Former SFO boss joins Denton Hall

JOHN Wood, the first director of the Serious Fraud Office, has joined Denton Hall's fraud

and investigations unit as a part-time consultant.

Bob Goldspink, head of one of the firm's litigation group and a partner in the fraud unit, says: "I believe this is the first time that a law firm has fielded such a heavyweight team able to offer such a comprehensive service. We can help clients right through from the fraud investigation, to dealing with the criminal and civil litigation, and handling regulatory and insurance issues."

Before becoming director of the SFO in 1987 Wood worked for the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions. He became deputy director in 1985 to oversee operational work. He was also head of legal services in the Crown Prosecution Service and became DPP of Hong Kong in 1990, retiring in 1994.

The firm will use Wood's expertise to win more business, both for civil and criminal advice, and to help build up criminal defence work.