Brian Spiro

Based in London, Brian specialises in complex national and international investigations, compliance and regulatory matters and high loss business crime litigation. With over 30 years' experience, he has acted in most of the UK's major business crime cases as well as overseas matters throughout Europe, the USA, Africa, Asia and before the ICC. He is also noted for his work in advising media organisations on crime and related matters and his representation of high profile individuals.

Brian has been praised by clients for his "strategic judgement, calmness under pressure, courage and 'savvy' approach" and Chambers UK writes: "Brian Spiro has an excellent reputation for handling complex white-collar defence work. Sources describe him as 'a very clear-thinking lawyer who brings a distilled and pragmatic approach to his work ... [He] is highlighted for his ability to 'keep his cool in a crisis' and for his 'very hands-on' approach."

Amongst other such work, Brian was a member of the Law Society’s committee and chair of the London Criminal Court Solicitors’ Association committee responding to the UK government’s proposals on fraud law reform and has acted as an international consultant to the WHO, the UN and the British Council on criminal law matters

Brian is a former Chair of the Business Crime Committee of the International Bar Association and is a regular writer, lecturer and commentator on corporate crime and related issues.

Accolades

• A recognised expert in his field; Brian is ranked in various legal directories including: Band 1 for both financial and HNW crime in Chambers UK, as a leading individual for regulatory investigations and corporate crime in Legal 500, as a thought leader for investigations and business crime defence of both corporates and individuals in Who's Who Legal, and as a leading UK fraud lawyer in the Global Business Edition of Best Lawyers.

• 'Outstanding leader in his field' Brian Spiro has more than 30 years’ experience acting for corporates and individuals in major business crime cases. - Legal 500

• 'Brian Spiro comes highly recommended for his experience acting for individuals in complex criminal investigations. "He is approachable, thoughtful and appreciates the many issues that can arise beyond the pure legal questions … He has the great ability to explain even the most technical of issues in clear terms and quickly builds a great rapport and working relationship with clients." – Chambers UK

• ‘Brian Spiro is exceptionally thoughtful and a superb lawyer with great practical sense’. - Legal 500

Background

Brian joined Herbert Smith Freehills in 2017 from BCL Solicitor LLP (a criminal litigation and regulatory enforcement boutique) where he had been a partner since 2001.