With strength in cross-border mandates, Steptoe UK LLP regularly advises individuals facing investigations by the SFO and the FCA. Working closely with the firm’s international offices, the team attracts particular praise for its strength in multijurisdictional investigations. Practice head Zoe Osborne attracts praise for her ‘unrivalled’ expertise in the space and routinely takes point on cross-border financial crime investigations and litigation, including fraud, money laundering, and sanctions breaches.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Steptoe's team's unique selling point is the integrity of its London lead partner for the practice, Zoe Osborne, and her deep US network, which allows her to provide timely, well-founded, and creative advice. Zoe's energy and reach provide a forceful skill-set that is unrivalled in the space.’

  • ‘Zoe Osborne's deep bench of experience and candour, coupled with deep respect amongst enforcement authorities, makes her the go-to for cross-border and UK enforcement advice. Furthermore, her integrity to her clients is second to none. She walks the walk and stands by her clients without fail, often to her firm's disadvantage. Added to this, her demeanour is measured and supportive, and she always sees the wider picture. Zoe is a stand-out star in the London white-collar legal community.’

  • ‘Steptoe's quality and expertise in cross-border white-collar crime/civil fraud matters is stellar, in particular the brilliant Zoe Osborne.'

  • ‘Zoe Osborne is one of the best partners I have worked with in London in any field and an undoubted superstar in fraud/white-collar crime. Exceptionally hard-working, highly intelligent, very friendly and impressive manner with clients and colleagues alike and unfailingly good judgement on tactics and presentation. I would not hesitate to recommend her to individual directors caught up in fraud and white-collar crime disputes, particularly cross-border (and have done so repeatedly).’

  • ‘They think about a case from top to bottom and know it inside out.’

  • ‘Zoe Osborne - leaves no stone unturned, and looks at the case from all angles.’

Work highlights

  • Advising a wide range of individuals on Serious Fraud Office investigations, including in High Court trials.
  • Representing high-profile individuals in complex international criminal investigations of allegations of bribery and corruption.

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.

Zoe Osborne