Adam Culy
Partner
adam.culy@brownejacobson.com
+44 (0)330 045 1153
Adam is a professional liability partner known for his expertise across various professions, notably accountancy, where he acts for individuals and firms in claims and regulatory investigations. Ranked as a leader by Legal 500 and Chambers, Adam is praised by his clients for his prowess, sector expertise, and pragmatism.
His approach has been shaped by his diverse experience as a criminal prosecutor, general counsel of an accountancy firm, and captive insurance director. Clients rely on Adam to protect their reputations in their most challenging cases due to his advocacy, his deep sector knowledge and insurance expertise. Adam’s extensive network in accountancy, legal, expert witness, insurance and professional services enables him to connect clients with top experts and collaborate effectively with clients’ in-house expertise to tailor solutions for the most complex challenges.
Recently Adam has successfully defended professional negligence cases in the High Court and responded to investigations including by the ICAEW, Financial Reporting Council and Insolvency Practitioner’s Association. His litigation achievements include victories in the High Court, the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. More often Adam can resolve his matters in negotiation and at mediation.
Expertise
Featured experience
Supreme Court regulatory proceedings
Victory in Supreme Court appeal against CPS in POCA related proceedings (Barnes v Eastenders [2014].
Claims against Insolvency Act Administrators
Managing external solicitors, counsel and experts as general counsel on various successful defences of claims against insolvency practitioners (including Bernsten & Anor v Tait [2015] Davey v Money [2019], Re One Blackfriars [2021]).
Professional negligence claims defence
Defence of multiple professional negligence claims in the fields of tax, audit, corporate finance, insolvency and valuation across major UK accounting firms.
UK accounting firms and individuals
Defence of investigations by Financial Reporting Council, Serious Fraud Office, Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and Insolvency Practitioners Association.
Major UK accounting firm
Dismissal of tax professional negligence proceedings (Playfair & Ors v Pannells LLP & Ors [2024] EWHC 1933(Ch)).
Testimonials
"Adam Culy is a thoughtful partner. He balances the merits of a case and practicality of settlement well."
"Adam is so easy to work with and a pleasant individual. He makes sense of complicated topics and knows how to liaise with and directly deal with senior stakeholders within our firm."
"Adam Culy is so easy to work with and always provides helpful solutions and knows our business well."
"… excellent knowledge of businesses, having previously been in-house at an accountants, meaning he understands the issues and is very commercial."