Ian Burton

Practice Areas

Ian Burton is a senior partner and founder of BCL Solicitors. Having worked on most of the significant business crime investigations and prosecutions brought by the UK authorities over the last 25 years, he has unrivalled strategic judgement and experience. He is internationally recognised as the pre-eminent adviser in high-profile criminal representation.

Ian has a reputation as a masterful problem solver providing discreet, prompt and clear advice to high-profile and high net-worth individuals, CEOs, corporations, heads of government and government bodies on complex and sensitive issues. His cases involve commercial fraud, international financial regulation, money-laundering, corruption, sanctions, price-fixing, extradition, tax and company investigations including acting in two of the largest back duty tax investigations ever conducted by the HMRC.

Outside of the traditional areas of practice, Ian often works alongside high profile heads of corporations as a personal adviser; looking after their personal interests away from their obligations as a majority shareholder. His unique skillset and experience provides clients with the strategic oversight they often require, managing complex ligation including commercial and personal disputes, settlement negotiation and international, multi-jurisdictional arbitration.

With a career spanning nearly 50 years, Ian has amassed a considerable network of skilled professionals to call upon including overseas lawyers, accountants, tax and media advisers allowing him to bring together the best team required, no matter the crisis or location for the client.

“Ian Burton is probably the best white-collar criminal solicitor in London," enthuses a leading barrister adding: "He is the doyen of financial crime."

"He's simply fantastic - he has an extraordinary wealth of experience to draw upon and the wisdom of Solomon," says a client.

Another client comments: "Ian Burton has a huge and well-deserved reputation as the leading figure for high-profile criminal representation. He is a deep strategic thinker and has an unbelievable depth of experience."

A market insider reports that "Over the years Ian has appeared in numerous cases working with high-profile politicians, businessmen and celebrities. He has vast experience and good judgement, he is an extremely safe pair of hands when it comes to managing complex or difficult cases."

Career

Trained Copeland Glickman qualified 1971; founded Burton Copeland 1982. Established Burton Copeland London in 1991, later becoming fully independent and named BCL Solicitors LLP.

Professional Memberships

International Bar Association; American Bar Association; Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers; Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association.