5KBW has a long-established reputation for excellence in asset recovery and confiscation matters. Our members provide expert advice and representation at all levels, assisting both instructing solicitors and individuals seeking direct access to specialist legal support.

We understand that confiscation and asset forfeiture proceedings can be highly complex and financially significant. Whether acting for defendants, third parties, enforcement authorities, or prosecution agencies, our barristers bring extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic insight to each case.

Areas of expertise

We are regularly instructed in cases involving:

Freezing Orders – advising corporates and individuals from the initial application of a freezing order to challenge.
Restraint Orders – advising and representing clients on challenges, variations, and applications to discharge restraint orders.
Civil Recovery Orders – handling proceedings brought under Part 5 of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002, including contested claims and negotiated settlements.
Cash Forfeiture Orders – providing guidance and advocacy in applications for the seizure and forfeiture of cash suspected to be the proceeds of crime.
Post-conviction Confiscation Proceedings – representing clients in cases where benefit figures and realisable assets are disputed, ensuring that confiscation orders are fair and proportionate.

Advocacy and strategic advice

Our members frequently appear in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, as well as in the High Court for more complex civil recovery cases.

Members of 5KBW have experience in both prosecution and defence, regularly representing law enforcement agencies, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), and HMRC, as well as individuals and businesses facing confiscation and forfeiture proceedings. This broad experience means we can provide expert strategic advice and advocacy tailored to the unique circumstances of each case.

Public access work

Several of our barristers accept instructions via the Public Access Scheme, allowing individuals and businesses to instruct counsel directly without needing to go through a solicitor first. This can provide a cost-effective and efficient route to obtaining expert legal representation.

Why choose us?

At 5KBW, we combine decades of experience with an unwavering commitment to achieving the best outcomes for our clients. Whether you are an instructing solicitor seeking expert counsel or an individual or business facing confiscation, recovery or forfeiture issues, our team has the expertise to provide exceptional legal support.

If you require specialist legal representation in a financial or business crime matter, or asset forfeiture proceedings, please contact us today to discuss how we can assist you.