Justin McClelland
Partner - Global Co-Head of Commercial Litigation
Justin is a recognised leading expert in regulatory investigations and corporate crime, known for his market knowledge, strategic insight and cross-jurisdictional expertise.
Partner - Global Co-Head of Commercial Litigation
Justin is a recognised leading expert in regulatory investigations and corporate crime, known for his market knowledge, strategic insight and cross-jurisdictional expertise.
Language - English
Jurisdiction - England & Wales
Justin leads the specialist Regulatory and Investigations team, and co-heads the Global Commercial Disputes Practice Group.
A former prosecuting advocate, he guides clients through complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations (both criminal and regulatory) in a practice spanning the financial services, energy, construction, pharmaceuticals, and transport sectors. The breadth of his practice encompasses such diverse regulators and prosecutors as the FCA, PRA, NCA, MHRA, FRC, ICAEW, HMRC, CMA and SFO.
He has advised and represented companies and senior individuals in such cases as market abuse, insider dealing, market announcements, cartel and anti-trust conduct, money laundering, and bribery and corruption, often extending internationally to include investigations by the US, European, Japanese, Dubai and Australian authorities. That work includes leading cross-disciplinary teams in negotiations with regulators and ultimately defending at Court or Tribunal.
He has been involved in some of the most high-profile matters of recent years - and also matters which never receive public attention.
His experience is used to advise organisations on compliance programmes (e.g. regarding the Bribery Act 2010, Modern Slavery Act 2015, Criminal Finances Act 2017, and Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act 2023) and in leading and managing significant, sensitive and complex corporate internal investigations, and the handling of self-reporting, where appropriate.
Justin is a member of the City of London Law Society Corporate Crime and Corruption Committee and the Pensions Administration Standards Association (Cybercrime and Fraud Working Group).
Justin was appointed MBE in 1998 for his legal work in the British Army.
Regulatory investigations & enforcement
Advising organisations and individuals facing enforcement action by the FCA, PRA, NCA, SFO, MHRA, ICAEW, HMRC, HSE and CMA, in respect of such diverse matters as AML, market abuse, insider trading, breaches of the FCA's Principles and Rules and the PRA's Rules, cartel behaviour, regulatory licensing breaches, and health and safety.
Corporate / white-collar criminal investigations
Representing and defending organisations and individuals facing criminal investigation by UK authorities (notably the SFO, NCA, FCA, CMA, MHRA and CPS) and international criminal and prosecutorial authorities, notably in respect of bribery and corruption, AML, fraud, market misconduct and cartel behaviour.
Corporate internal investigations
Leading significant corporate internal investigations in multiple jurisdictions into myriad corporate issues, interacting (as required) with regulators and other authorities in parallel.
Market conduct
Defending organisations and individuals in criminal and regulatory enforcement investigations in respect of allegations of market misconduct regarding financial products and market announcements under the Listing Rules (including at the Upper Tribunal – most recently re [2025] UKUT 00214 (TCC)).
Regulatory supervision
Advising domestic and international banks and financial services organisations in respect of the range of regulatory matters, including perimeter issues, SMCR, systems failings and AML (with related sanctions) aspects, often securing no further action via proactive and sensitive engagement.
Regulatory disputes
Advising and representing organisations and individuals in respect of civil litigation flowing from regulatory and/or criminal investigations, including as regards AML aspects, liability and the management of the litigation both domestically and internationally.
Financial services regulation
Advising and representing organisations and individuals regarding the spectrum of regulatory matters including in respect of perimeter issues, SMCR, systems failings and AML (with related sanctions) aspects, s166 skilled persons investigations, attestations and VREQs.
Public Inquiries
Representing organisations and individuals in Public Inquiries, notably the Post Office Inquiry and the Covid-19 Inquiry.
Professional standards and discipline
Representing organisations and individuals facing investigation and enforcement by professional bodies including the ICAEW, MHRA, SRA and FCA.
Whistleblowing
Advising organisations in respect of their responses to whistleblowing complaints, including the management of the investigation into the allegations, the regulatory response and engagement with the regulatory authorities, as required, often alongside employment colleagues.
