Described as ‘first-rate, intellectual, and humble’ by its clients, Bivonas Law LLP’s dedicated white-collar crime practice stands out for its strong track record handling cross-border investigations. Advice to individuals regarding sanctions issues is another key pillar of the practice. Senior partner Antony Brown has a strong track record acting for individuals in organised crime proceedings and is hailed by clients as ’top of his league’. As a ‘superb lawyer with a great tactical approach’, Cindy Dorrington excels across fraud, money laundering, restraint orders, and proceeds of crime proceedings. Stephen Sharp is an seasoned litigator with notable experience in international fraud cases. Brown, Dorrington, and Sharp jointly oversee the practice. Roland Ellis specialises in complex fraud allegations, while Manraj Somal is routinely instructed by high-net-worth individuals facing UK agency investigations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Unique experience and knowledge on highly complex legal problems in cross country legal disputes. Effective team with a good understanding of international human rights.’

  • ‘Steve Sharp - highly experienced and astute in financial and complex crime. Very hard working and efficient. Clients are comfortable with him and trust him because he so obviously knows what he is doing and he possesses such excellent judgment.’

  • 'Cindy Dorrington is a superb lawyer with a great tactical approach.’

  • ‘Manraj Somal has been highly responsive, practical & diligent. We are dealing with a case of great complexity in relation to crypto currency and his involvement in the case has been invaluable in the preparation of key documentation and detailed statements quickly and precisely. Equally he has a personal touch which is of great assistance in client management.’

  • ‘Antony Brown is top of his league, dealing adeptly with complex corruption matters, geopolitically motivated prosecutions, and sanctions cases.’

  • ‘A solid bench of people driven to actually solve clients' problems. First-rate, intellectual and humble.’

  • ‘The team at Bivonas have no weaknesses; there is absolute strength in depth.’

  • ‘Roland Ellis is a formidable practitioner, who is tactically astute and leaves no stone unturned. His forensic approach is wonderfully allied with being highly personable.'

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 a former Goldman Sachs employee being prosecuted by the FCA for offences of insider dealing.
  • Acting for the UK arm of a ship husbanding company involved in a major US shipping contracting scandal concerning allegations of bribery and overcharging with a deal value of $50m.

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Antony Brown, Cindy Dorrington, Stephen Sharp

Other key lawyers

Manraj Somal, Roland Ellis