Matthew Lawson Barrister

Experienced as both a Junior and Leader, my practice concentrates on three principal areas: Fraud and Financial Crime, Organized Crime and Regulatory & Disciplinary Proceedings.

In Fraud and Financial Crime I specialise in complex fraud, including corporate funding frauds, Off-shore Placement Schemes, Mutual Funds, Ponzi Investment Vehicles and MTIC 'Carousel' frauds. In the past I have been involved in defending numerous indictments prosecuted by the full breadth of financial investigating authorities: the SFO, FSA/FCA, HMRC, NCA, the City Police and National Fraud Squad.

I have Led in the whole gamut of Organized Crime offences, up and down the length of the country, in wide-ranging conspiracies covering everything from the importation and supply of drugs, the modification and supply of firearms, people trafficking from all over the world and interfering with the Course of Justice.

Allied to all of the above I hold a wealth of experience in Restraint (whether it is Criminal (both pre and post-trial), Confiscation, Civil Asset Recovery and Unexplained Wealth Orders - the latter of which is set to become the "Authorities favourite" where they believe that they will be unable to overcome the evidential burdens necessary elsewhere.

In the Regulatory field I have an ever expanding practice in FCA related "City" regulation - before coming to the Bar I worked in Investment Banking for Kleinwort Benson. In Disciplinary work those who regularly turn to me for advice and representation include accountants and surveyors brought before their disciplinary bodies.