Melissa Dames

Melissa Dames represents both corporate bodies and individuals facing criminal and regulatory investigations and prosecutions. She advises in respect of economic crime including fraud, bribery and corruption. Melissa deals with multi-jurisdictional matters involving the SFO, FCA, and HMRC, as well as advising on ancillary civil litigation matters.

Melissa also provides advice on money laundering regulations, and financial and trade sanctions, including both compliance and enforcement.

Before joining the firm, Melissa was an associate in the London office of a leading international firm. She focused her practice on commercial dispute resolution and internal investigations, representing multi-national financial institutions, investment management firms and other corporations.

Focus Areas

Experience

FTSE 100 company in respect of an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, working in conjunction with US co-counsel in respect of DoJ and SEC investigations.
Individual investigated by the Financial Conduct Authority in relation to a breach of Individual Conduct Rules as part of the Senior Manager Regime, as well as assisting with a concurrent US investigation.
Aerospace company in an internal investigation stemming from press coverage of allegations of bribery.
Travel technology company in respect of an internal investigation in the UK and US into potential breaches of Russia-related sanctions, including disclosure to OFSI.
Retail management company in respect of an internal investigation into potential breaches of Russia-related sanctions, including disclosure to OFSI.

Individuals involved in bribery investigation conducted by the FCA and US Department of Justice.
Healthcare company in relation to criminal proceedings against its directors arising from failure to comply with Company Act requirements.
Individual investigated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales in relation to issues of failure to prevent tax evasion.
Individuals involved in the SFO's investigations into Rolls Royce, Unaoil, and ENRC.

Major luxury goods retailer on Anti-Money Laundering and Anti-Bribery and Corruption policies and procedures to ensure compliance with UK and EU laws and regulations.
Auction house in respect of compliance with the UK’s Money Laundering Regulations 2017.
Corporate bodies in relation to compliance with the UK Bribery Act and Money Laundering Regulations.
Various companies on financial and trade sanctions compliance, including in particular in relation to Russia-related sanctions.
Healthcare company in relation to ensuring its compliance with Russia related sanctions.

Distribution company on sanctions compliance, including conducting risk assessments and reviewing policies and procedures, including providing training.
Mining company in respect of bribery and corruption due diligence as part of a proposed transaction.

Four children and their mother in securing the regularized immigration status of a family that fled Nigeria for the UK; matter was a collaboration with Kids in Need of Defense UK (KIND), the preeminent non-governmental organization devoted to legal protection of unaccompanied children in immigration proceedings.
Two companies in drafting privacy policies to ensure compliance with the UK GDPR; one company provided online early education services targeted to autistic children, while the other company provided women’s health information with a focus on pre- and post-natal care.
An elderly lady in securing compensation following a car accident, including proceedings in the County Court.
An elderly man in securing return of money paid for a faulty car which had been sold to him fraudulently, including proceedings in the County Court.
A vulnerable lady in obtaining disclosure from the police in respect of a potential claim against them following their refusal to respond to her pre-action requests.

A mother in securing a court order from the Family Court restricting her former partner’s ability to exercise his parental responsibility for their child, following concerns he may try to abduct the child from school.
A family fleeing persecution in Iran in their attempts to secure refugee status with the UNHCR; matter was in collaboration with International Refugee Assistance Project (IRAP), which organises lawyers to assist with legal and human rights for refugees and displaced persons.

            "Melissa Dames is a rising star who is extremely smart and works extremely hard." — The Legal 500 UK 2024
        

Perspectives

March 12, 2024

UK Economic Crime Group: Enforcement Update

October 27, 2023

UK Economic Crime Group: Enforcement Update

Newsletter

October 25, 2023

English Court of Appeal Suggests That All Russian Companies May Be Designated Persons Under the UK Russia Sanctions Legislation

Enforcement Edge: Shining Light on Government Enforcement

June 12, 2023

Examining The Growing Strength Of FRC Enforcement Actions (pdf)

Law360

May 26, 2023

Developments for AML Compliance and Whistleblowing in the U.S. and UK

Advisory

More

Recognition

Legal 500 UK

Fraud: White Collar Crime (2023)
Regulatory Investigations and Corporate Crime (2023)

Focus Areas

Experience

Perspectives

Recognition

Credentials

Education

Admissions