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Kingsley Napley LLP

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Boasting ‘proper criminal lawyers with commercial edge’, Kingsley Napley LLP’s criminal litigation team expertly covers cross-border corporate investigations spanning the full range of criminal matters. This includes traditional white-collar crime cases ranging from fraud to tax evasion, along with demonstrating strong expertise on ESG, human rights compliance, and regulatory proceedings. Louise Hodges leads, specialising in financial crime and FCA investigations, whilst Caroline Day frequently advises companies on criminal and regulatory matters. The ’exceptional’ Alun Milford focuses on the proceeds of crime litigation, while Jonathan Grimes routinely conducts internal investigations. Nicola Finnerty and Jill Lorimer are also both highly regarded.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Too many law firms lack the actual experience of criminal litigation to underpin their investigations team. That cannot be said about Kingsley Napley. They are proper criminal lawyers with commercial edge. There's a reason why Kingsley Napley alumni populate the white-collar departments in the magic circle and US firms. I've seen first-hand their ability to turn around major corporate investigations under ridiculous time pressure, with a focus on what really matters. And they know what really matters, because they've been there and litigated it before.’

  • ‘Caroline Day is the glue that holds a major investigation team together. She is the first name I would instruct / recommend and then build the team from there. Her ability to work under huge time pressure in cases with intense public and media scrutiny is impressive. She leads and co-ordinates with real skill and sensitivity. Louise Hodges, leads the team and is one of the sharpest and most formidable fraud lawyers in the country. Clients love her. Alun Milford has been a superb addition to the team. He brings unrivalled experience and an ability to make real world predictions about what major law enforcement agencies and regulators are likely to do.’

  • ‘Alun Milford is the king of serious fraud cases. He understands his client's needs from every angle and provides exceptional service.’

  • ‘A very good niche team with high caliber lawyers.’

  • ‘Louise Hodges is outstanding.’

  • ‘They are a known leader in corporate investigation related work and it shows. Superb knowledge of the law and excellent with pragmatic and practicable advice. Given the sensitivity of the engagement, they provided reassurance throughout and managed well difficult and complex areas without wavering.’

  • ‘Alun Milford has an exceptional brain and lots of related experience. He was thoughtful and very reactive to the changing issues coming out of the investigation. Supported by Caroline Day (excellent too) and Philip Salvesen (a future star in the making), an excellent team and provided superb dedication in the delivery of the support.’

Lawyers

Hall of Fame

The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Louise Hodges

Hall of fameKingsley Napley LLP

Louise is Head of Kingsley Napley’s Criminal Litigation team specialising in financial crime, corporate investigations, FCA regulatory investigations and serious and complex fraud. Long recognised as a leader in this field, she is commended for her grasp of broader strategic issues and the practical advice she gives clients, both companies and individuals, caught up in complex litigation. She is experienced in advising companies and individuals with regard to internal investigations, frequently representing witnesses being interviewed either by employers or by investigating authorities, including those compelled to attend interviews. She leads the firm’s cross-practice Financial Services team and Internal Investigations team. She currently represents a number of individuals, including HNW individuals and business leaders, in a range of financial crime cases being investigated by the SFO, FCA, HMRC and NCA amongst others. She was part of the team representing Tesco in connection with their Deferred Prosecution Agreement and related criminal matters. Her cases frequently have an international element.

Leading individuals

Caroline Day

Kingsley Napley LLP

Caroline is a partner specialising in complex fraud and financial crime and represents individuals and corporates in complex global investigations. She acts in investigations and prosecutions brought by various agencies including the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) and the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA). She has extensive experience advising in a wide range of alleged financial misconduct, including serious fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, and cartels. Her practice encompasses both domestic and cross border matters. Caroline also conducts internal investigations on behalf of her corporate clients. She has led numerous investigations into allegations of wrongdoing, and has a particular interest in cases with an international dimension. Much of her work is high profile and multi-jurisdictional.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Louise Hodges

Other key lawyers

Caroline Day, Alun Milford, Jonathan Grimes, Nicola Finnerty, Jill Lorimer, Aaron Watkins, Sophie Wood, Matthew Burn