Kingsley Napley LLP has appointed Jo Rickards as a partner within the criminal litigation team, effective August 2014.
Jo, who represented Andy Coulson in the recent phone-hacking trial, joins from DLA Piper, where she built herself a formidable reputation advising individuals and corporates on high-profile business crime and regulatory investigations.
With strong fraud and cartel defence experience, she is described as ‘tactically astute’, ‘dedicated’ and someone who ‘inspires confidence’.
Jo’s appointment brings the number of partners within the criminal litigation team at Kingsley Napley to 13, reinforcing the firm’s position as leading in this field in the UK. Kingsley Napley is instructed to defend senior executives or companies affected by serious fraud, financial services investigations, Bribery Act offences, money laundering, internal and corporate investigations, general crime, and health and safety investigations.
‘Kingsley Napley is the natural home for someone of Jo’s talent’, said Stephen Parkinson, Kingsley Napley’s head of criminal litigation. ‘Having worked alongside her in high-profile trials, we recognise her tenacity, meticulous preparation and sound judgment.
‘Her reputation is wholly justified. We are all delighted she’s joining the team. Together we are confident of continuing to expand the service we offer to an increasing number of clients facing tumultuous times.’
Jo Rickards said: ‘I am very excited by the prospect of joining the most respected UK firm in this field and working with the talented individuals there. Criminal and regulatory scrutiny of major corporates and senior employees has never been more challenging for clients or for us.
‘In an increasingly competitive environment, I am delighted to join Kingsley Napley and play my part in upholding its reputation as the go-to firm for high-profile criminal and financial regulatory defence work.’
