Emma focuses on white collar criminal defence and investigations, modern slavery and commercial litigation. She is part of the firm’s global regulatory enforcement (GRE) group, global commercial disputes group (GCD) and environmental, social and governance (ESG) practice.
In her white collar crime and investigations practice, she advises businesses and individuals interacting with, 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 advising clients in respect 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 London 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.
Emma was seconded to the Serious Fraud Office in 2015 and 2016 assisting with its 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.
She has a particular focus on the social and governance aspects of ESG, helping global organisations to understand their obligations and achieve compliance with modern slavery and human trafficking requirements. She sits on the Reed Smith Modern Slavery Committee and while at the Bar, appeared on behalf of the prosecution in ‘Operation Fort’ (the largest modern slavery investigation ever conducted in the UK).
In her commercial litigation practice, Emma frequently deals with high value and complex claims involving civil fraud and conspiracy. She also has experience dealing with commercial judicial review proceedings. 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 to obtain immigration status, the Prisoners’ Advice Service, and Amicus (Assisting Lawyers for Justice on Death Row).
