Overview
William Merry focuses his practice on a range of domestic and international corporate crime and investigations-related matters. He has experience in resolving anti-bribery and corruption, anti-money laundering, fraud and sanctions matters in both contentious and non-contentious contexts.
Prior to joining McDermott, William has gained experience at an international law firm, during which time he spent periods on secondment to two large financial institutions. William has worked with a spectrum of clients in a range of sectors, including high profile individuals, corporates and government bodies. He also has experience acting on contentious property disputes for pro bono clients, including in relation to litigation in the County Court.
Results
- Advised a banking executive in respect of the successful defence to a high-profile prosecution by the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), regarding alleged fraud stemming back to the financial crisis*
- Acted for clients in respect of a range of internal and regulatory investigations, including investigations initiated by the Financial Conduct Authority, the SFO and the Payment Systems Regulator*
- Advised a major retail bank on the financial crime-related elements of its acquisition of a significant prime mortgage book*
- Acted for an executive non-departmental public body in respect of concurrent Part 7 and judicial review claims concerning a significant infrastructure procurement*
- Advised a large energy company in respect of the sanctions implications of a substantial infrastructure investment*
- Advised a large investment manager in respect of the compliance implications related to its acquisition of an interest in gas pipelines in the North Sea*
*Matter handled prior to joining McDermott
Recognitions
- The Legal 500 UK, Recommended, 2024 – 2025
- Best Lawyers in United Kingdom, “Ones to Watch” in Criminal Practice, 2025
Community
- Young Fraud Lawyers Association
Credentials
Education
BPP Law School, LPC, 2017
University of Bristol, LLB, 2016
Admissions
England & Wales
