Citywealth Leaders List, 60 seconds interview – Perveen Hill, Withers – London
This week’s 60 seconds Citywealth Leaders List interview is dedicated to Perveen Hill, Partner at Withers, London.
Tell Citywealth readers a bit about your role.
As a Partner in the White-Collar Defence and Investigations team at Withers, I advise individuals, corporates and family offices on criminal and regulatory matters, often at moments of crisis when the stakes are high and the issues are complex and time-sensitive. My role is to help clients navigate these challenges with clear, strategic and pragmatic advice.
I represent those facing scrutiny from law enforcement and regulatory authorities, including the Serious Fraud Office, National Crime Agency, HMRC and the FCA, and advise regulated firms and senior executives on enforcement action and regulatory obligations.
I particularly enjoy helping clients bring clarity and structure to situations that can initially seem overwhelming, guiding them through challenging and often unfamiliar circumstances. The work is stimulating, fast paced and rarely predictable, which is what makes it so rewarding.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My day starts with a strong coffee and a review of any overnight development. Existing clients may be facing an unexpected issue, whilst a new enquiry often requires immediate attention. One of the first priorities, therefore is to identify the most pressing matter and to determine the immediate next steps.
The rest of the day is usually a mix of client meetings, reviewing evidence, developing case strategy and working closely with forensic accountants, digital forensic specialists, counsel and other experts. Depending on the matter, I may be preparing a client for an interview, responding to enquiries from a regulator, overseeing an internal investigation or analysing complex financial evidence.
I also spend significant time collaborating with colleagues across the firm and mentoring junior lawyers. It is a fast-paced environment that requires agility and adaptability, as even the most carefully planned schedule can be reshaped by a new development. Just when I think the day is mapped out, a phone call can send it in an entirely different direction. This unpredictability keeps the work interesting and is a large part of what makes the role so rewarding.
What challenges do your clients face and how are you helping your clients to overcome them?
The white-collar landscape continues to evolve rapidly. One of the most significant developments has been the Economic Crime and Corporate Transparency Act, which introduced the failure to prevent fraud offence and heightened the focus on corporate accountability and fraud prevention.
We are also seeing continued regulatory scrutiny of financial crime controls, culture, and non-financial misconduct within the financial services sector. Firms and senior individuals are under increasing pressure to demonstrate robust compliance frameworks, and a culture of accountability.
Against this backdrop, I work with clients to manage risk, strengthen governance, and navigate scrutiny from regulators and law enforcement agencies. Whether dealing with compliance concerns, an investigation or a wider crisis, my role is to provide clear, practical, and strategic advice that enables clients to make informed decisions and achieve the best possible outcome.
What is your proudest professional achievement?
I have been fortunate to work on some of the most high-profile investigations globally, advising clients through complex and often highly sensitive circumstances. Being trusted to guide high net worth individuals, corporates and family offices through regulatory and criminal investigations, whilst under significant scrutiny, is both a considerable responsibility and a privilege. Providing strategic advice to clients through these challenges and achieving positive outcomes on their behalf is one of the most rewarding aspects of my work.
Outside client work, I am particularly proud of my role as Treasurer for the professional organisation Women in Criminal Law. I care deeply about supporting the development of talent within the profession. It is immensely rewarding to promote and support the next generation of lawyers and to see talented individuals develop successful and fulfilling careers.
What do you consider to be the most important attributes for a leader?
Listening. Leadership isn’t about being the smartest person in the room. In fact, if you always are, you’re probably in the wrong room. The best leaders are curious, open to feedback and willing to learn from the people around them.
Equally important is having a clear vision, being decisive when needed and creating a collaborative environment where people feel empowered to contribute. The best outcomes are rarely achieved by one person. I am particularly proud of the team we have built at Withers and the talent we have developed over the years. Watching colleagues grow and progress in their careers is one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. Fortunately, our clients seem to agree, as much of the feedback we receive highlights not only the quality of our advice but also the strength of the team delivering it.
Who do you most admire and why?
My father. Long before I became a lawyer, he taught me some of the most important lessons I’ve carried throughout my career: work hard, treat people well and never assume you’re too important to listen. The older I’ve become, the more I’ve realised how much wisdom was packed into those simple principles.
Where was the last place you travelled to for work or pleasure?
Cornwall. This is one of my favourite places. My husband, whose family is Cornish, first took me there twenty years ago, and we’ve returned every year since. It now feels like a second home. The spectacular coastline, beautiful beaches and relaxed pace of life make it the perfect place to switch off. The pasties and cream teas don’t hurt either.
If you weren’t in this industry, what else might you be doing?
A television news presenter. I enjoy current affairs, communicating complex issues and speaking to people from all walks of life. Fortunately for viewers, my legal career took off before anyone could test my on-screen abilities.
How do you relax after a long day?
I love cooking and entertaining. There’s something special about bringing people together around a table for good food, good wine and plenty of laughter. In a profession where the stakes can be high, it’s a welcome reminder that some of life’s best moments are also the simplest.
Withers’ Citywealth Leaders List profile
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