Regularly representing multinational corporations, financial institutions, and public bodies in financial regulatory and corporate crime investigations and criminal proceedings, Slaughter and May fields a ‘world-class’ disputes and investigations team with a ‘wealth of experience’ in the space. Jonathan Cotton, who clients describe as ‘highly intelligent with excellent judgement’, and Richard Swallow have extensive experience acting as coordinating counsel in cross-border investigations and regulatory matters, while Ewan Brown takes point on DPAs. Cotton, Brown, and Swallow now jointly lead the team. Other key individuals include Holly Ware, recommended for bribery and corruption issues, and Gayathri Kamalanathan, who regularly acts for financial institutions; Ella Williams is another key name here, while Nicholas Querée ably assists on agency-facing investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Slaughter and May are simply at the top of the legal market. The strength and depth of the team is exceptional. If something has gone seriously wrong in your business, they are the team you want on board.’
‘Richard Swallow and Jonathan Cotton are the leading practitioners in the market for corporates facing serious criminal investigations. Ewan Brown is a superstar. Holly Ware is an up-and-coming superstar.’
‘This a brilliant firm and the team is world-class. They are recognised as the best in this field.’
‘The individuals are rare talents and superb professionals. Richard Swallow is brilliant. Ewan Brown is a wonderful statesman. Holly Ware has superb judgment. Jonathan Clarke is a brilliant thinker, and Nick Querée is a star of the future.’
‘Jonny Cotton exudes calm authority, he was at ease presenting to the board and provided immediate reassurance. Ella Williams provides analytical support and is readily available. The team is reassuringly heavyweight and provides clients with immediate confidence they are in good hands.’
‘Top flight firm, well-resourced and a wealth of experience.’
‘Jonathan Cotton - exceptional, no-nonsense lawyer. Highly intelligent with excellent judgement.’
‘Gayathri Kamalanathan - simply outstanding in her field. Excellent technical operator but set apart from others by acute commercial awareness and ability to support an in-house function, including insight into organisational and governance aspects.'
Key clients
- British American Tobacco
- Glencore plc
- Rolls Royce plc
Work highlights
- Acted as coordinating counsel in relation to BAT’s $100m settlement with a Nigerian competition and consumer protection regulator.
- Advised Glencore in relation to its resolution of the ongoing global investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption in Glencore’s African business operations.
- Advising Rolls-Royce on investigations by the SFO, the DOJ, and Brazilian authorities (MPF and CGU) into bribery in overseas markets.
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.
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.
Jonathan Cotton, Ewan Brown, Richard Swallow