Bribery & Corruption

Stokoe Partnership Solicitors has extensive knowledge and experience from dealing with some of the most serious and complex bribery and corruption cases, including high profiles cases such as HBOS, British Aerospace, and Mabey and Johnson.

The Bribery Act 2010 has been described as “the toughest anti-corruption legislation in the world“ and its provisions have been reinforced by the Criminal Finances Act 2017.

It provides for criminal offences of bribing and being bribed (both in the public and private sectors) and extends its reach far beyond offences committed within this jurisdiction. It also creates corporate liability offences, not only with company directors’ consent to the bribery or corruption, but also where they fail to prevent bribery by those within their companies or those connected to their companies.

Our expert lawyers have substantial experience representing those facing criminal charges in the most serious and complex corruption and bribery cases. They are also highly experienced at advising and representing companies and individuals at a very early stage in order to try to avoid instances of corruption and bribery ever being prosecuted. This can include representation at interview, pre-charge and throughout any prosecutions. We also advise on internal investigations prior to any interest from the authorities.

The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has a policy that encourages early self-reporting and co-operation, which may result in civil settlement or deferred prosecution agreements, rather than criminal prosecution. Stokoe Partnership Solicitors’ experienced lawyers are used to advising and negotiating on behalf of companies and individuals, in order to avoid the risk of criminal liability and reputational damage that a criminal prosecution can bring. Our lawyers can also advise on the potential divergence of interests between the company and its shareholders, its company officers and its employees who have been identified in any investigation or report to the SFO.

Stokoe Partnership Solicitors is rated as one of the leading criminal defence firms for Financial and white-collar crime by both of the main legal directories, Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500.

Our lawyers increasingly handle cases on an international scale. These involve overseas jurisdictions, regulators and legal frameworks. Stokoe Partnership Solicitors has strong links with leading international experts and law firms abroad to handle these matters efficiently and effectively.