Phil Smith

Spear's Review

Likeable and highly effective, Simons Muirhead Burton’s head of crime & regulatory department Phil Smith attracts a broad range of HNWs seeking a professional and discreet service. With deep expertise in UHNW matters, his department specialises in representing clients on allegations of criminality, fraud and corruption from the point of their initial arrest and detention at the police station, or wherever they maybe, and upon being questioned by the investigatory authorities. He also acts for HNW clients in reporting crime and fraud to the authorities.

One peer praised Smith as someone ‘able to get on top of the most detailed case extremely quickly and has a fantastic personable manner – he is someone who engenders immediate trust and respect’.

Adviser Profile

Smith's department blends its service with essential crisis management, co-ordinating with PR specialists and the firm's defamation team to tackle issues of reputational fallout from the criminal case, recognising that "the early engagement of lawyers well-schooled in the dual disciplines of high-stakes, high-profile criminal investigations and reputation management is imperative". He is used to countering charges at the pre-trial stage to stave off publicity, although some of his cases were in the public domain before he was brought in, such as that of late heiress Eva Rausing, who was arrested in the American Embassy for possession of crack cocaine.

Instructed by a member of the political elite in a prominent Asian democracy Smith is the 'go-to' lawyer for a number of UHNW global business owners and family offices. Trending currently, prompted by the 'MeToo' movement, the spike in investigations into allegations of inappropriate sexual behaviour by those in positions of power and authority continues to be reflected in his caseload.

'You really have to understand your clients. Clients appreciate someone telling them how it is' says Smith, one of whose clients explains 'His ability to communicate and provide advice on complex legal issues in language that clients can understand is without equal.