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

Provided by Chambers

POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture - UK-wide

2
Band 2

What the Team is Known For

PCB Byrne has noted capabilities handling regulatory compliance, account freezing orders, pre-charge restraint orders and criminal and civil forfeiture as well as post-conviction confiscation proceedings. The firm regularly acts for defendants, third parties and court receivers. The team is experienced in cross-border matters, including mutual legal assistance requests and jurisdictional challenges. It is bolstered by strong practices in financial crime and civil fraud.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Michael Potts
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Michael Potts
1
Band 1
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.

Michael 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.

Matthew Frankland
2
Matthew Frankland
2
Band 2

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.

He 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.

Ranked Lawyers at
PCB Byrne

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

UK-wide

POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

Michael Potts
1
Michael Potts
1
Band 1
Matthew Frankland
2
Matthew Frankland
2
Band 2

Members

Provided by PCB Byrne