Law firm Stephenson Harwood LLP has strengthened its contentious regulatory and economic crime practice with the arrival of partner Justin McClelland, who joins the firm's London office today.

"We are delighted that Justin is joining us. There is no sign of prosecutors and regulators in the UK and beyond letting up on their intensive investigation and enforcement against businesses and those who run them," said Tony Woodcock, partner and head of Stephenson Harwood's regulatory litigation and economic crime practice. "Justin's background – including his international experience, alongside his well-known technical and strategic expertise – significantly enhances our ability to assist our clients in both national and international matters."

McClelland's practice is focused on contentious financial regulation, economic crime, and corporate investigations. He has advised and represented clients across a number of sectors, including financial services, transport, construction, pharmaceuticals and energy. Justin has particular expertise advising in relation to complex, multi-jurisdictional investigations conducted by a number of enforcement authorities increasingly working in concert. He has represented clients in relation to dual-track criminal and civil investigations into market misconduct, by authorities including, the UK's Financial Conduct Authority, the Serious Fraud Office, the US Department of Justice, the US Commodity Futures Trading Commission and the New York Attorney General.

Prior to working in private practice, McClelland served as a lawyer in the British Army. He joins the firm from Winston & Strawn.

"Our reputation in the UK, for work in the contentious regulatory and economic crime market, is second to none," said John Fordham, head of Stephenson Harwood's commercial litigation practice. "At a time when demand for experienced practitioners in this area is growing, especially for those with multi-jurisdictional experience, Justin's arrival is an important step in the development of our top-tier practice."

The Stephenson Harwood award-winning regulatory litigation practice has been at the forefront of high profile investigations and enforcement for many years. It acts for individuals and corporates. Clients include senior executives as well as retail and investment banks, hedge funds, and professional service firms. The team includes former prosecutors and regulators.