Mishcon de Reya LLP’s white-collar crime and investigations team has a strong track record defending clients in SFO prosecutions, FCA investigations, and notable extradition cases. ‘Outstanding’ practice head Johanna Walsh has extensive experience advising SMEs and large multinational companies on allegations of fraud and corruption. Walsh works alongside Matthew Ewens, whose recent caseload includes several money laundering investigations in the cryptocurrency space. Also in the core team is Kizzy Augustin, a name to note for health and safety-related instructions, and Min Wiggins, who defends individuals and corporates in criminal fraud proceedings. Alison Geary left the team in January 2023.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Brilliant team from the top to the bottom. Jo Walsh, Matthew Ewens and others make this team able to handle any issue with professionalism and speed.’

  • ‘Matthew Ewens is absolutely first class. Everything about him exudes calm reassuring confidence. I have recommended him in a number of situations where urgent advice is required. Nick Dent has been a good addition to the team.'

  • ‘Johanna Walsh is at the top of her game, which is at the very top of the market. She is innovative, tenacious, and absolutely never complacent.’

  • ‘The team is incredibly driven and continues to undertake interesting work for a wide variety of clients.’

  • ‘Matthew Ewens is unflappable and a great asset to the firm. He has extensive experience in this field and has quickly become an acknowledged leader in the space.’

  • ‘The team is full of experienced partners and provides a strong service to corporates.’

  • ‘Johanna Walsh is an outstanding head of the White-Collar Crime and Investigations team. She is incredibly hard-working, very knowledgeable and the perfect lawyer to go to in a crisis.’

  • ‘Jo Walsh is a recognised leader in this field. The team has a high level of expertise and is very personable.’

Key clients

  • London Capital & Finance PLC
  • Barote Construction Ltd

Work highlights

  • Instructed by the administrators of London Capital & Finance PLC following the collapse of the listed company in January 2019 and the subsequent SFO investigation.
  • Instructed by a large London based Investment Management firm in relation to an investigation by the US Department of Justice.
  • Instructed to act on behalf of Barote Construction, which was investigated by the HSE for health and safety failures in respect of a building collapse during a construction refurbishment.

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.
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.

Johanna Walsh

Other key lawyers

Min Wiggins, Nick Dent, Matthew Ewens, Kizzy Augustin