The Sheffield office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell has boosted its specialist financial crime expertise with the appointment of Sarah Smith as an associate solicitor in its leading regulatory and criminal investigations team.
Joining from Howells in Sheffield, Sarah brings a huge array of skills to the team as her work as a solicitor advocate has seen her represent individuals, pubic figures, companies and other organisations.
She has extensive experience of all types of investigations and prosecutions brought by a multitude of authorities and agencies, ranging from the serious Fraud Office, Financial Services Authority, HMRC, Crown Prosecution Service, Health & Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.
This background will be of particular use to corporate clients and individuals seeking representation in respect of any allegation and those seeking risk management advice, internal investigations or advice on compliance. In addition she has experience in commercial frauds and the consequential restraint and confiscation proceedings in both complex and commercial fraud investigations.
The appointment comes shortly after the law firm’s Sheffield-based regulatory and criminal investigations team was highly ranked in the latest Chambers UK 2015 legal rankings, with the team’s partner Paul Haycock being praised and recommended for his work.
Commenting on her appointment, Sarah Smith said: “I am absolutely delighted to have joined Irwin Mitchell.
“It is already clear from my short time here that the firm is forward thinking and keen to push forward to further success. I have no doubt that working at an ambitious firm will not only broaden my skills but also help me to learn new disciplines.”
Paul Haycock added: “The addition of Sarah to our team provides new skills and expertise which will undoubtedly help us grow our regulatory offering further.
“Her appointment is further sign of our determination to continue to develop our Business Legal Services team in Yorkshire and continue to provide the best possible service to our clients.”