Adam is a Partner in the Finance & Banking Group. He leads the Firm's highly regarded practice defending clients against the financial services regulatory bodies. For more than 20 years, he has defended some of the biggest enforcement cases to emerge, ranging from the enforcement proceedings brought in relation to Barings in the 1990's to acting in the recent LIBOR and Forex investigations, and others not yet public. He knows the FCA prosecution well and has practical hands on experience in front of the decision makers. He also has extensive experience in cross jurisdictional matters that involve, for example, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and the Department of Justice (DoJ). In addition to defending contested actions, his work often takes place in the pre investigation and pre enforcement stages, helping clients protect themselves against future possible regulatory action. Adam's practice also includes a great deal of experience representing clients in front of a wide variety of other business regulators and enforcement authorities. He represents both individuals and institutions. Adam also leads the firm's Professional Discipline practice, advising professionals such as accountants, lawyers, insolvency practitioners and pension trustees who are facing challenge or investigation by regulatory or enforcement bodies. Adam also leads the firm's Professional Discipline practice, advising professionals such as accountants, lawyers, insolvency practitioners and pension trustees who are facing challenge or investigation by regulatory or enforcement bodies. He is also experienced in Court and arbitral proceedings, having acted in disputes involving substantial sums of money across arenas as diverse as funds, finance, private banking, spread betting, foreign exchange, structured products, pensions, insurance and capital markets. He combines 25 years' experience of litigating with an in-depth knowledge of the industry and the relevant rules. Adam is widely recognised as a leading individual in the area of Financial Services. The Contentious Regulatory practice that he heads is ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners and Adam himself has been consistently rated over the years by both legal directories. Legal 500 praises the group's "high-quality and commercially savvy advice" and states that "the ‘very experienced and wily’ Adam Epstein is the undoubted standout". Chambers cites Adam as "extremely good and knowledgeable in this area" and applauds his "extremely focused, very client-friendly" approach stating that he is "exactly the person you would want on your side". Legal 500 2016 states that "he provides 'calm, sensible and sound advice' and is 'revered by his opponents as an expert in his field.'".
England - London • Corporate and commercial
Mishcon de Reya LLP
Clients describe Mishcon de Reya LLP as being ‘in the Premier League for representing individuals under FCA disciplinary investigation’, with a considerable breadth of expertise which includes market misconduct, and alleged failures of governance and oversight. Practice head Adam Epstein is regarded as ‘a leader in his field’. Guy Wilkes stands out as ‘a charismatic and effective presence in every case’, and has particular experience in financial crime and anti-money laundering investigations. Managing associate Elizabeth Hope is another key member of the group.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘I feel as if the team was exceptionally experienced. They had clearly worked on many similar cases, and this knowledge was evident during my interactions. The team was also willing to get advice and expertise from others within their organisation when required. I found this collaboration within the teams to be beneficial in coming to a potential resolution.’
‘Adam Epstein - vastly experienced partner; details man but also sees the big picture. Top of the tree.’
‘Mishcon are routinely involved in the biggest cases in the sector, and are feared by all their opponents.’
‘Guy Wilkes is a charismatic and effective presence in every case, bringing his vast experience from both sides of the regulatory fence to bear.'
'Adam Epstein is a legend of the law and a go-to name for every type of client.'
‘Adam Epstein is a leader in his field.’
‘Guy Wilkes is a go-to person for individual representations. Hugely knowledgeable and experienced. He’s tough where needed, but also constructive and pragmatic.’
‘In the Premier League for representing individuals under FCA disciplinary investigation. Mishcon has a true specialist team with enormous experience and knowledge.'
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Adam Epstein