA’s Guidance on Money Laundering Risk
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the latest guidelines from the European Banking Authority regarding money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Limits of the Bankers’ Book Evidence Act 1879
Nicola Sharp considers a recent case that highlighted the scope of the Act
The EU Market Abuse Directive and the right to silence
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a ruling that affects an individual’s ability to avoid self-incrimination
The Quincecare Duty and APP fraud
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a recent case that examined banks’ duties to prevent customers falling victim to push payment fraud.
Without Prejudice Privileged Communications and Unambiguous Impropriety
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that emphasises that what is communicated in without prejudice privilege will remain protected unless it meets particular criteria
THE COLLATERAL PURPOSE RULE OF DISCLOSED DOCUMENTS
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that may offer victims of fraud more options for recourse.
THE G20 AND FATF’S MONEY LAUNDERING MEASURES
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli summarises the G20’s support for the Financial Action Task Force’s approach to tackling money laundering
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli highlights some questions that need answers regarding the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive
After an options broker was fined millions for printing trades, Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli examines the Financial Conduct Authority’s approach to the practice.
TAX FRAUD - A CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ISSUE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli assesses a case that clarifies HM Revenue and Customs’ scope for deciding whether to bring criminal or civil proceedings.
WHAT CORPORATES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SFO’S DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENT GUIDANCE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the Serious Fraud Office’s DPA guidance and what it means for corporates’ general counsel.
THE LAW COMMISSION’S CONSULTATION ON REFORM OF THE CONFISCATION REGIME
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details the Commission’s proposals for reform of Part 2 of POCA
HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS AND HYBRID ARBITRAGE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli assesses HMRC’s action against General Electric
FAILING TO PREVENT TAX EVASION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the offences created by Part 3 of the Criminal Finances Act, their relevance in this COVID-19 era and the appropriate corporate response.
SEARCH ORDER VARIATIONS DUE TO COVID-19
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details a case that shows the court approach to search order safety in a pandemic.
LEGAL PROFESSIONAL PRIVILEGE AND FOREIGN LAWYERS
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details the case of PJSC Tatneft v Bogolyubov and Others [2020] and the significance of the protection it offers communications made by non-UK lawyers.
PRIVILEGE RELATING TO LEGAL ADVICE IN WITNESS EVIDENCE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the principle of waiver of privilege.
Freezing orders and asset recovery after litigation
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that demonstrates the extent to which courts will award freezing orders to assist in asset recovery after litigation
Cost Protections Under a Part 36 Offer
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that outlines the possible consequences of withdrawing a Part 36 offer.
THE EVER-EVOLVING APPLICATION OF LEGAL PROFESSIONAL PRIVILEGE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli assesses a case that establishes that it is the duty of an auditor to gauge whether a document is protected by legal professional privilege
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN CONSIDERING BRINGING A PRIVATE PROSECUTION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the procedure for bringing a private prosecution and the issues that have to be considered before going ahead.
FREEZING ORDERS AND ASSET RECOVERY AFTER LITIGATION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that demonstrates the extent to which courts will award freezing orders to assist in asset recovery after litigation
ESTABLISHING THE RISK OF DISSIPATION WHEN APPLYING FOR A FREEZING ORDER
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the importance of proof of a dissipation risk in freezing order applications, with reference to the recent case of Les Ambassadeurs Club Limited v Sheikh Salah Hamdan Albluewi [2020].
FREEZING ORDERS – THE IMPORTANCE OF CAUTION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the impact of the dismissed appeal in the case of ArcelorMittal USA LLC v Mr Ravi Ruia and others [2020]
THE TORT OF DECEIT AND CLIENTS’ INTERESTS
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli examines the case of Barrowfen Properties Ltd v Patel & Ors [2020], which highlighted the challenge solicitors can face of representing a client’s best interests while following best practice.
THE CPS’ REVISED MONEY LAUNDERING GUIDANCE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details the significance of the Crown Prosecution Service’s revised guidance to prosecutors on money laundering.
Litigation privilege and the dominant purpose of correspondence
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details a case that considered the evolving issue of litigation privilege.
The Use of Norwich Pharmacal Orders in Tackling Art Fraud and Theft
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that illustrates the circumstances when an NPO can be granted.
THE FCA’S LATEST EFFORTS TO CURB MARKET ABUSE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the Financial Conduct Authority’s recent approaches to ensuring market integrity
The Art Market’s Money Laundering Deadline
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the money laundering obligations facing those in the art dealing world.
The EBA’s Guidance on Money Laundering Risk
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the latest guidelines from the European Banking Authority regarding money laundering and terrorist financing.
The Limits of the Bankers’ Book Evidence Act 1879
Nicola Sharp considers a recent case that highlighted the scope of the Act
The EU Market Abuse Directive and the right to silence
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a ruling that affects an individual’s ability to avoid self-incrimination
The Quincecare Duty and APP fraud
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a recent case that examined banks’ duties to prevent customers falling victim to push payment fraud.
Without Prejudice Privileged Communications and Unambiguous Impropriety
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that emphasises that what is communicated in without prejudice privilege will remain protected unless it meets particular criteria
THE COLLATERAL PURPOSE RULE OF DISCLOSED DOCUMENTS
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that may offer victims of fraud more options for recourse.
THE G20 AND FATF’S MONEY LAUNDERING MEASURES
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli summarises the G20’s support for the Financial Action Task Force’s approach to tackling money laundering
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli highlights some questions that need answers regarding the Sixth Anti-Money Laundering Directive
After an options broker was fined millions for printing trades, Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli examines the Financial Conduct Authority’s approach to the practice.
TAX FRAUD - A CIVIL AND CRIMINAL ISSUE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli assesses a case that clarifies HM Revenue and Customs’ scope for deciding whether to bring criminal or civil proceedings.
WHAT CORPORATES NEED TO KNOW ABOUT THE SFO’S DEFERRED PROSECUTION AGREEMENT GUIDANCE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the Serious Fraud Office’s DPA guidance and what it means for corporates’ general counsel.
THE LAW COMMISSION’S CONSULTATION ON REFORM OF THE CONFISCATION REGIME
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details the Commission’s proposals for reform of Part 2 of POCA
HM REVENUE AND CUSTOMS AND HYBRID ARBITRAGE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli assesses HMRC’s action against General Electric
FAILING TO PREVENT TAX EVASION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the offences created by Part 3 of the Criminal Finances Act, their relevance in this COVID-19 era and the appropriate corporate response.
SEARCH ORDER VARIATIONS DUE TO COVID-19
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details a case that shows the court approach to search order safety in a pandemic.
LEGAL PROFESSIONAL PRIVILEGE AND FOREIGN LAWYERS
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli details the case of PJSC Tatneft v Bogolyubov and Others [2020] and the significance of the protection it offers communications made by non-UK lawyers.
PRIVILEGE RELATING TO LEGAL ADVICE IN WITNESS EVIDENCE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the principle of waiver of privilege.
Freezing orders and asset recovery after litigation
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that demonstrates the extent to which courts will award freezing orders to assist in asset recovery after litigation
Cost Protections Under a Part 36 Offer
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers a case that outlines the possible consequences of withdrawing a Part 36 offer.
THE EVER-EVOLVING APPLICATION OF LEGAL PROFESSIONAL PRIVILEGE
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli assesses a case that establishes that it is the duty of an auditor to gauge whether a document is protected by legal professional privilege
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WHEN CONSIDERING BRINGING A PRIVATE PROSECUTION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines the procedure for bringing a private prosecution and the issues that have to be considered before going ahead.
FREEZING ORDERS AND ASSET RECOVERY AFTER LITIGATION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli outlines a case that demonstrates the extent to which courts will award freezing orders to assist in asset recovery after litigation
ESTABLISHING THE RISK OF DISSIPATION WHEN APPLYING FOR A FREEZING ORDER
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the importance of proof of a dissipation risk in freezing order applications, with reference to the recent case of Les Ambassadeurs Club Limited v Sheikh Salah Hamdan Albluewi [2020].
FREEZING ORDERS – THE IMPORTANCE OF CAUTION
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli considers the impact of the dismissed appeal in the case of ArcelorMittal USA LLC v Mr Ravi Ruia and others [2020]
THE TORT OF DECEIT AND CLIENTS’ INTERESTS
Nicola Sharp of Rahman Ravelli examines the case of Barrowfen Properties Ltd v Patel & Ors [2020], which highlighted the challenge solicitors can face of representing a client’s best interests while following best practice.