Shearman Bowen & Co is delighted to have been ranked in the 2027 editions of both Chambers and Partners (Chambers UK) and The Legal 500, the two leading independent guides to the legal profession.
The firm is ranked by both directories for Crime, and by The Legal 500 for Fraud: White-Collar Crime (Advice to Individuals). This continues a record of uninterrupted recognition by the directories that now stretches back over two decades. The firm has been ranked every year since shortly after Rick Shearman and Mark Bowen founded it in 2001.
Mark Bowen inducted into The Legal 500 Hall of Fame
We are particularly proud that senior partner Mark Bowen has been inducted into The Legal 500 Hall of Fame for Crime. The Hall of Fame is the directory’s highest individual honour. It is reserved for lawyers who have received sustained praise from clients and peers over many years. Mark is also ranked as a Leading Partner for white-collar crime.
Chambers UK 2027 once again ranks Mark in:
- Band 1 – Crime (London)
- Band 2 – Financial Crime: Individuals (London)
- Band 3 – POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture (UK-wide)
Matthew Bishop: Associate to Watch
We are also very pleased that Matthew Bishop has been recognised by Chambers UK as an Associate to Watch for Crime in his first year with the firm.
What the directories say
In its 2027 commentary, The Legal 500 describes the firm as a criminal defence boutique with significant experience defending individuals facing serious financial crime allegations. That work includes investigations and prosecutions by the SFO, NCA, FCA and HMRC involving bribery, money laundering, tax fraud and proceeds of crime. The directory also notes the firm’s work on sanctions, export controls and national security matters.
The Legal 500 highlights our representation of Diezani Alison-Madueke, former Nigerian Minister of Petroleum Resources and former OPEC president, in her UK bribery prosecution which resulted in her acquittal on all charges. It also highlights our defence of a client in the first UK prosecution for breaching Russia-related financial sanctions under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
In general crime, the directory refers to the firm’s experience in defending people accused of involvement in multi-handed drug, people-trafficking and illegal-immigration conspiracies, as well as in homicide, firearms and sexual offences.
Clients and counsel interviewed by the researchers commented:
“A very good team delivering excellent service to clients across the board.”
“A name that stands for reliability, efficiency, and judgment.”
Thank you
We are grateful to the clients, counsel and colleagues who took the time to speak to the Chambers and Legal 500 researchers. Above all, we thank our team, lawyers and support staff alike. These rankings reflect their hard work on behalf of our clients.
The full rankings are available on the Chambers and Partners and Legal 500 websites.