Sam is a partner in Mayer Brown’s Litigation practice in London and a member of the Firm’s White Collar Defense & Compliance practice which represents corporations, boards of directors, board committees, executives and public officials in criminal , civil and regulatory enforcement proceedings around the world. Sam's experience includes: pursuing and defending claims arising from significant corporate acquisitions; competition litigation; advising on joint venture and shareholder disputes; fraud investigation; and seeking injunctive relief. He advises on ethics, anti-corruption and human rights issues in connection with companies’ internal compliance policies and procedures and international business transactions. Sam has significant experience in cross border corporate investigations involving complex financial and accounting issues and anti-corruption matters throughout Africa, Asia, Europe (particularly the Nordic region), Middle East and South America. He regularly conducts risk assessments, transactional due diligence and compliance program reviews.
England - London • Risk advisory
Mayer Brown International LLP
Combining extensive expertise as regulatory counsel with deep experience of advising clients on investigations and criminal defence matters, the Mayer Brown International LLP team frequently represents companies from within the finance, mining, and defence sectors. Drawing upon its strong global platform, the practice is well equipped to lead work on investigations into alleged crime conducted by the SFO and US DOJ. Practice head Alistair Graham regularly addresses complex fraud proceedings and international asset tracing, while Sam Eastwood advises corporations on anti-corruption and human rights issues. Jason Hungerford focuses on compliance work, while Musonda Kapotwe concentrates on ESG regulations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Bursting with bright, able associates eager to succeed. A pleasure to work with.’
‘Alistair Graham is at the very top of this field. He combines the sophistication of his vast commercial experience with a street fighter attitude. He sees every angle and nothing phases him. He has a consummate knowledge of the law, which he applies with his awesome intelligence. No better solicitor to have in your corner. Superb, knocks the competition and opposition for six.’
‘Alistair Graham is one of the most experienced litigators in this area.’
‘The Mayer Brown team, principally Sam Eastwood, have been working with the Institute for Public Policy Research in Namibia on a pro bono basis on a matter dealing with international accountability and asset recovery relating to corruption. We don't have a basis for making comparisons as we don't work with other law firms. However, the service and advice from Mayer Brown has been excellent - highly committed and personalised at the same time.’
‘We have worked with Sam Eastwood and several of his colleagues such as James Ford. Sam is either available immediately or very quickly for communications. His advice has proved invaluable. In addition, Sam and the Mayer Brown team have conducted high quality research that has helped us formulate our positions. In summary: Responsive, committed, high quality in terms of advice and research.’
‘Extremely well informed and well networked. Have a thorough understanding of ESG issues and the associated risks. The turn-to team in this field.’
‘Sam Eastwood: a master of his craft. Always on top of his game, incisive but also a creative thinker. Excellent team player, very results focused.
- 'James Ford is incredibly well connected and well regarded, combined with humility, diplomacy and superb people skills.’
Key clients
- eOne
- Former employee of Glencore
Work highlights
- Acted for eOne in connection with: 1) an internal investigation into allegations of fraud arising out of currency trading, 2) the subsequent multi-million pound fraud claim in the High Court, which included allegations of bribery, dishonesty, deceit, conspiracy and corruption, as well as subsequent bankruptcy proceedings.
- Representing a former employee of Glencore in the SFO criminal investigation into allegations of bribery and corruption relating to Glencore’s oil activities in Africa.
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.
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Alistair Graham