Business Intelligence & Investigations

Raedas is a highly regarded investigations firm exclusively specialising in complex disputes. The firm regularly acts on behalf of the world's leading law firms on significant litigation and arbitration matters. Its London-based team provides market-leading, bespoke intelligence gathering that is supported by its experience in investigative methodologies, legal discovery and disclosure processes.

Andrew Wordsworth is regarded by many sources as a pre-eminent figure in the British market for intelligence relating to the former Soviet Union, having been engaged in some of the last decade's most prominent disputes connected to Russia, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. Wordsworth often assists clients in complex investigations, politically motivated tax claims, extradition requests and accusations of corruption.

"Andrew is well known for his Russian expertise," says one lawyer, adding: "That's his corner of the market and he pretty much owns it." Another source says of Wordsworth: "He's very good at believing in you and supporting you to figure things out. He's optimistic about a group's collective potential. Inspiring people is an important part of this business. Andrew's very well read, a little esoteric but brilliant."

Joana Rego is a co-founding partner at Raedas and a thoroughly experienced investigator. Rego regularly coordinates with legal counsel, PR, third-party funders and other intelligence operatives in high-stakes evidence-gathering exercises. Her practice is global, given her fluency in Portuguese, English, French, Spanish and German, although Rego receives particularly impressive plaudits for her capabilities in Latin America. Rego is also recommended for her expertise in shipping disputes and technical IP disputes, particularly in the pharmaceutical sector.

"Joana is outstanding," says a highly ranked fraud lawyer, adding: "Besides speaking 685 languages she's really smart, really good in front of a room, really good on the detail and overall did a cracking job on our matters together." A satisfied client reveals: "What impressed me most was Joana's intelligence, her ability to analyse complex matters, her diverse network of contacts and her ability to turn around impressive work within tight deadlines. I'd also highlight her excellence in proposing and pursuing alternative investigative strategies when the chips are down."

Nicholas Bortman is a founding partner of the firm and a highly experienced practitioner in corruption investigations, and bilateral investment treaty and civil arbitration proceedings. Bortman is particularly competent in Middle East matters, where he has a proven track record in evidence gathering within jurisdictions with minimal disclosure requirements.

"Nick is a phenomenal investigator," says a client; "he is methodical in his approach to evidence gathering and has a lawyer's intuition for issues of provenance, in terms of what would and would not be admissible in legal proceedings. He has the ability to scour through details and identify clues that most others would miss." An impressed litigation lawyer adds: "Nick really cemented our relationship when he got to the bottom of a couple of problems we frankly were not sure how to solve. He got us the information that cracked the case in ways that I'd never seen another investigator attempt. He is fabulous for work relating to the Middle East."