Main website at www.burtoncopeland.co.uk.
BCL Burton Copeland is a Central London law firm specialising in commercial fraud, financial regulation, tax investigations and serious crime.
Renowned for our dynamic approach to problem solving and solution implementation, we act in both the national and international jurisdictions.
The firm has a proven history of commitment, skill, and excellence in representing those who are the subject of, or involved in, investigation and prosecution of fraud, revenue & fiscal offences, cross-border issues, serious crime and regulatory & disciplinary proceedings.
BCL Burton Copeland is widely regarded as one of the UK's leading solicitors' practices with dedicated expertise in all areas of business and serious crime.
BCL Burton Copeland's lawyers have backgrounds from large commercial law firms, specialised criminal practices and UK prosecuting authorities.
Clients range from international corporations to foreign governments, major City law practices and individuals.
Anti-Money Laundering Compliance
Since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations 2003, the burden of anti-money laundering regulation has continued to increase and the regulated sector now includes many businesses and professions beyond banking and financial services. The onerous regulations are all backed by criminal sanctions and the threat of imprisonment for non-compliance, negligent as well as deliberate. The new emphasis in the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 on the application of a risk-based approach places greater responsibility on companies and individuals, and MLROs in particular. BCL Burton Copeland provides expert advice and, where necessary, representation to law firms, accountancy practices, companies and individuals in relation to anti-money laundering compliance. In particular, it provides advice and assistance in relation to compliance issues such as Customer Due Diligence, anti-money laundering training and the making of Suspicious Activity Reports to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (“SOCA”), including advice on the potential conflict with common law legal professional privilege and client confidentiality. Our lawyers have been involved in the two leading cases on money laundering and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (P v P in 2003; Bowman v Fels in 2004) and include the Chair of the Law Society's Money Laundering Task Force who was responsible for overseeing the drafting of the latest revised guidance on money laundering issued as a Practice Note by the Law Society in December 2007.
Cartel Defence
Section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, which came into force on 20 June 2003, created for the first time a specific criminal offence of cartel behaviour, which includes price fixing, limiting supplies or production, bid-rigging and market-sharing arrangements. The cartel offence carries a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment and the UK has recently seen its first convictions for this offence. The risk of personal criminal liability for directors and employees involved in cartel behaviour now means it is vital that specialist, and independent, criminal law advice is obtained at the very earliest opportunity. This is particularly so as the Enterprise Act also contains the first statutory leniency programme to be introduced into the law of England and Wales. It confers on the Office of Fair Trading (the "OFT") the power to grant criminal immunity to individuals and civil immunity to companies and to extend "leniency" to companies and individuals "for the purposes of the investigation or prosecution of offences". These provisions are designed to encourage individuals and/or companies involved in cartel behaviour to approach the OFT at the earliest opportunity to offer co-operation and assistance in return for immunity or leniency. As one of the recognised leaders in the field of business crime, our experience gained over many years in most of the major business crime cases means that we are well-placed to deal with the new world of OFT criminal investigations. Many cartels will also have an international element with investigations pursued in more than one country. The anti-trust division of the United States Department of Justice is particularly prominent in leading the global fight against anti-competitive behaviour and will show little reluctance to seek the extradition to the US of those involved in cartel behaviour. It is, therefore, also vital that appropriate foreign law and extradition advice is obtained and that lawyers in the various jurisdictions liaise to ensure that a co-ordinated and appropriate strategy is adopted. Our cartel defence practice, and our wider business crime and regulation practice, frequently involves an international dimension and we are experienced in extradition matters and in working with and co-ordinating teams of foreign lawyers.
Commercial Fraud
BCL Burton Copeland has one of the largest dedicated commercial fraud departments in the United Kingdom.
Our specialism and involvement in the majority of the main prosecutions brought by the SFO, CPS and DTI in recent years gives us particular expertise in accountancy, banking, confiscation and international financial affairs.
We also have substantial experience of business crime prosecutions brought by other authorities such as the Inland Revenue, H.M. Customs & Excise, the MoD and British Transport Police.
We offer representation in all types of fraud prosecution brought throughout the country.
Criminal Law
All of us at BCL Burton Copeland appreciate that any client facing any criminal charge is likely to suffer feelings of stress and anxiety. We pride ourselves in handling all of our cases with equal sensitivity, expertise and professionalism.
We have an established reputation as a market leader in criminal defence work: from minor offences to high profile and serious crimes involving issues of criminal restraint and confiscation. A number of our partners are recognised authorities in the field, and several of our lawyers have previous experience of working for the prosecuting authorities.
BCL Burton Copeland offers specialist advice across the whole spectrum of criminal work - from homicide, through serious drug offences, to road traffic law.
Environmental and Health & Safety Law
Recent years have seen a considerable growth in the use of UK and European law to better protect the public from risks to health and damage to the environment.BCL Burton Copeland assists individuals and organisations - both in advising on such issues and representing them if problems arise. This includes acting for those facing investigation or prosecution for breaches of health & safety laws, trading standards legislation and environmental rules and regulations. We remain committed to being at the forefront of developing legal practice and have developed considerable expertise in the field of corporate killing & manslaughter, an area of particular importance as a result of the UK's new legislative regime.
FSA Investigations
Armed with the powers given to it by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA"), the Financial Services Authority (the "FSA") is tasked with investigating misconduct in the financial markets that it regulates. It has the power to bring criminal proceedings in appropriate cases, for instance insider dealing, and to take regulatory enforcement proceedings, for instance in respect of misconduct falling within its market abuse regime. The FSA’s powers are not limited to those individuals or institutions that it regulates, but extend to all participants in the market. It has the power to require attendance at interview and the production of documentation; our long-standing experience in investigations conducted by the Serious Fraud Office means that we are well-versed in dealing with the exercise of these equivalent compulsory powers by the FSA. We are also used to dealing with what will often be complex subject-matter requiring technical and forensic expertise. BCL Burton Copeland has acted for individuals and institutions facing investigation by the FSA in a wide range of matters including: - Insider dealing and market abuse: Our broad business crime expertise means that we are ideally placed to represent those facing concurrent criminal and market abuse investigations into conduct that could either be the subject of criminal prosecution or dealt with through the FSA’s civil market abuse regime. - Misleading the market: We represented one of the individuals in the first prosecution brought by the FSA under section 397 of FSMA for issuing misleading statements to the market. - Mis-selling of financial products. - Whether individuals satisfy the "fit and proper" test and dealing with refusals by the FSA to grant Approved Person status. We recognise that where an individual faces an investigation by the FSA, his employer may also be the subject of a concurrent investigation by the FSA in respect of systems and controls or broader compliance failings. We are experienced in working alongside regulated institutions and their advisers, particularly where a common interest lies in seeking to persuade the FSA not to take action or to minimise the regulatory consequences of the misconduct.
International Law
The increasing globalisation of crime has been paralleled by the growth in the number of international conventions and national laws aimed at combating it.
BCL Burton Copeland's recognised expertise, resources, and know-how puts us at the forefront of UK lawyers best able to act for those involved in international crime and related areas. We have many years' hands-on experience of cases involving extradition, transnational fraud & corruption, international mutual assistance and cross-border money laundering; often involving complex jurisdictional issues.
A number of our partners have also acted for national governments and non-governmental organisations as consultants advising on legislation and other issues within the international framework.
Investigations & Risk Management
BCL Burton Copeland has considerable experience of assisting individuals and corporations who have been the victims of fraud.
We are also well placed to advise on risk management and the establishment of appropriate administrative procedures and controls. These are increasingly necessary, not only to minimise the risks of fraud but also to ensure compliance with the ever-increasing rules and regulations that govern companies and those involved in financial transactions.
In these complex and demanding areas we can call upon: -
Many years experience at the forefront of the area.
Extensive internal resources, including lawyers with previous
experience in government agencies.
Our ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams with other
professionals, such as forensic accountants.
Litigation & Ancillary Work
BCL Burton Copeland's expertise in fraud and other criminal work extends to our pro-active approach to civil litigation and other ancillary fields.
There are many occasions when a client's remedy lies within the civil jurisdiction; be they the victim of, party to or suspected perpetrator of a criminal offence. This may occur in instances when assets are to be frozen or the courts have appointed a Criminal Justice Act Receiver, and in other cases involving fraud, money laundering or international mutual assistance.
We enjoy close relationships with many leading practitioners in other jurisdictions and work closely with the UK's Chancery and Commercial Bar in appropriate cases. Our experience ranges from emergency interlocutory applications to appellate court judicial reviews.
Money Laundering
The investigation and prosecution of money laundering offences has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly following the coming into force of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”) and the Money Laundering Regulations 2003. The Third Money Laundering Directive in 2005, made effective in the UK by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, has strengthened anti-money laundering measures and extended them to terrorist financing, as well as making other important changes to the regulatory regime. The money laundering offences are very widely drawn and are increasingly used by prosecution authorities in fraud and corruption cases, as well as in many other types of case involving acquisitive crime. More than ever before, those suspected of money laundering require expert advice and representation. BCL Burton Copeland provides such expert advice and representation to law firms, accountancy practices, companies and individuals. Our expert team of lawyers includes two of the authors of a forthcoming book on Money Laundering Law and Regulation, one of whom is the Chair of the Law Society's Money Laundering Task Force. The firm also advises on related compliance issues arising out of POCA and the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. In that regard, please see the section of our website on Anti-Money Laundering Compliance. In addition, the firm also provides advice and representation in relation to cash seizures and forfeiture proceedings under Part 5 of POCA. The power given to police and customs officers to seize, on suspicion, cash over £1,000 is being used with increasing frequency. The threshold of reasonable suspicion is, in practice, very low, and anyone carrying cash over £1,000 is at risk of having the money seized and having, in effect, to prove that the cash is legitimate – that is, neither the proceeds of crime nor intended for use in crime. Lawyers at BCL Burton Copeland have extensive experience of cash seizure cases and a strong track record in obtaining the return of wrongly seized cash, often without the need for court proceedings.
Regulatory & Disciplinary
BCL Burton Copeland has substantial experience of advising clients involved in investigations and proceedings brought by the FSA, Lloyd's, the SFA, and other bodies responsible for the regulation of national and international financial markets.
With our broad-based regulatory practice, and with a number of our lawyers experienced in working for prosecuting authorities, we are well placed to deal with the UK's new market abuse regime introduced by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
We also act for professionals facing disciplinary proceedings before tribunals such as the Bar Council, the Law Society, the General Medical Council and military court-martials.
Our work ranges from acting for individuals in all of these areas, where procedural safeguards are often ill defined, to conducting internal investigations on behalf of organisations concerned about potential regulatory breaches.
Tax Investigations & Litigation
Any successful company or individual may face an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”), exercising its broad range of civil and criminal investigative powers. While HMRC’s current stated policy is to reserve its powers of criminal investigation only to those cases where it seeks to send a strong deterrent message or where the conduct involved is considered to be such that only a criminal sanction is appropriate, there can be instances where an initial civil investigation subsequently develops into a criminal prosecution. BCL Burton Copeland is ideally placed to deal with both civil and criminal investigations into direct and indirect tax matters. We are consistently recognised by the directories as a market leader in the area of criminal fraud, with a wide range of experience of successfully defending clients against prosecutions brought by Revenue and Customs. We are listed by The Legal 500 in Band 1 of the Customs & Excise entry, which states: “The firm is highly experienced in advising on customs and excise matters, particularly MTIC cases”. Our civil department has represented clients in multi-million pound judicial review proceedings, High Court claims and Tribunal appeals. Our lawyers have significant experience in the field of tax avoidance and our partners are regularly quoted in the national press on tax matters (Please see our Noticeboard). We have an excellent understanding of the mechanics of Codes of Practice 8 and 9 and were heavily involved in the consultation process that led to the adoption of the current Code of Practice 9. We are experienced in responding to all methods employed by HMRC and its Special Civil Investigations (“SCI”) department and Civil Investigation of Fraud (“CIF”) teams. We recognise that investigations by HMRC can be lengthy and expensive if not actively managed. We aim to conclude investigations at an early stage wherever possible and, if it is in our client’s best interests, we are always prepared to explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Whether in response to an enquiry into a tax planning scheme or an allegation of tax fraud, using a carefully-considered strategy of disclosure on the basis of our criminal law expertise, we aim to ensure that preliminary requests for information do not lead to the issuing of HMRC Notices or develop into full investigations. We also aim to minimise the risk that a civil investigation will develop into a criminal prosecution. However, if our clients are confronted by proceedings brought against them by HMRC, we are ideally placed to deliver a firm, focussed response. We specialise in contentious matters and have developed our experience of dealing with government departments over the course of many years. We regularly work closely with the UK's leading accountancy practices and specialise in the assistance and protection of clients from the many exceptional powers of investigation and prosecution exercised by HMRC.
Since the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and the Money Laundering Regulations 2003, the burden of anti-money laundering regulation has continued to increase and the regulated sector now includes many businesses and professions beyond banking and financial services. The onerous regulations are all backed by criminal sanctions and the threat of imprisonment for non-compliance, negligent as well as deliberate. The new emphasis in the Money Laundering Regulations 2007 on the application of a risk-based approach places greater responsibility on companies and individuals, and MLROs in particular. BCL Burton Copeland provides expert advice and, where necessary, representation to law firms, accountancy practices, companies and individuals in relation to anti-money laundering compliance. In particular, it provides advice and assistance in relation to compliance issues such as Customer Due Diligence, anti-money laundering training and the making of Suspicious Activity Reports to the Serious Organised Crime Agency (“SOCA”), including advice on the potential conflict with common law legal professional privilege and client confidentiality. Our lawyers have been involved in the two leading cases on money laundering and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (P v P in 2003; Bowman v Fels in 2004) and include the Chair of the Law Society's Money Laundering Task Force who was responsible for overseeing the drafting of the latest revised guidance on money laundering issued as a Practice Note by the Law Society in December 2007.
Cartel Defence
Section 188 of the Enterprise Act 2002, which came into force on 20 June 2003, created for the first time a specific criminal offence of cartel behaviour, which includes price fixing, limiting supplies or production, bid-rigging and market-sharing arrangements. The cartel offence carries a maximum sentence of five years' imprisonment and the UK has recently seen its first convictions for this offence. The risk of personal criminal liability for directors and employees involved in cartel behaviour now means it is vital that specialist, and independent, criminal law advice is obtained at the very earliest opportunity. This is particularly so as the Enterprise Act also contains the first statutory leniency programme to be introduced into the law of England and Wales. It confers on the Office of Fair Trading (the "OFT") the power to grant criminal immunity to individuals and civil immunity to companies and to extend "leniency" to companies and individuals "for the purposes of the investigation or prosecution of offences". These provisions are designed to encourage individuals and/or companies involved in cartel behaviour to approach the OFT at the earliest opportunity to offer co-operation and assistance in return for immunity or leniency. As one of the recognised leaders in the field of business crime, our experience gained over many years in most of the major business crime cases means that we are well-placed to deal with the new world of OFT criminal investigations. Many cartels will also have an international element with investigations pursued in more than one country. The anti-trust division of the United States Department of Justice is particularly prominent in leading the global fight against anti-competitive behaviour and will show little reluctance to seek the extradition to the US of those involved in cartel behaviour. It is, therefore, also vital that appropriate foreign law and extradition advice is obtained and that lawyers in the various jurisdictions liaise to ensure that a co-ordinated and appropriate strategy is adopted. Our cartel defence practice, and our wider business crime and regulation practice, frequently involves an international dimension and we are experienced in extradition matters and in working with and co-ordinating teams of foreign lawyers.
Commercial Fraud
BCL Burton Copeland has one of the largest dedicated commercial fraud departments in the United Kingdom.
Our specialism and involvement in the majority of the main prosecutions brought by the SFO, CPS and DTI in recent years gives us particular expertise in accountancy, banking, confiscation and international financial affairs.
We also have substantial experience of business crime prosecutions brought by other authorities such as the Inland Revenue, H.M. Customs & Excise, the MoD and British Transport Police.
We offer representation in all types of fraud prosecution brought throughout the country.
Criminal Law
All of us at BCL Burton Copeland appreciate that any client facing any criminal charge is likely to suffer feelings of stress and anxiety. We pride ourselves in handling all of our cases with equal sensitivity, expertise and professionalism.
We have an established reputation as a market leader in criminal defence work: from minor offences to high profile and serious crimes involving issues of criminal restraint and confiscation. A number of our partners are recognised authorities in the field, and several of our lawyers have previous experience of working for the prosecuting authorities.
BCL Burton Copeland offers specialist advice across the whole spectrum of criminal work - from homicide, through serious drug offences, to road traffic law.
Environmental and Health & Safety Law
Recent years have seen a considerable growth in the use of UK and European law to better protect the public from risks to health and damage to the environment.BCL Burton Copeland assists individuals and organisations - both in advising on such issues and representing them if problems arise. This includes acting for those facing investigation or prosecution for breaches of health & safety laws, trading standards legislation and environmental rules and regulations. We remain committed to being at the forefront of developing legal practice and have developed considerable expertise in the field of corporate killing & manslaughter, an area of particular importance as a result of the UK's new legislative regime.
FSA Investigations
Armed with the powers given to it by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 ("FSMA"), the Financial Services Authority (the "FSA") is tasked with investigating misconduct in the financial markets that it regulates. It has the power to bring criminal proceedings in appropriate cases, for instance insider dealing, and to take regulatory enforcement proceedings, for instance in respect of misconduct falling within its market abuse regime. The FSA’s powers are not limited to those individuals or institutions that it regulates, but extend to all participants in the market. It has the power to require attendance at interview and the production of documentation; our long-standing experience in investigations conducted by the Serious Fraud Office means that we are well-versed in dealing with the exercise of these equivalent compulsory powers by the FSA. We are also used to dealing with what will often be complex subject-matter requiring technical and forensic expertise. BCL Burton Copeland has acted for individuals and institutions facing investigation by the FSA in a wide range of matters including: - Insider dealing and market abuse: Our broad business crime expertise means that we are ideally placed to represent those facing concurrent criminal and market abuse investigations into conduct that could either be the subject of criminal prosecution or dealt with through the FSA’s civil market abuse regime. - Misleading the market: We represented one of the individuals in the first prosecution brought by the FSA under section 397 of FSMA for issuing misleading statements to the market. - Mis-selling of financial products. - Whether individuals satisfy the "fit and proper" test and dealing with refusals by the FSA to grant Approved Person status. We recognise that where an individual faces an investigation by the FSA, his employer may also be the subject of a concurrent investigation by the FSA in respect of systems and controls or broader compliance failings. We are experienced in working alongside regulated institutions and their advisers, particularly where a common interest lies in seeking to persuade the FSA not to take action or to minimise the regulatory consequences of the misconduct.
International Law
The increasing globalisation of crime has been paralleled by the growth in the number of international conventions and national laws aimed at combating it.
BCL Burton Copeland's recognised expertise, resources, and know-how puts us at the forefront of UK lawyers best able to act for those involved in international crime and related areas. We have many years' hands-on experience of cases involving extradition, transnational fraud & corruption, international mutual assistance and cross-border money laundering; often involving complex jurisdictional issues.
A number of our partners have also acted for national governments and non-governmental organisations as consultants advising on legislation and other issues within the international framework.
Investigations & Risk Management
BCL Burton Copeland has considerable experience of assisting individuals and corporations who have been the victims of fraud.
We are also well placed to advise on risk management and the establishment of appropriate administrative procedures and controls. These are increasingly necessary, not only to minimise the risks of fraud but also to ensure compliance with the ever-increasing rules and regulations that govern companies and those involved in financial transactions.
In these complex and demanding areas we can call upon: -
Many years experience at the forefront of the area.
Extensive internal resources, including lawyers with previous
experience in government agencies.
Our ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams with other
professionals, such as forensic accountants.
Litigation & Ancillary Work
BCL Burton Copeland's expertise in fraud and other criminal work extends to our pro-active approach to civil litigation and other ancillary fields.
There are many occasions when a client's remedy lies within the civil jurisdiction; be they the victim of, party to or suspected perpetrator of a criminal offence. This may occur in instances when assets are to be frozen or the courts have appointed a Criminal Justice Act Receiver, and in other cases involving fraud, money laundering or international mutual assistance.
We enjoy close relationships with many leading practitioners in other jurisdictions and work closely with the UK's Chancery and Commercial Bar in appropriate cases. Our experience ranges from emergency interlocutory applications to appellate court judicial reviews.
Money Laundering
The investigation and prosecution of money laundering offences has changed dramatically in recent years, particularly following the coming into force of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 (“POCA”) and the Money Laundering Regulations 2003. The Third Money Laundering Directive in 2005, made effective in the UK by the Money Laundering Regulations 2007, has strengthened anti-money laundering measures and extended them to terrorist financing, as well as making other important changes to the regulatory regime. The money laundering offences are very widely drawn and are increasingly used by prosecution authorities in fraud and corruption cases, as well as in many other types of case involving acquisitive crime. More than ever before, those suspected of money laundering require expert advice and representation. BCL Burton Copeland provides such expert advice and representation to law firms, accountancy practices, companies and individuals. Our expert team of lawyers includes two of the authors of a forthcoming book on Money Laundering Law and Regulation, one of whom is the Chair of the Law Society's Money Laundering Task Force. The firm also advises on related compliance issues arising out of POCA and the Money Laundering Regulations 2007. In that regard, please see the section of our website on Anti-Money Laundering Compliance. In addition, the firm also provides advice and representation in relation to cash seizures and forfeiture proceedings under Part 5 of POCA. The power given to police and customs officers to seize, on suspicion, cash over £1,000 is being used with increasing frequency. The threshold of reasonable suspicion is, in practice, very low, and anyone carrying cash over £1,000 is at risk of having the money seized and having, in effect, to prove that the cash is legitimate – that is, neither the proceeds of crime nor intended for use in crime. Lawyers at BCL Burton Copeland have extensive experience of cash seizure cases and a strong track record in obtaining the return of wrongly seized cash, often without the need for court proceedings.
Regulatory & Disciplinary
BCL Burton Copeland has substantial experience of advising clients involved in investigations and proceedings brought by the FSA, Lloyd's, the SFA, and other bodies responsible for the regulation of national and international financial markets.
With our broad-based regulatory practice, and with a number of our lawyers experienced in working for prosecuting authorities, we are well placed to deal with the UK's new market abuse regime introduced by the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
We also act for professionals facing disciplinary proceedings before tribunals such as the Bar Council, the Law Society, the General Medical Council and military court-martials.
Our work ranges from acting for individuals in all of these areas, where procedural safeguards are often ill defined, to conducting internal investigations on behalf of organisations concerned about potential regulatory breaches.
Tax Investigations & Litigation
Any successful company or individual may face an investigation by HM Revenue & Customs (“HMRC”), exercising its broad range of civil and criminal investigative powers. While HMRC’s current stated policy is to reserve its powers of criminal investigation only to those cases where it seeks to send a strong deterrent message or where the conduct involved is considered to be such that only a criminal sanction is appropriate, there can be instances where an initial civil investigation subsequently develops into a criminal prosecution. BCL Burton Copeland is ideally placed to deal with both civil and criminal investigations into direct and indirect tax matters. We are consistently recognised by the directories as a market leader in the area of criminal fraud, with a wide range of experience of successfully defending clients against prosecutions brought by Revenue and Customs. We are listed by The Legal 500 in Band 1 of the Customs & Excise entry, which states: “The firm is highly experienced in advising on customs and excise matters, particularly MTIC cases”. Our civil department has represented clients in multi-million pound judicial review proceedings, High Court claims and Tribunal appeals. Our lawyers have significant experience in the field of tax avoidance and our partners are regularly quoted in the national press on tax matters (Please see our Noticeboard). We have an excellent understanding of the mechanics of Codes of Practice 8 and 9 and were heavily involved in the consultation process that led to the adoption of the current Code of Practice 9. We are experienced in responding to all methods employed by HMRC and its Special Civil Investigations (“SCI”) department and Civil Investigation of Fraud (“CIF”) teams. We recognise that investigations by HMRC can be lengthy and expensive if not actively managed. We aim to conclude investigations at an early stage wherever possible and, if it is in our client’s best interests, we are always prepared to explore the possibility of a negotiated settlement. Whether in response to an enquiry into a tax planning scheme or an allegation of tax fraud, using a carefully-considered strategy of disclosure on the basis of our criminal law expertise, we aim to ensure that preliminary requests for information do not lead to the issuing of HMRC Notices or develop into full investigations. We also aim to minimise the risk that a civil investigation will develop into a criminal prosecution. However, if our clients are confronted by proceedings brought against them by HMRC, we are ideally placed to deliver a firm, focussed response. We specialise in contentious matters and have developed our experience of dealing with government departments over the course of many years. We regularly work closely with the UK's leading accountancy practices and specialise in the assistance and protection of clients from the many exceptional powers of investigation and prosecution exercised by HMRC.
Ian Burton Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
ianburton@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation; fraud investigations & regulatory matters. International criminal law including mutual assistance in criminal matters & breach of UN sanctions. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs and Excise, & other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1971) Nigel Copeland Glickman (Partner 1971-1975) Gardener Burton (Partner 1975-1982) BCL Burton Copeland (Founding Partner 1982)
Education
Harry Travers Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
htravers@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation, fraud investigations & regulatory matters. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, & other serious offences.
Career
Called to the Bar (1986) Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1990) BCL Burton Copeland (1991, Partner 1995)
Education
BA Oxford (1985) BCL MA Oxford (1987)
Brian Spiro Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
bspiro@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud and business crime litigation, fraud investigations & regulatory matters. Advising and representing media organisations and high-profile individuals. International criminal law including mutual assistance in criminal matters & breach of UN sanctions. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, terrorism, drug and other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1984) Simons Muirhead & Burton (Partner 1986-2001) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 2001)
Education
LLB (Hons) Nottingham University (1980)
Mark Haslam Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
mhaslam@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud and business crime litigation; fraud investigations; and Customs & Excise investigations including substantial drug cases. General criminal litigation, including defence of prosecutions by Revenue, Customs & Excise and other serious offences. General police station advice and Magistrates' Court litigation; including particular speciality in road traffic cases.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1981) Claude Hornby & Cox (Partner 1986-1993) Magrath & Co (Partner 1993-1997) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 1998)
Education
MA (Law) Cambridge University (1979)
Richard Sallybanks Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
rsallybanks@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation, in particular investigations and prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office and Customs and Excise. Fraud investigations & professional regulatory matters. General criminal litigation.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1992) CMS Cameron McKenna (1992-1995) BCL Burton Copeland, (1995, Partner 1999)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of Exeter (1989)
Jane Glass Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
jglass@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation; fraud investigations & regulatory matters. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, drug & other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1996) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 1997)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of Essex (1993)
Robin Booth Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
rbooth@bcl.com
Speciality
Criminal litigation: fraud, corruption and money laundering. Fraud investigations and regulatory matters. Advising on money laundering compliance. Advising and assisting victims of crime, individual and corporate, in criminal investigations and prosecutions; including the recovery of assets.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1973) Head of Fraud Division CPS Central Casework (1993-1999) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 1999)
Education
BA (Hons) Keele University (1969)
Rachel Hubbard Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
rhubbard@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation. Fraud investigations. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, murder, drug, sexual offences & other serious offences; with particular specialisation in forensic matters & medical defences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court (1989) Claude Hornby & Cox (1986-1992) Magrath & Co (1992-2000) BCL Burton Copeland (2000, Partner 2002)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of Wolverhampton (1986)
Samantha Moore Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
smoore@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation. Fraud investigations and regulatory matters. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for drug & other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1995) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 2002)
Education
BA (Hons) Polytechnic of North London (1987)
Paul Morris Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
pmorris@bcl.com
Speciality
General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, Health and Safety, drugs and other serious offences. Specialist Police Station advice and representation. Fraud and business crime litigation.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1998) Pictons (1998-1999) Tuckers (1999-2003) BCL Burton Copeland (2003, Partner 2006)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of East Anglia (1995)
Guy Bastable Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
gbastable@bcl.com
Speciality
Advice and representation in relation to corporate/white collar crime, criminal fraud, financial regulation and serious general crime, with particular expertise in all types of fraud, money laundering, insider dealing, criminal asset recovery (including restraint, confiscation, and cash seizure and forfeiture), corporate manslaughter, health and safety, coroner’s inquests, and judicial review. Advice in relation to anti-money laundering compliance and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Career
Chambers of William Clegg QC (1998) BCL Burton Copeland (2000)
Education
MA (Hons), University of Edinburgh (1996) CPE, College of Law, London (1997) Bar Vocational Course, Inns of Court School of Law, London (1998)
Other Lawyers and Fee Earners
Balvinder Banga : Dushka Bradley : Shaul Brazil : Diane Calnan : Alexandra Forbes : Julian Hayes : Emma Hoskin : Robert Lawrie : Greg Mailer : Tom McNeill : Samantha Moram : Natasha Murray : Ellen Peart : Hannah Raphael : Catherine Mather : Karen Peacock : : Jonathan Cornwell :
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
ianburton@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation; fraud investigations & regulatory matters. International criminal law including mutual assistance in criminal matters & breach of UN sanctions. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs and Excise, & other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1971) Nigel Copeland Glickman (Partner 1971-1975) Gardener Burton (Partner 1975-1982) BCL Burton Copeland (Founding Partner 1982)
Education
Harry Travers Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
htravers@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation, fraud investigations & regulatory matters. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, & other serious offences.
Career
Called to the Bar (1986) Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1990) BCL Burton Copeland (1991, Partner 1995)
Education
BA Oxford (1985) BCL MA Oxford (1987)
Brian Spiro Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
bspiro@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud and business crime litigation, fraud investigations & regulatory matters. Advising and representing media organisations and high-profile individuals. International criminal law including mutual assistance in criminal matters & breach of UN sanctions. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, terrorism, drug and other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1984) Simons Muirhead & Burton (Partner 1986-2001) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 2001)
Education
LLB (Hons) Nottingham University (1980)
Mark Haslam Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
mhaslam@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud and business crime litigation; fraud investigations; and Customs & Excise investigations including substantial drug cases. General criminal litigation, including defence of prosecutions by Revenue, Customs & Excise and other serious offences. General police station advice and Magistrates' Court litigation; including particular speciality in road traffic cases.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1981) Claude Hornby & Cox (Partner 1986-1993) Magrath & Co (Partner 1993-1997) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 1998)
Education
MA (Law) Cambridge University (1979)
Richard Sallybanks Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
rsallybanks@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation, in particular investigations and prosecutions by the Serious Fraud Office and Customs and Excise. Fraud investigations & professional regulatory matters. General criminal litigation.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1992) CMS Cameron McKenna (1992-1995) BCL Burton Copeland, (1995, Partner 1999)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of Exeter (1989)
Jane Glass Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
jglass@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation; fraud investigations & regulatory matters. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, drug & other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1996) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 1997)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of Essex (1993)
Robin Booth Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
rbooth@bcl.com
Speciality
Criminal litigation: fraud, corruption and money laundering. Fraud investigations and regulatory matters. Advising on money laundering compliance. Advising and assisting victims of crime, individual and corporate, in criminal investigations and prosecutions; including the recovery of assets.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1973) Head of Fraud Division CPS Central Casework (1993-1999) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 1999)
Education
BA (Hons) Keele University (1969)
Rachel Hubbard Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
rhubbard@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation. Fraud investigations. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, murder, drug, sexual offences & other serious offences; with particular specialisation in forensic matters & medical defences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court (1989) Claude Hornby & Cox (1986-1992) Magrath & Co (1992-2000) BCL Burton Copeland (2000, Partner 2002)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of Wolverhampton (1986)
Samantha Moore Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
smoore@bcl.com
Speciality
Fraud & business crime litigation. Fraud investigations and regulatory matters. General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for drug & other serious offences.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1995) BCL Burton Copeland (Partner 2002)
Education
BA (Hons) Polytechnic of North London (1987)
Paul Morris Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
pmorris@bcl.com
Speciality
General criminal litigation including defence of prosecutions for Revenue, Customs & Excise, Health and Safety, drugs and other serious offences. Specialist Police Station advice and representation. Fraud and business crime litigation.
Career
Solicitor of the Supreme Court of England & Wales (1998) Pictons (1998-1999) Tuckers (1999-2003) BCL Burton Copeland (2003, Partner 2006)
Education
LLB (Hons) University of East Anglia (1995)
Guy Bastable Partner
Tel.+44 (0) 207430 2277
Fax.+44 (0) 207430 1101
gbastable@bcl.com
Speciality
Advice and representation in relation to corporate/white collar crime, criminal fraud, financial regulation and serious general crime, with particular expertise in all types of fraud, money laundering, insider dealing, criminal asset recovery (including restraint, confiscation, and cash seizure and forfeiture), corporate manslaughter, health and safety, coroner’s inquests, and judicial review. Advice in relation to anti-money laundering compliance and the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.
Career
Chambers of William Clegg QC (1998) BCL Burton Copeland (2000)
Education
MA (Hons), University of Edinburgh (1996) CPE, College of Law, London (1997) Bar Vocational Course, Inns of Court School of Law, London (1998)
Other Lawyers and Fee Earners
Balvinder Banga : Dushka Bradley : Shaul Brazil : Diane Calnan : Alexandra Forbes : Julian Hayes : Emma Hoskin : Robert Lawrie : Greg Mailer : Tom McNeill : Samantha Moram : Natasha Murray : Ellen Peart : Hannah Raphael : Catherine Mather : Karen Peacock : : Jonathan Cornwell :
Address
BCL Burton Copeland
51 Lincoln's Inn Fields
Holborn
London
WC2A 3LZ
United Kingdom
Telephone +44 (0) 207430 2277
Facsimile +44 (0) 207430 1101
DX 37981 KINGSWAY
Email law@burtoncopeland.co.uk
Contacting BCL Burton Copeland by email
All lawyers can be contacted directly by email. To view individual contact details, please go to their page under the Lawyers' Profiles section. If you do not know which lawyer to contact, or for general enquiries, then please email us at law@burtoncopeland.co.uk
