LAWYER PROFILE

Michael Rainford

UK 2026

JMW Solicitors LLP

Ranked in 1 practice area

Financial Crime

The Regions

12 years ranked

About

Provided by JMW Solicitors LLP

UK

Practice Areas

With over 30 years experience, is head of the firm's business crime, fraud and regulatory team and has been involved in numerous, substantial and high profile cases of commercial fraud, money laundering, proceeds of crime and trading standards including the largest ever fraud against HMRC, a London City bond case with an estimated evasion of £2 billion plus the largest ever trading standards prosecution in the UK. In addition, handles high-value cases of VAT and Tax fraud and also complicated investigations by the Companies Bureau of Investigation, The Department for Business Innovation and the Pensions Regulator. His uncompromising and tenacious approach was highlighted in a BBC documentary which lead to the title 'The Silver Fox'.

Career

Admitted 1981, partner Betesh Fox (later Ralli) until 2006. Appointed partner Burton Copeland 2007. Holds Rights of Audience in Higher Courts.

Professional Memberships

The Law Society, Law Society Money Laundering Panel.

Personal

Born 1957, married and lives in Bramhall, Cheshire. Interests include football, travel and extreme hiking.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Financial Crime - The Regions

Senior Statespeople

Individual Editorial

Michael Rainford is a very well-regarded practitioner with longstanding experience in financial crime matters, particularly in regard to tax fraud.

Learn more about this team View ranking table

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

Michael Rainford is so hugely experienced that clients are lucky to have him. There's not much that Mike hasn't seen and not much he hasn't done.
Financial CrimeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
Michael Rainford is a very good and experienced solicitor.
Financial CrimeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession