England - London • Crime, fraud and licensing
Bivonas Law LLP
Acting for foreign government officials, CEOs, and entrepreneurs, the ‘unique team of experienced lawyers’ at Bivonas Law LLP is consistently instructed by clients in high-profile SFO, HMRC and FCA investigations. The group demonstrates significant expertise handling complex fraud and sanction compliance matters, with particular strength in both the crypto market and tax litigation proceedings. Senior partner Antony Brown has advised domestic and international clients for more than 30 years on civil and criminal fraud issues, while Cindy Dorrington specialises in regulatory litigation, money laundering, and proceeds of crime investigations. Steve Sharp deals with complex financial fraud, bribery, and corruption cases, whilst Roland Ellis has seen regular involvement in high-profile SFO investigations. Manraj Somal acts for individuals in NCA and FRC proceedings. Gary Chatfield joined as a senior consultant from the National Crime Agency in March 2023.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Manraj Somal is a really good solicitor - he goes the extra mile for his clients.’
‘Bivonas were able to collect a unique team of experienced lawyers with broad experience in white-collar crime and human rights. The teams worked efficiently and were able to present advanced and extensive legal research fast, precise and efficiently.’
‘Tony Brown is truly experienced in complex litigation cases. He has a thorough understanding of both litigation strategy and EUHRC argumentation. He is a brilliant strategist and consular and you can always trust him to deliver top legal advice.’
‘Stephen Sharp - highly experienced and astute in the conduct of litigation. Able to deal with the most complex and substantial of cases. His client care is excellent - focused, practical, reassuring. His knowledge of the law and litigation is broad and enables him to find a way through the numerous challenges that arise in difficult and sensitive cases.’
‘This is a niche high quality white collar crime outfit that gives a cost effective and personalised service. They are used to dealing with complex and sensitive cases. It is a firm comprising knowledgeable and talented lawyers. They give clear no nonsense advice.’
‘The two standard out lawyers for me are Steve Sharp and Cindy Dorrington. I have a great deal of respect for them. They are lawyers that can think outside of the box. I have been a lawyer for over 30 years and if I was ever in trouble Steve and Cindy would be the lawyers I would go to.'
‘Anthony Brown is unique among white collar crime lawyers. He approaches all matters from the client's side as that is where he comes from. He makes clear cut assessments of where money should be spent and he does not hesitate to speak out where any idea is not practical or not cost effective. His advice never comes from a position of self-interest and I would not hesitate to bring him on board in a matter where a client's interests were at stake.’
Work highlights
- Advising an African government in relation to the prosecution of several senior officials involved in wide-scale international corruption whilst in office.
- Representing an individual being investigated by the SFO and the FCA for fraud and mis-selling minibonds to the value of circa £250m to retail investors.
- Acting for the UK arm of a ship husbanding company involved in a major US Navy contracting scandal concerning allegations of bribery and overcharging with a deal value of US $50million.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Antony Brown, Cindy Dorrington, Stephen Sharp