Keystone Law

Commercial litigation

Susan is a commercial litigator who specialises in the resolution of complex financial and regulatory disputes. With over 20 years’ experience in private practice and as an investigative lawyer at the Serious Fraud Office, she advises companies and individuals on all aspects of financial misconduct, ranging from complex and multi-jurisdictional civil litigation, fraud claims and asset tracing to breaches of fiduciary duties and professional negligence actions. In addition, she acts in Government and internal corporate investigations relating to regulatory issues and enforcement, brought by regulatory bodies such as the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) and the Competition and Market Authority (CMA).

Susan has advised Government bodies and the Law Commission on potential law changes. She is also recognised as a thought leader in this area of law, regularly lecturing and writing for major legal publications.

Areas of expertise:

Civil Fraud

All proceedings where deceit or misrepresentation, fraud or dishonesty form part of the basis of the action, including:

Breach of fiduciary duty Abuse of confidence Conspiracy to defraud Fraudulent trading Undue influence Conversion Mortgage fraud Fraud on a power Negligent mis-statement Insolvency litigation

Allied forensic investigations both in the UK and abroad (in particular with the US Securites Exchange Commission, Department of Justice, and European authorities), which involve tracing and freezing assets, including:

Freezing orders Search and seizure orders Delivery up injunctions Acting as court-appointed supervising solicitor to carry out search and delivery-up orders

Regulatory, Professional Disciplinary and Misconduct

Whether in response to matters raised by regulatory bodies, implementing protocols for internal investigations, or advising on forthcoming regulatory changes such as the Senior Managers Regime, recent work includes acting for individuals and organisations with regard to the following professional bodies:

Financial Conduct Authority Prudential Regulation Authority Takeover Panel Solicitors Regulation Authority Bar Standards Board Accountancy Actuarial Disciplinary Board Competition Markets Authority Pension (PPF) Ombudsman Financial Services Ombudsman Charities Commission Gambling Commission Payment Systems Regulator Financial reporting Council

Financial Crime

Cases involving allegations of dishonesty including:

Offences under the Fraud and Theft Acts Money laundering Market abuse Mis-selling Insider dealing Market manipulation Tax evasion Cybercrime offences Terrorism Act offences Bribery and corruption

2018 Keystone Law | Consultant Solicitor 2017 - 2018 Seddons | Partner 2012 - 2017 Simons Muirhead & Burton | Partner 2003 - 2012 Bankside Commercial | Senior Associate 2001 - 2003 Serious Fraud Office | Investigative Lawyer 2000 - 2001 Pearlmans | Senior Solicitor 1999 - 2000 Tibber Beauchamp Ward | Senior Solicitor 1993 - 1995 Imperial College London | Lecturer 1987 - 1992 DJ Freeman | Senior Associate 1985 - 1987 Herbert Smith | Assistant Solicitor 1985 Qualified as a Solicitor 1983 - 1985 Brechers | Trainee Solicitor