Emma’s practice focuses on corporate crime and investigations. She defends businesses and individuals under investigation or facing prosecution by organisations such as the Serious Fraud Office, Crown Prosecution Service, HM Revenue and Customs, the National Crime Agency, Financial Conduct Authority, or the police.
She has experience defending clients suspected of fraud, money laundering, bribery and corruption, market abuse, and insider dealing. Emma has a detailed understanding of both the law and procedure relating to the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and has advised clients on all aspects of asset forfeiture including restraint, cash forfeiture, account freezing orders, and post-conviction confiscation. Emma frequently advises clients on their anti-bribery, anti-money laundering, and Criminal Finances Act 2017 compliance.
Prior to joining Reed Smith, Emma practised at the independent Bar. She is an experienced trial advocate with over seven years of experience both prosecuting and defending criminal cases. She has an in-depth knowledge of the criminal justice system and the trial process. During her time at the Bar, Emma defended clients in high-profile cases charged with drug trafficking, money laundering, historic sexual abuse, murder, and manslaughter. She has prosecuted allegations of modern slavery, fraud, and cybercrime.
Emma was seconded to the Serious Fraud Office in 2015 and 2016 assisting with an investigation into whether Bank of England employees rigged liquidity auctions during the 2007–2008 financial crisis. She was appointed to the Crown Prosecution Services’ specialist Fraud and Serious Crime Panels at Grade 3.
In addition to her criminal practice, Emma has experience dealing with civil fraud, conspiracy, and general commercial litigation. She has an interest in modern slavery law, in particular the obligations on commercial organisations in relation to their supply chains under the Modern Slavery Act 2015. She sits on Reed Smith’s Modern Slavery Committee.
Emma is passionate about pro bono work, in particular, that which is focused on the criminal justice system and the protection of human rights. Emma led a research project for Detention Action, a charity that campaigns for an end to indefinite detention, to assist their efforts in lobbying the Government to set a maximum detention time limit. She also volunteers for KIND (Kids in Need of Defence), a charity that assists undocumented children, the Prisoners’ Advice Service, and Amicus (Assisting Lawyers for Justice on Death Row).
