POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

Andrew Bird KC is an exceptional practitioner in the fields of asset recovery and police powers, who is an expert on search warrants and production orders. He is experienced in civil recovery cases, including connected judicial reviews, and is highly sought after by government bodies. Bird additionally represents defendants in complex matters.

"He has excellent insight of the law and of the key drivers of prosecution and enforcement agencies. His opinions, delivered promptly, are accurate, pragmatic and clearly articulated."

"Andrew Bird KC is one of the most fluent and gifted appellate criminal advocates at the Bar. He is super clever and wily."

"Andrew is razor-sharp and really thorough."

Gary Pons handles serious confiscation cases and is an expert on cash forfeiture. He represents both defendants as well as prosecuting authorities, and is well versed in handling asset recovery matters both in the UK and internationally.

"In a hard-fought, technical case, Gary's correct analysis of the facts, effective strategy and highly impactful advocacy resulted in a successful outcome."

"He is an exceptional barrister, both highly experienced and knowledgeable, who gives concise, well-reasoned advice and is excellent on his feet."

"Gary is a very pragmatic and commercially minded advocate. His paperwork is thorough and he has great courtcraft."

James Fletcher assists the CPS and NCA with asset forfeiture and restraint cases. He regularly advises HMRC and specialist defence bodies on freezing and confiscation orders and acts in cases concerning enforcement, money laundering and search warrants. Fletcher also has experience in handling appeal cases.

"James Fletcher is brilliant. He gives highly persuasive, very pragmatic advice and doesn't shy away from a fight."

"James is an exceptional talent when it comes to POCA."

"James is so clever and so personable. He's a master tactician who is realistic and totally aware of the gaps in the law that might give him room to manoeuvre."

Barnaby Hone is an experienced POCA practitioner who garners market recognition for his long-standing expertise in this area, advising both prosecutors and defendants. He was the first barrister to appear in a case concerning an account forfeiture order and has additional experience in restraint orders and confiscation proceedings.

"Barnaby Hone is one of the outstanding POCA juniors and his written work is outstanding. There is nothing he doesn't know about this area as this is what he does all day, every day."

"He possesses complete academic and, importantly, practical knowledge of the intricacies of these complex and constantly changing areas of law. He is a credit to his profession."

Sarah Wood garners convincing market feedback due to her presence in notable POCA cases. In line with her expertise in family financial disputes, she displays particular knowledge when it comes to contemporaneous confiscation and family ancillary relief proceedings. Wood is instructed in confiscation proceedings both by prosecuting authorities and by individual defendants.

"Sarah Wood is great and has made the family and crime crossover her own."

"Sarah is well regarded by judges, who take on board what she says. Her submissions are focused and time-saving."

John McNamara is an accomplished junior with a strong POCA practice who represents prosecuting enforcement agencies and defendants in matters involving money laundering, confiscation and asset forfeiture.

"John McNamara is relatively junior, but his ability and practice far exceeds his years of call. He has a wealth of experience with different criminal investigation agencies."

"John is made of steel. He knows his stuff, is very immersed in this area and is not someone you want to be against."