Department profile
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture
UK Guide 2026 : UK-wide
Rankings
Ranked Individuals
Ranked Individuals
About
Provided by PCB Byrne
We have established some of the leading precedents in the confiscation law, often for clients who have dismissed their trial solicitors, as this is an area less experienced firms fail to understand or deal with, which often leads to catastrophic losses for the client.
We handle some of the most complex civil asset forfeiture cases. For instance, we successfully challenged a US$600 million Freezing Order obtained by the USA as a part of the DOJ’s Kleptocracy Initiative and we represent Blue Holdings in the related civil asset forfeiture proceedings.
Key partners Michael Potts and Matthew Frankland have a huge wealth of experience in this practice area. Michael was seconded to the Asset Recovery Agency and has particular expertise in acting both on behalf and against Receivers appointed under the POCA. Matthew has been ranked in the Top Tier of Individual Specialist in Chambers ever since the subject area was launched some years ago and is a former Committee Member of the Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association. Nicola Boulton and Elizabeth Seborg (both ranked for civil fraud) advise on civil asset forfeiture.
We are able to advise in Civil Receiverships under POCA, pre charge Restraint Orders, variation of Restraint Orders, release of third party assets from Restraint Orders, Confiscation Orders and Civil Asset Forfeiture.
Chambers Review
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Strengths
Provided by Chambers
They have incredibly creative lawyers. They are incredibly strategic and never lose sight of the clients' objectives. They have a huge amount of experience and are seen as the leaders in their field.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUKThe team are extremely experienced in this niche area of work. They are unrivalled in asset tracing. They have super teamwork at all levels.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUKThere are few firms who can claim to have real expertise in POCA/asset recovery work. It has a stellar team who know the terrain very well. I have always found them to be masters of the details.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUK
Notable Practitioners
Provided by Chambers
Band 1 
Band 1 Michael Potts
Michael Potts is noted for advising on asset recovery matters relating to receivership. His experience extends to multi-jurisdictional asset forfeiture proceedings. He is a very hard-working and experienced lawyer. He has a no-nonsense approach. He is highly affable and respected too.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUKMichael has vast experience in POCA work. He is always calm and measured in his approach and displays a broad and deep understanding of the often complex details of asset recovery work.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUK
Band 2 
Band 2 Matthew Frankland
Matthew Frankland has respected expertise in cross-border criminal investigations. He also acts in connected confiscation proceedings.
Matthew is a leader in this area. He is unbelievably smart and creative, with his eye on the strategy of the case at all times.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUKHe has years of experience in business crime and POCA/asset recovery work. He is brilliant with clients, and wise in his judgement of legal merits and tactical decisions necessary to advance a case.
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture respondentUK
Ranked Individuals at PCB Byrne (2)
UK-wide
Michael Potts
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture
View profile Matthew Frankland
POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture
View profile
Members
Provided by PCB Byrne
Michael Potts
View profile of Michael PottsMatthew Frankland
View profile of Matthew Frankland
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