RICHARDSON LISSACK - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Andy Lynch is a Senior Associate (non-solicitor) at the firm with many years of experience representing clients in respect of Tax Tribunals, HMRC enquiries including disclosures under the Contracted Disclosure Facility (CDF). Andy specialises in representing individuals and companies who are approached by HMRC civil litigation department where allegations of fraud are alleged, and the company or individual has had assets frozen.
Andy was a Specialist Investigator in the former HM Customs & Excise National Investigation Service, where he specialised in Tax related organised crime.
He joined KPMG's Tax Investigation team in 2005 before moving to BDO Stoy Hayward. More recently, he worked at Francis Wilkes and Jones before moving to Richardson Lissack.
During his time in the private sector, Andy has acted for numerous companies and individuals in varying Tax disputes with HMRC, especially where allegations of fraud are central to the dispute.
He represents companies with trade specific Tax issues such as the alcohol trade, payroll companies, toiletries trade and in the pension industry, advising on both disputes with HMRC and day-to-day compliance issues. He has also been assisting businesses affected by Brexit, particularly in relation to the changes on the tax implications of cross border trade
Andy handles Tax enquiries and disclosures under the Contracted Disclosure Facility (CDF), and has assisted many individuals and companies facing issues as a result of the use of Tax mitigation schemes, including Accelerated Payment Notices.
Andy is an experienced litigator in the Tax Tribunals and has an impressive record of success. He has also acted for clients on tax-related matters in the High Court, and Court of Appeal.
Andy has an extensive network of contacts in both the Accountancy and Insolvency professions and regularly advises fellow professionals on tax issues.
Anthony Smith is a Director of the firm and Head of the Serious Crime department, who specialises in representing suspects who are under investigation or charged with serious, organised and complex crime.
Anthony has extensive experience in dealing with those charged as part of large scale, multi-handed conspiracies including murder, drugs, firearms, violence, fraud and money laundering. He is also regularly instructed in relation to pre-charge investigations which involves the preparation and consideration of supporting material prior to the drafting of written submissions intended to persuade the Prosecuting Authority concerned that formal proceedings need not be instigated.
As well as specialising in serious and organised crime, Anthony's experience includes defending those under investigation or charged with offences prosecuted by His Majesty's Revenue and Customs (HMRC), National Trading Standards, the Insolvency Service, and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). He also frequently accepts instructions in relation to fraud and financial crime.
Whilst he has often been recognised by his clients for investing a great deal of time and commitment into each of his cases, Anthony has also been commended by his fellow professionals for his "deserved first-class reputation in serious and organised criminal defence work. His dedication and commitment to his clients is second to none and the service he provides them is absolutely faultless. From the barrister's perspective, his case preparation is immaculate and he's not just an astute tactician but an absolute delight to work alongside". It is Anthony's incisive and intelligent approach to each case that has contributed to his reputation as a formidable solicitor.
Ben Richardson has extensive experience representing corporates and individuals in white collar crime and Regulatory investigations, as well as proceedings brought by government prosecution agencies.
Ben is the Managing Director of the firm and Head of the Corporate Crime and Investigations department. He is instructed almost exclusively by corporations and company executives in relation to white collar crime, civil, regulatory and internal investigations. He receives regular instructions from clients who are the subject of Account Freezing Orders, Restraint Orders or Worldwide Freezing Orders.
Ben is regularly instructed by corporates and individuals who are the subject of criminal investigations for fraud, bribery, money laundering and other financial crime, brought by government prosecuting agencies. He is able to immediately establish the core issues of the case, and provide advice which is concise and incisive. He is instructed in cases that enter foreign jurisdictions which has resulted in him developing links with lawyers in Europe, the U.S and other jurisdictions. This has become invaluable for clients who are the subject of a complex investigation which involves an international element, in and outside of Europe.
Ben is sought by corporations to conduct Firmwide Risk Assessments (‘FWRA') which in many cases result in further instructions for internal investigations, the drafting of policies and procedures, including AML, ABC and further compliance advice. Ben is described by his clients as tenacious, sharp and tactically astute; a Solicitor who is unflappable, fearless and able to offer first class advice in some of the most difficult cases. He prides himself on his discreet representation of his clients and his ability to bring investigations to a close whilst avoiding charges.
Bridie is a Senior Associate who specialises in defending cases of fraud and white-collar crime. She has also been involved in proceedings brought by regulatory bodies and carries out pre-charge investigations on behalf of corporates and individuals suspected of criminal and/or regulatory offences.
Bridie is a member of the professional groups, Women in Criminal Law and the Female Fraud Forum.
Jane is considered by her peers and clients as a pragmatic lawyer, with wide ranging experience in non-contentious corporate and commercial legal work. She has a demonstrated history of working in various sectors including private practice, in-house and more recently within the technology sector, with software services projects and the SAAS space. She has the ability to work as part of an in-house team or work autonomously to protect the business operations or improve processes within a company in order to manage and mitigate legal risk. She also has experience advising companies in respect of data protection compliance.
Jane can act as part of the business, focusing on the delivery of a legal solution that fits and streamlines business operations. She has the ability to handle crucial negotiations, ensuring the best interests of the corporation.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Chartered Legal Executive
Jessica is a Chartered Legal Executive with vast experience in advising those facing allegations of the most serious offences. This includes allegations of rape and serious sexual assaults, offences of violence and large drug conspiracies. Jessica has considerable experience in crisis and reputation management and has represented a number of high profile individuals as well as professionals from a variety of sectors, including finance, sports and education.
With over 12 years of experience assisting those in police stations, she has advised individuals in interviews under caution conducted at the police station, both on a voluntary basis and for those who have been arrested.
Jessica has extensive experience in dealing with police investigations in the early stages with a pro-active approach. She has particular experience representing youths and understands the complexities that young people face when entering the criminal justice system. Similarly, Jessica has experience representing those who face criminal allegations whilst parallel family proceedings are ongoing.
As well as advising those facing criminal investigation, Jessica also has experience in representing families, interested persons and witnesses in inquests.
Jessica is regularly instructed and has been successful in applying for removal of records from the Police National Computer and local police force databases.
Job Titles:
- Chartered Legal Executive
- Director
Kim Nihill is a Chartered Legal Executive and Director with more than 20 years' experience representing individuals' subject high profile criminal investigations and prosecutions. This includes allegations of corruption and bribery, multi-jurisdiction investigations, serious and complex fraud, money laundering and related offences under the Proceeds of Crime Act including confiscation and restraint proceedings.
In recent years Kim has represented individuals in connection to Serious Fraud Office ("SFO") investigations including Airbus, Petrofac and Ultra Electronics.
Kim is described by her professional peers as a ‘tenacious defender' and is applauded by her clients for her ‘thorough and diligent' case preparation.
Having been instructed in some of the most high-profile investigations and prosecutions of the last two decades, Kim is aware of the importance of absolute discretion and regularly represents professional, high profile and HNW individuals.
Kim has considerable expertise in pre-charge police investigations and the drafting of successful pre-charge representations with a view to avoiding charges being brought. Kim regularly represents individuals at the police station and is commended by her clients for her astute and fearless approach.
Kim has extensive experience in representing individuals facing prosecution for the most serious criminal offences including murder, serious violent and sexual offences, large scale drug conspiracies, importation, misconduct in a public office and offences under the Official Secrets Act. Kim has also successfully defended individuals facing private prosecution.
Kim has significant experience representing individuals facing extradition to category two territories as well as defending individuals subject to European Arrest Warrants ("EAW") and European Investigation Orders ("EIO"). As a result of her experience in this field, Kim has forged close professional links with overseas lawyers and expert witnesses. In addition to this, she also has extensive experience in advising individuals subject to INTERPOL red notices.
Job Titles:
- Consultant
- of Counsel
- Specialist
Michael Shaw is a consultant for the firm and has extensive experience in representing clients (claimants and defendants) for professional and clinical negligence, general commercial and consumer litigation cases.
Michael is a specialist clinical and professional negligence counsel, with over 7 years' previous experience in this area as a solicitor. During his career, he has dealt with the whole array of claims. Michael's practice includes dealing with advice on liability, quantum (including loss of earnings, care and infant settlement) and evidence; drafting of pleadings; Part 18 Requests for Further Information and Part 35 Questions to Experts. He has an interest in product liability cases. Michael has represented several clients in this area in cases valued at over £1,000,000.
Michael is not afraid to champion those claimants who have been wronged by professionals who hold themselves out to offer a minimum standard of specific professional services. In 2014, Michael brought a claim against former MMR vaccine claimant solicitors in a case which lead to him being featured on the front page of the Times newspaper and in the online pages of the Guardian and the Law Gazette. Michael has successfully fought and won several professional negligence claims in various areas.
Job Titles:
- Practice Manager
- Member of Our Leadership Team
Neil is responsible for Richardson Lissack's operational processes, as Practice Manager, Neil oversees all aspects of the firm's operation, ensuring that we are always providing the highest level of service to our clients. This includes managing our human resources, finance and information technology, as well as developing and implementing strategic initiatives to drive our business forward.
Neil is a highly experienced and dedicated individual who brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise gathered from working in both barristers' chambers and law firms.
Neil is a member of our leadership team, working closely with our directors to ensure that the firm's objectives are aligned with our clients' needs.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Director and Head of Crisis Management
Paul Morris is a Director and Head of Crisis Management. He is a senior solicitor with extensive experience in complex and serious crime, advising and defending in a wide range of criminal matters including homicide, sexual offences, blackmail, drugs offences and assaults.
He has particular experience in crisis and reputation management, advising professionals from the finance, media, film, music, medical, sports, political and teaching professions in relation to serious and complex investigations and prosecutions. As such, he often advises in parallel regulatory and disciplinary proceedings. Paul has considerable experience in handling allegations of misconduct amongst students in universities and other educational establishments, advising on the crucial first steps through to conclusion of the process and protecting a student's academic career.
Paul provides advice from the early stages of an investigation through to trial and merits of appeal. He also provides advice and assistance to potential witnesses or corporate entities that have received a request to attend court, give evidence or produce documents.
Paul is described by his peers as the go to lawyer for HNW individuals in times of crisis. He is recognised for his Rolls-Royce service and discretion when representing clients under criminal investigation, who are in the public eye.
Stephen Reynolds is a Director of the firm and the Head of the Litigation and Dispute Resolution department. Prior to joining Richardson Lissack, Stephen trained and worked for a top 100 law firm in a leading litigation department. He has many years of experience representing both multinational and national corporations and private individuals across a broad spectrum of litigation matters.
Stephen is regularly instructed on high-value contract disputes and shareholders disagreements. He has dealt with professional negligence claims and has acted for clients in disputes against large banking and financial services organisations, insurance companies and pension advisors. He is also experienced in a broad range of construction and property litigation matters, often in cases that demand technical expertise.
Stephen is consistently praised by his clients for his collaborative and personable style. Knowing that litigation can be stressful, time-consuming and costly, Stephen recognises the need to balance the desire to achieve an outcome with the commercial realities of pursuing litigation and he adopts a tailored and focused approach to each matter he is instructed on.