The ‘excellent specialist fraud practice’ at ’premier boutique litigation firm’ PCB Byrne is widely lauded for its expertise in complex, high-value disputes, which frequently involve multiple jurisdictions. The practice also houses experts in ancillary issues that arise in civil fraud cases, such as civil asset forfeiture and extradition matters, and it is further able to leverage the firm’s strong credentials in white-collar crime and regulatory disputes. Recent mandates additionally feature assistance to international companies and institutions with the impact of sanctions on asset recovery. Anthony Riem is a renowned fraud investigation and asset recovery specialist. The team also showcases Trevor Mascarenhas, whose track record includes obtaining some of the leading fraud litigation judgments; Elizabeth Seborg, an expert in asset recovery and interim injunctions; Ben Davies, who has notable experience in freezing and search orders; highly rated multi-jurisdictional litigator Nick Ractliff; and Neil Micklethwaite, who is ’recommended for big cases’. Other key practitioners are Charlotte Bhania, Tom McKernan, Catherine Eason and Olga Bischof, along with Caitlin Ferguson and David Johnson.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Excellent team with unparalleled experience in the Eastern European and CIS markets. An excellent specialist fraud practice with particular experience of urgent injunctive work. Their partner-led model means that there is always an experienced hand at the tiller.’
‘PCB Byrne is a premier boutique litigation firm in London. The team is highly motivated and organised. Capable of responding rapidly to crises and getting on the front foot in a dispute.’
‘Nick Ractliff and Trevor Mascarenhas are both bright minds with excellent client-facing skills and the ability to navigate complex dispute resolution. Trevor is probably one of the cleverest lawyers in London today and also a brilliant litigator.’
‘Anthony Riem is vastly experienced in major disputes, particularly those involving dishonesty. Highly effective. Catherine Eason has significant experience of major disputes.’
‘What Nicola Boulton doesn't know about fraud law just isn't worth knowing. She has seen everything and done it all, and will always enable the client to understand their options, and then know a way to achieve any plausible goal.’
‘Neil Micklethwaite is recommended for big cases, which are run very efficiently and with a high degree of confidence. One of the go-tos for UHNW individuals and for tricky cases. Ben Davies is a standout litigator with incredible legal and client-handling skills.'
‘Olga Bischof is hugely experienced, clever, calm, and practical in her advice. Tom McKernan is brilliant. Knows everything, works incredible hard, and sees round corners.’
‘Elizabeth Seborg is a fantastic partner, safe pair of hands, and wonderful to work with. Olga Bischof is hardworking and unflappable, with a lovely client manner to go with it.’
Key clients
- United Company Rusal
- Republic of Cuba
- Banco Nacional de Cuba
- ABFA Commodities Trading
- Invest Bank PSC
- Estate of Fahad Al Rajaan
- Ace City Holdings
- South Bank Hotel Management
- Hangzhou Jiudang Asset Management Co
- Hangzhou Biaoba Trading Co
- Banco de Sabadell
- Rosatom State Atomiс Energy Corporation
Work highlights
- Acted for Nikolai and Vera Kazakov, the principal defendants and counterclaimants, in claims worth approximately $1bn, which were brought by Loudmila Bourlakova alleging a conspiracy and misappropriation of marital assets.
- Acted for the Estate of Al Rajaan and Muna Al Wazzan in the defence of claims brought by the Kuwaiti Public Institution for Social Security.
- Coordinated hugely complex family trust litigation in various jurisdictions on behalf of the trustees of 11 Liechtenstein trusts and a Liechtenstein Foundation holding over $600m of assets for an ultra-HNW Israeli family.
Lawyers
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Anthony Riem