COUNTING THE COST OF SERIOUS FRAUD

Hull-Based solicitor Sandersons has become the only practice in the region to become a member of the Serious Fraud Panel.

The firm has been awarded a franchise to become members by the Criminal Defence Service, which administers legal aid on behalf of the Legal Services Commission.

Defendants facing charges in a very high cost serious fraud case are eligible for legal aid – but there is only a limited number of selected solicitors to go through.

Richard Thompson, the partner at Parliament Street-based Sandersons, will conduct the cases.

He said that admission to the Panel requires the demonstration of extensive previous involvement in serious fraud cases and expertise in the fields of criminal and commercial law.

The nearest panel member firms to Sandersons are located in Leeds, Sheffield, Nottingham and Teesside.

Mr Thompson added “We are delighted that our expertise in serious fraud cases has been recognised following a detailed application and assessment procedure. We believe that this is further confirmation of our reputation for providing a quality legal service in both commercial and criminal matters.”

Mr Thompson will be aided by an experienced supervisory and support team, which will be available for cases deemed as serious fraud.

This is when it is estimated that a trial will last for 25 days or more, or estimated defence costs exceed £100,000, and the defendants face charges of serious financial impropriety on complex financial transactions founded on allegations of fraud.

Recent international cases have highlighted the problems of financial irregularity and questionable accounting practice.

The firm has also announced the appointment of leading lawyer Richard Fowler to it’s criminal department.

Mr Fowler, who previously worked for Myer Wolff solicitors, has extensive experience in the field of criminal defence work, advising clients in the police station and in relation to proceedings in both Magistrates and Crown Court.

He has been a member of duty solicitors schemes throughout the East Riding for over two years and will work in the Hull and Beverley offices, which practice under the name of Patersons CTM.

He said he was delighted to be joining the firm as it announced its presence on the Serious Fraud Panel.

Mr Thompson added “We are delighted to welcome Mr Fowler to the Firm. He has considerable experience of a range of criminal proceedings and will undoubtedly contribute to the expansion of our criminal defence work.”

Source: Hull Daily Mail September 2002