Clare Barnard

Associate | London

Clare Barnard focuses her practice on white collar crime, with experience in advising individuals, corporate entities and trusts on matters relating to corruption, fraud and financial regulation. Ms. Barnard also has experience in advising clients on civil actions for fraud and asset recovery.

Ms. Barnard is recommended by The Legal 500 UK, noting that "[she] is one to watch: clever, attuned to the client, hardworking and able to conduct excellent factual and legal analysis for the client" (2022).

Ms. Barnard has been involved in a number of high-profile, landmark investigations that have shaped the global enforcement landscape. Ms. Barnard was part of the team representing Airbus SE in the investigation by, and subsequent settlement with, UK, US and French authorities. She was recognized as part of the Dechert team awarded "Investigation Team of the Year" by C5 Women in Compliance and "Conduct, Enforcement or Business Crime Team of the Year" by The Lawyer.

Ms. Barnard is part of Dechert’s global, multidisciplinary ESG team. She provides regular analysis on incoming and evolving Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) regulation, emerging ESG enforcement action and related ESG litigation risk.

Ms. Barnard is actively committed to furthering Diversity & Inclusion. She co-chaired Dechert’s London chapter of the Global Women’s Initiative (GWI) in 2020 and remains a dynamic member of the committee. Ms. Barnard is also an Aspiring Solicitors ambassador and an Inspiring the Future volunteer who attends career networking events in state schools.

Ms. Barnard is a trainee supervisor and has been recognized as an Exceptional Teacher through a Dechert’s 2019 peer recognition awards program.

Ms. Barnard undertakes a substantial amount of pro bono legal work within her practice. She provides regular advice to a charity aimed at raising the aspirations of girls worldwide and supports the case work of an organisation that aims at addressing and preventing miscarriages of justice in the UK. Ms. Barnard has also advised The Human Dignity Trust in efforts relating to the decriminalisation of homosexuality across the world. She has also contributed to the policy work of an international anti-Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPP) charity.

Prior to joining Dechert, Ms. Barnard trained and served as an associate in the dispute resolution practice of another international U.S. law firm.

Airbus SE in a global investigation into allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption, and subsequent coordinated settlements with the UK Serious Fraud Office, French Parquet National Financier, U.S. Department of Justice and U.S. Department of State.
A global corporate investigating allegations of corruption within its UK operations.
Finance professionals in the context of a market-wide investigation by the Financial Conduct Authority.
A private equity group in High Court proceedings brought as a class action by investors involving allegations of fraud and breach of duty.
The holder of a major art collection and related trust in a multi-jurisdictional dispute for fraud and breach of settlement.
Liquidators of a Cayman fund securing $US22.5 million assets for claims relating to procurement of secret commissions and breach of fiduciary duty.

Includes matters handled at Dechert or prior to joining the firm.