McDermott Will & Emery—Simon Airey

McDermott Will & Emery today announced the addition of Simon Airey to its growing dispute resolution practice in London. Simon’s appointment further enhances the firm’s litigation and investigations proposition in the UK and globally.

Simon specialises in global investigations, financial and regulatory crime, bribery and corruption, money laundering, tax and fraud inquiries, data breaches, dawn raids and corporate compliance issues. He has conducted a wide range of litigation and investigations in many different sectors, including construction, defence, financial services, gambling, oil and gas, logistics, pharmaceuticals and telecommunications. He represents both companies and individuals in criminal and regulatory proceedings and in associated litigation. 

'Any period of economic instability invariably generates a wide range of disputes as well as regulatory-driven contentious matters,' said David S. Rosenbloom, global head of McDermott’s litigation practice group. 'We assist clients in reducing the cost, delay and uncertainty associated with complex disputes. Our aim is to protect and enhance their business and guide them towards long-term success. Simon's broad experience and successful track record in dealing with some of the most challenging issues in this space will greatly enhance our strong global investigations capability and help meet this growing client demand head on.'

Simon’s portfolio of high-profile matters includes advising several listed companies in connection with criminal and regulatory investigations and a large number of multinational groups in relation to their global compliance programmes. He assisted in the recent acquittal of a defendant in a major bribery trial in Milan relating to the OPL 245 oil block in Nigeria and is currently representing several high-profile individuals in connection with various criminal and regulatory issues in the UK. He assists clients with corporate risk assessments and pre- and post- M&A due diligence. Simon conducts tailored training for boards and senior management and has lectured around the world on a range of topics including the UK Bribery Act and the facilitation of tax evasion provisions of the UK Criminal Finances Act. 

'This is a significant step in the expansion of our London offering and fits directly with our strategic areas of international growth,” said Hamid Yunis, McDermott’s London managing partner. 'Simon’s litigation and investigations experience will provide further firepower to our successful and growing Dispute Resolution group. Having previously practised as a barrister for many years, his clients will benefit from a forensic and strategic approach to dispute resolution and sophisticated advice in navigating the complexities of regulatory investigations, cross border disputes and corporate compliance issues. His commercial approach to problem solving is fully in line with the Firm’s objective of helping clients to achieve progress against their business goals.'

In addition to leading various major tax, fraud and bribery investigations, Simon has recently defended multi-party litigation in relation to a significant data breach in the UK, dealt with an FCA investigation relating to a global payment services provider and represented a high-profile individual in relation to a multi-million pound D&O insurance dispute in the context of a U.S. DoJ prosecution. He has also advised a foreign government in relation to various tax and transparency issues and represented over 50 financial institutions served with data production orders by HM Revenue & Customs in the UK.

'I am very excited to be joining McDermott, particularly at a time of such intense regulatory activity around the world. McDermott’s multi-disciplinary, cross border approach to investigations and a sophisticated, team-based approach to client service means that they are perfectly positioned to assist clients in navigating these challenges. Their strong international network and dynamic dispute resolution practice provides an excellent platform for serving the most demanding clients. I look forward to working with colleagues at McDermott in delivering a new and innovative approach to global investigations.'