Herbert Smith Freehills has paid tribute to one of its leading corporate partners, who has died aged 62. Rod Fletcher, who led the corporate, crime and investigations practice for the firm in London, passed away after a long illness. 

Fletcher

Rod Fletcher

James Palmer, senior partner, said: ‘Rod was a highly talented lawyer with a passion for the law, and for the clients he served. Over a career spanning more than three decades, Rod became one of the UK’s leading corporate crime and investigations specialists. His death is a huge loss to the legal profession. 

‘While it goes without saying that we will miss Rod’s professional contribution, for many of us, this news also brings an enormous personal loss. Good-humoured and generous, Rod was the embodiment of what it means to be among the best in the business and also be the best kind of person.’

Fletcher joined Herbert Smith Freehills in 2013, having previously spent many years at Russell Jones & Walker leading its business crime defence team. He was appointed a recorder of the Crown court in 2003.

During his time with the firm, Fletcher led the team that acted for ICBC Standard Bank plc in the UK’s first deferred prosecution agreement.