Discretion & protection
We advise our clients on the full range of criminal and contentious regulatory matters in addition to internal compliance and other investigations.
Our lawyers have acted on complex, high-profile matters for both corporate entities and individuals. The advice is partner-led and tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
We advise clients on complex and high-profile criminal and regulatory investigations and prosecutions as well as conducting internal investigations for corporate and financial services clients. We regularly advise clients on domestic and international investigations, often in parallel with our long-established connections with leading international law firms.
Our solicitors have experience conducting internal investigations for corporates concerning whistleblowing or alleged wrongdoing, as well as representing employees in internal and FCA directed investigations and interviews. We regularly advise clients (both institutions and individuals) on allegations of anti-money laundering, insider dealing, market abuse, bribery and corruption, tax fraud, corporate manslaughter, government contract fraud and modern slavery. We also advise victims of crime as well as acting in private prosecutions to obtain justice for our clients.
We are discreet and sensitive in our approach, uniquely equipped to strategically manage your situation and defend your position. We work closely with other practices within the firm to achieve the best outcome as we recognise that there can be many overlapping considerations. The depth and range of expertise we can offer as a firm, ensures our client’s position is protected at all times.
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Defence and Investigations Law is a complex and rapidly evolving field that demands specialist expertise, strategic insight and a genuine understanding of your unique circumstances. At Payne Hicks Beach, our experienced solicitors will ensure your case benefits from fair and effective management.
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Why Choose Payne Hicks Beach for Defence & Investigations?
Recognised by all leading directories in the UK including Chambers UK, Legal 500 UK and Spears 500 for specialist expertise, strategic advice, and handling of high-complexity cases. Our partnership of experienced dispute specialists ensures you benefit from the best collective knowledge in the field.
We provide comprehensive expertise across the full spectrum of Defence & Investigation Services, advising businesses, individuals and organisations on complex, high-value and often cross-border disputes.
Whether resolving disputes through negotiation, mediation and arbitration or representing clients in court proceedings, we deliver strategic, commercially focused advice tailored to each client’s objectives. We are regularly instructed in high-profile domestic and international matters, combining technical excellence with the practical insight needed to achieve the best possible outcome.
Defence & Investigation Disputes frequently involve issues extending beyond litigation alone, including regulatory investigations, reputation management, privacy and media, trusts and estates, property, employment, family, tax and corporate matters. As a full-service firm, we bring together specialists from across our practice to provide seamless, coordinated advice, ensuring every legal and commercial aspect of your case is managed through a unified strategy.
We understand that many disputes involve highly sensitive personal, commercial and reputational issues where discretion is paramount. Alongside our extensive litigation expertise, we are highly experienced in all forms of Non-Court Dispute Resolution, including mediation, arbitration and negotiated settlements, enabling clients to resolve matters efficiently and, where appropriate, confidentially.
Where court proceedings are necessary, we act with sensitivity, discretion and determination, remaining committed to protecting your privacy, reputation and wider interests throughout every stage of the process.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are contacted by the police, the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), HMRC, or any other regulatory or prosecuting authority, it is important to seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity and before answering questions, attending an interview, or providing documents.
Early legal intervention can have a significant impact on the course and outcome of an investigation. We can advise you on your rights and obligations, represent you at interviews, liaise with investigators on your behalf, and help protect your interests and reputation from the outset. In appropriate cases, we may also be able to make representations to the investigating authority as to why an interview or your attendance is not necessary.
In addition, we can connect you with specialists across our wider practice who can provide support in other areas that may be affected by an investigation or prosecution, helping you navigate the broader personal, professional and commercial issues that can arise.
Confidentiality is a cornerstone of our practice. We understand that criminal investigations and allegations can have significant personal, professional and reputational consequences, particularly for business leaders, entrepreneurs, public figures and their families.
All communications with your legal team are protected by legal professional privilege, and we take a highly discreet approach to managing sensitive matters. Where appropriate, we also work alongside reputation management and crisis communications specialists to minimise potential reputational impact.
Yes. In many cases, our involvement begins long before any criminal charges are issued.
We regularly advise clients who are under investigation, have received requests for information, or are invited to attend a voluntary interview. Proactive legal representation at this stage can help shape the course of an investigation, identify weaknesses in the evidence, and, in some cases, prevent charges from being brought altogether.
We specialise in offering pre-charge representations on behalf of our clients, which helps resolve an investigation at the earliest stage.
We advise individuals, families and businesses on a broad range of complex, sensitive and high-profile criminal and regulatory matters, including:
- Assault, murder and other offences involving violence
- Blackmail and extortion
- Bribery and corruption investigations
- Child cruelty
- Controlling or Coercive Behaviour
- Court proceedings
- Criminal records
- Crisis and reputation management
- Cybercrime and data-related offences
- Deepfake
- Drugs
- Extradition proceedings
- Firearms
- Fraud and financial crime
- Harassment
- International and cross-border investigations
- Misconduct in public office
- Money laundering allegations
- Police station representation and advice
- Regulatory and corporate crime
- Sexual misconduct at schools and universities
- Sexual Offences
- Tax and HMRC investigations
- Youth crime and the law
We also advise high net worth individuals and their families on a range of private domestic matters that can have significant personal and reputational consequences, including:
- Driving offences, from speeding and drink-driving allegations to serious motoring offences
- Domestic abuse allegations
- Harassment and stalking allegations
- Online harms, including malicious communications, cyber harassment and image-based abuse
- Breaches of non-molestation and restraining orders
- Private prosecutions and disputes involving family members, employees or associates
Our team understands the highly sensitive nature of these cases and the importance of managing them discreetly, with a focus on protecting our clients’ privacy, reputation and long-term interests.
We can provide urgent legal assistance at short notice, at any time and any day, including representation at police stations and advice during searches conducted under warrant.
If you have been arrested, detained, or are facing a dawn raid by law enforcement or regulatory authorities, it is crucial to obtain specialist legal advice immediately. Our lawyers are experienced in responding rapidly to urgent situations, protecting clients’ rights, preserving privilege, and managing the wider legal and reputational risks that may arise.
Facing an investigation or regulatory matter?
Early advice can be critical. Our specialist team provides discreet, strategic advice to individuals and businesses facing criminal, regulatory or white-collar crime investigations.
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