England - London • Crime, fraud and licensing
Simons Muirhead Burton
The crime and regulatory practice at Simons Muirhead Burton offers clients particular expertise in media matters and frequently advises household media celebrities, as well as assisting clients on criminal issues such as sexual assault, perverting the course of justice, and harassment, with a wealth of experience advising well-known musicians. Phil Smith heads the team, with skills described as ‘first-rate’. Anthony Burton CBE, founding partner of the criminal department, is recommended for representing individuals on death row by virtue of his work as chair of the Death Penalty Project NGO, with his case-handling described as ‘exceptional’. Senior associate Henrietta Ronson is described as a ‘standout individual’, with ‘unparalleled domain expertise’ in media-related criminal matters.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘SMB are passionate about their work and their clients. Their research is intensive. They show the fullest support for and liaison with clients and with case barristers. Quite simply outstanding and faultless.’
- ‘Anthony Burton CBE is a senior, long-standing partner. His commitment to a client's interests and well-being is total, and demonstrably awesome. To describe his handling of a matter as exceptional is an inadequate term.’
- ‘Phil Smith, Henrietta Ronson and their team are a simply brilliant set of crime solicitors - their record is simply brilliant.’
- ‘The practice employs lawyers of deep experience and domain expertise in order to provide a very high standard of service. Communication throughout the firm is highly responsive and clear, both with regard to technical legal matters, as well as administrative issues.’
- ‘Henrietta Ronson was the standout individual on the team. My experience working with her is second to none. She exhibits unparalleled domain expertise and always maintains a very high attention to detail, which was decisive at critical points in the work. Her communication was always prompt and she has an uncanny ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly and in laymans terms.’
- ‘The SMB fraud and crime team is very strong - experienced, responsive, practical and personable. It benefits by having access to other practice areas within the firm - reputation management, employment, family and commercial.’
- ‘Phil Smith, head of department, is a first-rate criminal practitioner. He is very popular with clients and the barristers he instructs. Henrietta Ronson, is intelligent, hard-working, and cool under fire. She is at ease dealing with all clients and is a highly valued member of the team. I have no doubt that she will be made a partner soon, which she absolutely deserves.’
- 'Henrietta Ronson - She was just amazing - fiercely smart and fiercely kind. I couldn't have got through the case without her diligent preparation and support. Phil Smith - excellent strategist and strong judgement.'
Work highlights
- Advised on the Partygate scandal, giving evidence to the Parliamentary Privileges Committee, and the UK Covid 19 Public Inquiry.
- Obtained an acquittal in a high-profile trial at Isleworth Crown Court for an UHNWI venture capitalist and investor.
- Secured acquittal of leading academic in a high-profile trial attracting much media coverage.
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Rising stars
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Phil Smith