2017 Legal Awards

Acquisition International - Legal Awards 2017 29 Richard Whittam QC is widely regarded as a top financial crime and top fraud barrister. We profile him as we look to find out about what makes him so successful. ichard Whittam QC was Leading Counsel for the SFO in the Deferred Prosecution Agreement with Rolls Royce plc, where he had a team of highly experienced juniors. That was the largest single investigation carried out by the SFO and resulted in a penalty, including costs, of over half a billion pounds being levied against the company. Well-renowned within the legal industry, many of his clients and previous people he has worked with had this to say about Richard, he is “well-known and respected by commentators for his tenacity, work ethic and superior jury advocacy”. He has been ranked as a leading barrister for over 16 years: “He is really top-drawer and has very impressive court craft”; “He takes everything in his stride. Nothing seems to bother him and he just won’t be deflected from achieving a good result”; “astute, hardworking and meticulous in his paperwork”; “a strong Treasury Counsel who realises that to be effective, you don’t need to be an enemy of your opponent”; “a fearless advocate who glides through proceedings with effortless style”; “a stunning addition to any team with pep and industry to spare and “He has an innate ability to deflect difficult arguments effortlessly.” Name: Richard Whittam QC Chambers: 2 Bedford Row, WC1R 4BU Email: [email protected] Phone: +44 (0)207 440 8888 Website: www.richardwhittamqc.com RichardWhittamQC R LA170040 Richard is a specialist criminal practitioner with experience in the most complex and high-profile criminal cases. Until November 2015, he was First Senior Treasury Counsel [Crime]. Throughout his time as Treasury Counsel he maintained his defence practice. As a result of his role in the Rolls Royce case Richard spoke at Legal Week and Corporate Counsel’s Banking, Litigation and Regulation Forum at the Hilton London Bankside on 15 June 2017. Additionally, Richard was part of the panel that addressed Deferred Prosecution Agreements – from decision through to execution. Amongst other topics, consideration was given to LPP after the decision of Mrs Justice Andrews in The Director of the SFO-v-Eurasian Natural Resources Corporation Ltd [ENRC] [2017] 2 Cr. App. R. 24, the potential scope of DPAs and disclosure. Similar to many other cases he has taken on, he was successful, Richard secured the acquittal of X, a man of good character, who was charged with insider dealing in relation to the takeover of Logica plc by CGI. Smart and astute, the intellectual rigor that he brings to cases is reflected in his appointment as Legal Adviser to and Independent Examiner for the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. In addition, he is a Justice of Appeal of the Court of Appeal of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands, a Deputy High Court Judge and he sits as a Recorder at the Central Criminal Court [Old Bailey]. Significantly, it is the attention to detail that is expected from one of the best barristers in the UK that has led to Richard having an impressive appellate practice. Those appeals have related to recent and historic convictions, and a number of cases where the Court of Appeal sat with five judges rather than three because of the legal significance of the cases. In addition to appearing in court Richard advises on law and strategy pre-charge in important and sensitive cases. Overall, a key factor in his success is his client service, with the ability to instruct Richard through the Direct Access scheme meaning he can be instructed directly through his clerks. His Senior Clerk, John Grimmer, also has an impressive reputation. Richard is available to represent Corporate Bodies, Government Departments and individuals. Best Fraud Chambers 2017 & Financial Crime Barrister of the Year 2017 - UK