SFO names barrister as first-ever general counsel
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has appointed criminal barrister and fraud specialist Vivian Robinson QC as its first-ever general counsel. Robinson, who is a member of barristers' chambers QEB Hollis Whiteman, will officially take up the post in the spring but will work closely with the organisation in the interim. The appointment was prompted by the de Grazia report, published in June, which criticised the agency for its low conviction rate and urged the SFO to introduce a chief counsel to increase its legal capability.
January 12, 2009 at 06:51 AM
2 minute read
The Serious Fraud Office (SFO) has appointed criminal barrister and fraud specialist Vivian Robinson QC as its first-ever general counsel.
Robinson, who is a member of barristers' chambers QEB Hollis Whiteman, will officially take up the post in the spring but will work closely with the organisation in the interim.
The appointment was prompted by the de Grazia report, published in June, which criticised the agency for its low conviction rate and urged the SFO to introduce a chief counsel to increase its legal capability.
Commenting on the appointment, SFO director Richard Alderman said: "I am delighted that Vivian Robinson QC emerged from a very strong field of applicants and will become our general counsel."
"That someone of his experience and quality wants to join the SFO is a testament to the high regard in which the SFO is held. I am determined that the SFO will lead the field in the investigation and prosecution of serious fraud."
He added: "Vivian has a key role to play in ensuring that we maintain and enhance the highest legal standards as individual prosecutors and as an organisation."
The appointment of Robinson comes after the SFO urged the UK's top law firms to help them detect fraud arising form the credit crunch. The SFO has contacted the management of leading law and accountancy firms, encouraging them to blow the whistle on fraudulent behaviour.
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