Naureen Shariff

Specialist in White Collar Criminal Defence Naureen Shariff is a highly regarded partner in the Dispute Resolution and Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) Teams, specialising in white collar criminal defence. Recognised as a Rising Star in The Legal 500 for both 2023 and 2024, she was most recently named a Next Generation Partner in the category of Fraud: White-Collar Crime. Described by The Legal 500 (2021) as “Unflappable, good humoured and with exceptional client handling skills. Her work is of the highest quality, and she has proven herself time and time again at being adept at taking on new areas of law and doing so capably and effectively,” Naureen is known for her strategic, calm, and client-focused approach. She is frequently instructed at the earliest stages of investigations, with a strong track record of avoiding criminal charges altogether — securing no further action or alternative disposals where possible. Naureen has successfully defended clients in complex and high-profile prosecutions, achieving numerous acquittals. Her client base spans individuals, multinational corporations, and government departments. She is part of a team regularly instructed by ultra-high-net-worth individuals with intricate, multi-jurisdictional financial arrangements. Naureen has extensive experience across the full spectrum of major fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering, and POCA investigations. Her work includes defending against Account Freezing Orders and Worldwide Freezing Orders, and she regularly acts in matters involving the SFO, FCA, HMRC, NCA, and international enforcement agencies. Many of her cases involve cross-border elements, requiring close collaboration with legal teams and experts in jurisdictions such as the US, India, Bosnia, and Switzerland. In addition to her white-collar practice, Naureen also advises on general criminal matters, ranging from serious offences such as murder, rape, and grievous bodily harm, to VAT fraud, drink-driving, possession of indecent images, and misconduct in public office. · Blackfords LLP