Cardiff and London-based law firm, Capital Law, has hired a former Serious Fraud Office lawyer to spearhead its business crime and investigations practice.
Phillippa Ellis joined Capital in March 2021 from the Serious Fraud Office, where she has spent the last 5 ½ years leading teams investigating and prosecuting financial and economic crime across the globe.
Based in Capital’s London office, Phillippa now leads the firm’s business crime and investigations practice – advising clients who are under investigations themselves, or who are conducting their own internal investigations.
This strategic role sees her work closely with lawyers from across the business, who understand where the criminality and regulatory issues lie in their specific field, and who can call on their international network to conduct global investigations.
Capital’s multidisciplinary approach means that for each investigation, the firm pulls together a bespoke team of lawyers with the right expertise – whether that’s boardroom disputes; bribery and corruption; compliance and due diligence; crisis management; cyber security; FCA investigations; fitness to practice; fraud; individual representation; sanctions; tax compliance; or whistleblowing.
Commenting on her appointment, Phillippa said:
“It is great to be joining a firm that so clearly puts the interests and needs of their clients at the forefront of everything they do, and to be part of a team with a proven reputation for excellence.”
Stephen Meade, who leads Capital’s disputes team, added:
“Phillippa is joining us at a crucial time. Unparalleled public spending, V-shaped downturns and recoveries, constantly changing rules – and other hallmarks of the Covid and Brexit eras – have combined to create a perfect storm, meaning organisations have never been under greater scrutiny from regulators.
“Phillippa has years of experience in coordinating multi-disciplinary teams. This will benefit our clients who often need help with investigations that touch upon broad issues – from bribery to asset seizure. Phillippa brings her knowledge, experience, and leadership to the team. It’s great to have her on board!”
