Leveraging its credentials in insolvency, private prosecutions, and commercial and financial litigation, Addleshaw Goddard has the ‘ability to handle large-scale, complex, international fraud litigation in an agile way’. The practice is co-led by Polly Sprenger, whose recent experience includes fraud investigations, along with asset tracing and recovery work for investment funds, and civil fraud, asset tracing and recovery specialist Maria Frangeskides, who ’builds incredibly strong relationships with clients’. The team further includes Alex Hogarth, an expert in fraud claims that are supported by urgent injunctive relief; civil fraud claim-focused Mark Chesher; and Lauren Hamilton, whose caseload takes in technology-related disputes.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘While there are many civil fraud teams among London law firms, few have the experience the AG team can draw upon.’

  • ‘The individuals truly stand out due to their exceptional dedication, expertise, and client-centric approach. What sets them apart from competitors is their unwavering commitment to providing tailored solutions and a personalised service, ensuring clients receive the attention and support they deserve.’

  • ‘Pragmatic, accessible and a joy to work with. Clients value the unique combination of legal expertise and personalised service offered by Addleshaw Goddard, ensuring comprehensive solutions and dedicated support from a team committed to excellence.’

  • ‘The ability to handle large-scale, complex, international fraud litigation in an agile way means that AG's service offering compares very favourably with other firms in this area.’

  • ‘Maria Frangeskides builds incredibly strong relationships with clients that enable her to advise and represent them fearlessly. Clients who use her once stay with her forever.’

  • ‘Mark Chesher is a stalwart of civil fraud litigation in London, and brings his experience to bear in his reassuring handling of clients.’

  • ‘Alex Hogarth is a tough litigator, with particular experience of fraud claims in the aviation and pharmaceutical sectors.’

  • ‘Alex Hogarth is bright, strategic and shows real nous in applications for urgent injunctive relief.’

Key clients

  • Unitel
  • British International Investment
  • Department for Business and Trade (UK Government)
  • Kroll Advisory
  • Barclays Bank
  • Begbies Traynor (London)
  • Viscount of the Royal Court of Jersey

Work highlights

  • Acting for Unitel in proceedings which it has brought against Unitel International Holdings, a company owned by Isabel dos Santos (Unitel's former chairwoman and daughter of the former President of Angola), the matter including successfully obtaining a worldwide freezing order for up to £580m.
  • Defending British International Investment and Michael Turner against a $200m Commercial Court claim, which was brought by Crane Bank for unlawful means conspiracy, dishonest assistance and knowing receipt (alleged to arise from the acquisition of Crane Bank's assets by DFCU Bank).
  • Acting for the Department of Business and Trade (UK Government) in relation to the high-profile Horizon Post Office scandal.

Lawyers

Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Polly Sprenger, Maria Frangeskides

Other key lawyers

Alex Hogarth, Mark Chesher, Lauren Hamilton, Neeta Chityal, Will George, Alex Unger