Acting for financial institutions, private equity companies, and corporate clients in the energy and manufacturing sectors, Macfarlanes LLP fields a strong corporate crime practice with notable emphasis on AML and sanctions issues. Lorna Emson heads up the team and has a notable focus on fraud and financial crime work. New partner Nikolas Ireland is another name to note for fraud issues. Francis Bond takes point on matters concerning overseas confiscation and restraint orders, Interpol Red Notices, and sanctions issues, while Helen Harvey has a focus on HMRC investigations. Former practice head Neill Blundell left the team in March 2024.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm is well resourced, staffed by exceptionally hard-working lawyers.'

  • ‘Helen Harvey has great judgement, oozes charm and incredibly hard working.'

  • ‘Lorna Emson's transition from being a new partner to leading the team is impressive. Helen Harvey is an experienced and able associate.’

  • 'Francis Bond and Lorna Emson and Helen Harvey are all excellent. Francis in particular is one to watch for the future. He is smart, knowledgeable and personable. He also has judgment well beyond his years.'

  • 'A highly skilled, very client-centred team who handle top-end work for top-end clients.'

Key clients

  • Revolution Beauty

Work highlights

  • Acted for Revolution Beauty in conducting a wide-ranging investigation following its auditor identifying a number of concerns, including accounting irregularities, during the audit of Revolution’s FY22 accounts.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Lorna Emson

Other key lawyers

Francis Bond, Nikolas Ireland, Helen Harvey