Reputed for its depth of experience in cases involving homicides, substantial conspiracies to import and supply drugs, serious frauds, and business crime, Farleys Solicitors LLP’s crime department handles a range of serious and complex cases. The team is jointly led by Paul Schofield and Bridgette Hibbert, who are based in Preston and Manchester, and Jonathan Taylor in Blackburn. Schofield has vast experience in serious financial crime, while Hibbert specialises in serious fraud and crime matters and is skilled in proceeds of crime applications, and Taylor covers all aspects of criminal law. Other key members of the team are Garry Leaver, Samuel Hinds and Lorraine Eccles.
Crime: general crime and fraud in North West
Farleys Solicitors LLP
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Schofield; Bridgette Hibbert; Jonathan Taylor
Autres avocats clés:
Garry Leaver; Samuel Hinds; Lorraine Eccles
Les références
‘Farleys have a unique blend of client care and overall commitment to the case. They are a diverse department who strive to do their best for the client at all times. Their commitment to the client is second to none. This ethos exists from partner level to all aspects of the team. The function as a team and provide a formidable service.’
‘Garry Leaver has phenomenal abilities as department head and in case preparation.’
‘This is a regional firm with a nationwide reach. Farleys provide exceptional support to the client. Nothing is too much trouble, the team are proactive in case preparation and any stone that can be turned over that might help will be turned over.’
Principaux dossiers
- Representing an individual in a substantial investigation by the Royal Mail Group Ltd into systematic fraud between 2008 and 2017.
- Representing an individual at Great Grimsby Crown Court in two sets of proceedings; one being conspiracy to produce Class B drugs and the second being offences of slavery.
- Representing an individual in an investigation by HMRC lasting over four years resulting in the case being prosecuted by CPS Serious Economic Organised Crime & International Directorate (SEOCID).
Forbes Solicitors
Fielding specialists in criminal legal aid, sexual offence cases, conspiracies to defraud and international drug trafficking offences, as well as financial crime and fraud matters, Forbes Solicitors deals with all areas of criminal legal work. The department is headed up by Daniel King in Preston, who deals with extradition for terrorism offences and EncroChat drugs conspiracies; and Craig Liversidge in Salford, who covers all types of crown court work. Shane Parkin has vast experience in serious crime cases, such as murder, terrorism and drug conspiracy work, while Craig MacKenzie focuses on representing professionals, prominent individuals and businesses. Carrie Gilgun and Phil Blackburn frequently defend clients before the Crown Court.
Responsables de la pratique:
Daniel King; Craig Liversidge
Autres avocats clés:
Shane Parkin; Craig MacKenzie; Carrie Gilgun; Phil Blackburn
Les références
‘The firm are a pleasure to deal with, going the extra mile to ensure that requests are dealt with promptly and efficiently.’
‘Craig MacKenzie is a star performer. He has a lovely manner with clients – understated, reassuring, while commanding the respect of his professional colleagues and the court. He gets results through hard work and excellent judgement. He knows his law inside and out and is excellent with clients.’
‘Daniel King has a notable ability to deal with significant and weighty cases, and a smooth and controlled approach in dealing with white-collar clients – excellent client care skills, with a forensic approach and a great team player.’
JMW Solicitors LLP
With expertise in all areas of alleged financial wrongdoing, including fraud, trade mark offences, HMRC investigations and FCA-regulated matters, JMW Solicitors LLP’s business crime and regulation department advises on investigations and prosecutions, defends professional clients, and handles high-profile criminal and motoring offences. Ian Lewis leads the Manchester-based team and assists with complex, cross-jurisdictional, high-profile financial crime matters, representing a range of clients including professional sportspersons. Mike Rainford covers complex financial crime and tax investigations, particularly VAT evasion issues. Other key members of the team are Sam Healey, Peter Grogan, Evan Wright, Hojol Uddin as well as Saeed Hafezi and Jonathon Enston.
Responsables de la pratique:
Ian Lewis
Autres avocats clés:
Mike Rainford; Peter Grogan; Sam Healey; Evan Wright; Hojol Uddin; Saeed Hafezi; Jonathon Enston
Les références
‘Mike Rainford is a wise fox. Been around for ages, knows everybody but most importantly has excellent judgement and always gets the big calls right.’
‘Hojol Uddin, the lynch-pin – a first rate strategist and tactician. Hojol Uddin is a stand-out partner. He gives clear, realistic, and well-judged advice. He is not afraid to take difficult and ambitious points when it is appropriate. His client care is impeccable and his clients rightly trust him implicitly. His knowledge of criminal law generally is excellent but it’s his knowledge of motoring law and procedure that is truly exceptional.’
‘Peter Grogan: hugely experienced in business crime with excellent acumen and strategic skill.’
Principaux dossiers
- Successfully defended a retired Premier League footballer for allegations of Assault and Controlling and Coercive Behaviour before Manchester Crown Court.
- Instructed on R v PJ, which was a large prosecution against individuals for streaming content online and intellectual property breaches.
- Instructed in a high-profile £265m Money Laundering case before Leeds Crown Court involving NatWest Bank pleading guilty to Money Laundering breaches.
Mary Monson Solicitors
Experienced in criminal and fraud cases of national importance, Salford’s Mary Monson Solicitors specialise in serious and high-profile criminal defence cases, including serious homicide issues, and significant fraud and financial crime business investigations. The group is well-known for representing professionals under threat of reputational damages, members of the medical sector facing criminal allegations, and for acting in sensitive cases, such as death or serious harm matters, people trafficking cases, and alleged rape claims. Kellie Dent, who is ‘a strong, clear-thinking solicitor’, the ‘supremely clever and gifted’ Liam Kotrie and the ‘charming and strategically brilliant’ Joseph Kotrie-Monson jointly lead the group. Other key members of the team are the ‘super smooth and pragmatic’ Alex Chowdhury, and Nick Ives, who is ‘a thinking solicitor who always gives a Rolls Royce service’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Kellie Dent; Liam Kotrie; Joseph Kotrie-Monson
Autres avocats clés:
Alex Chowdhury; Nick Ives; Sara Longden
Les références
‘Highly experienced team that will fight to the ends of the earth for their clients.’
‘Sara Longden is an outstanding solicitor with a fierce intellect and impressive work ethic. She exudes calm confidence and expertly dissects the evidence in her cases to give her clients accurate advice on how best to advance their cases. Her attention to detail is first rate and her dedication to client care very impressive.’
‘Joseph Kotrie-Monson is assured and personable. He immediately puts others at ease and gains their respect. His considerable experience in complex criminal litigation is an invaluable asset to his clients and colleagues.’
MSB Solicitors Ltd
In Merseyside, MSB Solicitors Ltd‘s crime and regulatory department provides a full-service offering, including defending excise prosecutions, POCA proceedings and, increasingly, health and safety and regulatory work; it undertakes privately funded, insurance backed and legal aid work. Department head Paul Gallagher regularly represents clients charged with serious criminal offences ranging from murder to drug importation conspiracies. Consultant Sean Sexton has vast experience in high-profile criminal and fraud cases, while Andrew Pearson also covers frauds, regulatory cases and has particular expertise in defending homicides and drug trafficking cases. Michael McKeown specialises in county lines drug matters and related kidnap and murder cases. Nicholas Woosey is also a key name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Paul Gallagher
Autres avocats clés:
Sean Sexton; Andrew Pearson; Michael McKeown; Nicholas Woosey
Les références
‘The team works tirelessly to ensure that clients are properly represented. The team is dedicated to ensuring the clients are looked after.’
‘Very experienced team which provides excellent client care. They go the extra mile for clients.’
‘Michael McKeown is totally committed to his clients’ cases. He prepares his cases excellently and, doing so, achieves very good results for clients.’
Olliers
Olliers excels at defending clients in criminal investigations and prosecutions relating to financial crime, business crime, serious criminal allegations including murder, manslaughter and drugs conspiracies as well as serious sexual offences. The group is well regarded for its work on pre-charge criminal investigations. Exemplifying this in particular is Manchester-based department head Matthew Claughton, who is a leading expert in this field nationally. Gareth Martin joined the firm in June 2023 from Markel Law LLP and Richard Cornthwaite arrived in April 2023 from Cartwright King. Other key members of the team are Matthew Corn, Zita Spencer, Laura Baumanis and Toby Wilbraham, as well as Alex Close-Claughton.
Responsables de la pratique:
Matthew Claughton
Autres avocats clés:
Gareth Martin; Richard Cornthwaite; Matthew Corn; Zita Spencer; Laura Baumanis; Toby Wilbraham; Alex Close-Claughton
Les références
‘Matthew Claughton leads the practice. He seeks advice when it is appropriate and has a good knowledge base. Matt Corn deals with heavy crime. He is assiduous in keeping on top of his cases and clearly is 100% committed, with very good judgment. Zita Spencer has a very strong practice in defending sex crimes.’
‘Olliers is a long-established firm with expertise in all areas of criminal law. I have worked with members of the firm over many years and I am able to confirm their strength in depth.’
‘Matt Corn is an able practitioner – diligent, thorough and always committed to his client’s case. He is a pleasure to work with, not least because he is pro-active and sensible. I should add that his concern for client welfare shines through. Excellent.’
Richardson Lissack
Richardson Lissack’ financial crime team defend high-net-worth individuals in complex and high-profile serious fraud and financial crime cases, emphasising pre-charge work and major investigations brought by regulators and enforcement agencies. The department is headed up by experienced white-collar and corporate crime expert Anthony Barnfather. Criminal litigator Simon Morgan specialises in financial and business crime mandates, and fraud and regulatory issues. The team’s offering was bolstered with the arrival of Sarah Sherry, who joined in April 2023 from Cartwright King and is experienced in business crime, serious fraud, regulatory investigations and prosecutions.
Responsables de la pratique:
Anthony Barnfather
Autres avocats clés:
Simon Morgan; Sarah Sherry
Les références
‘The practice has achieved outstanding success in having cases dropped without charges and trials taking place. While assimilating the detail the practice focuses on quickly grasping the key aspects of a case and identifying the fatal flaws in allegations made.’
‘Anthony Barnfather is outstanding in his field. He has a voracious appetite for justice. Totally committed, he works tirelessly to find out the truth and leaves no stone unturned. He is the person to be fighting your corner when false and distressing allegations are made against you. I cannot imagine anyone better to represent you when faced with the ultimate challenges.’
‘Anthony Barnfather has unrivalled experience in representing clients in complex crime matters. Not only does he have an excellent manner with clients, but understands the subject he is dealing with and is able to translate that to clients in a clear and simple way.’
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Boutique firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP handles an array of cases, including criminal litigation, regulatory enforcement work, criminal appeals and civil liberty issues, as well as serious fraud claims, such as VHCC cases. The Wigan-based team is jointly led by Sean Joyce, who has vast experience in complex crime cases and specialises in criminal litigation, and criminal litigator Correna Platt, who covers murder and sexual offences, in particular forensic matters and medical defence work, as well as serious fraud issues. Colin Rawson and Martin Pizzey specialise in criminal litigation defence, while Mike Pemberton is the key contact for cases involving civil liberties and human rights. Duncan Phillips and John Greenwood are also key names to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Sean Joyce; Correna Platt
Autres avocats clés:
Colin Rawson; Martin Pizzey; Mike Pemberton; John Greenwood; Duncan Phillips; Paul Loughlin
Les références
‘The general crime and fraud practice at Stephensons has a great local reach and provides a good solid criminal defence to many people. Its strengths are the ability to attract high end work. The Crown Court department is extremely well run.’
‘Correna Platt is a star performer who clients love to have her on their side. She navigates complex cases easily and ensures that her clients fully understand the issues in the case.’
‘Colin Rawson is developing his practice year on year and continues to attract good quality work. He provides straight forward advice and finds himself instructed on some of the best cases on circuit.’
AGI Criminal Solicitors
Focusing on crime, serious crime, fraud, prison law, extradition, mental health and immigration matters, AGI Criminal Solicitors’ crime department in Manchester specialises in legal aid work. The department is also well regarded for its work on multi-handed drugs cases and multi-handed sex cases, as well as for representing prisoners. Yasmin Aslam heads up the team and covers general crime, serious crime, fraud and extradition law. Solicitor advocates Samayra Ashraf and Michael Levy are adept at handling serious crime and fraud cases, while Hannah Grennan specialises in criminal law, mental health issues and prison law.
Responsables de la pratique:
Yasmin Aslam
Autres avocats clés:
Samayra Ashraf; Michael Levy; Hannah Grennan
Les références
‘Yasmin Aslam and her team were incredibly helpful. Yasmin’s assured calm and ability to portray the facts clearly enabled a favourable outcome. My family and I will be forever grateful for all the hard work and would definitely recommend the company.’
‘Yasmin Aslam’s true empathy with her clients makes her stand out in a very competitive industry and for the head of the firm to take the case personally was truly appreciated. This personal touch went a long way in removing anxieties on court days.’
‘Experienced solicitors committed to providing the highest standards for their clients. The solicitors at AGI Criminal Solicitors take time to fully explain terminology and processes to clients to ensure that the each client is equipped with the knowledge of how their case is progressing. An experienced, well-organised team of solicitors who consistently provide an excellent service to their clients.’
Brabners LLP
Brabners LLP receives instructions across a range of offences, including business crimes, fraud, violent offences, sexual offences, and firearms offences. Lachlan Nisbet heads up the regulatory and professional conduct team with a focus on representing high-net-worth individuals, and sports and media personalities; he also advises on reputational management issues. Key members of the team are Charlotte McRae, as well as Matthew Coles. Dan Stowers leads the team focusing on business crime and compliance and has vast experience in defending serious fraud cases and financial crime compliance issues. Legal director Simon Ellis joined the department from Freeths LLP in February 2024.
Responsables de la pratique:
Lachlan Nisbet; Dan Stowers
Autres avocats clés:
Charlotte McRae; Matthew Coles; Simon Ellis
Les références
‘Brabners provide an experienced and dedicated team designed to provide the level of service that private clients expect – no stone to be left unturned.’
‘Lachlan Nisbet is the stand out performer here. He is affable and well respected. Totally unfazed by high-profile clients. Great personal service, great communications throughout the case. Competent, prompt and detailed attention to detail. A reassuring presence.’
‘I worked with Lachlan Nisbet as the responsible partner – provided an impressive strategic overview and was committed to attending the significant parts of the trial in support of the clients.’
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co’s regulatory crime department is instructed on high volumes of corporate and gross manslaughter prosecutions, fatal road traffic prosecutions, health and safety prosecutions, environmental crime issues and food safety mandates. The Manchester-based team is jointly headed up by Chris Morrison and Kate Hargan. Morrison assists global companies with environment and health and safety issues, providing incident-related advice regarding regulatory criminal litigation, while Hargan leads the motor crime team, covering serious criminal offences, such as corporate and gross negligence manslaughter cases, and death by dangerous or careless driving mandates. Lindsay Orr is also a key name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Chris Morrison; Kate Hargan
Autres avocats clés:
Lindsay Orr
Les références
‘Kate Hargan is conscientious and has great empathy for anxious clients involved in fatalities.’
‘Chris Morrison is kind, conscientious – and as tough as nails when it is needed.’
‘In the first rank for insurer-funded health and safety work. In-depth knowledge of the market and experience of cases of all kinds.’
Principaux clients
Airbus
Beaufort Maintenance Ltd
Natwest/RBS
RSA
AXA
Aviva
Cunninghams Solicitors
With national and international reach and described as ‘hands on and very supportive’, Cunninghams Solicitors’ fraud and complex crime department specialises in the defence of allegations of serious fraud and serious and organised crime. The Manchester-based department is headed up by the experienced David Caplin, who regularly handles serious fraud, money laundering and tax evasion investigations. Sarah Housley stands out for her work on serious and high-profile cases of financial crime.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Caplin
Autres avocats clés:
Sarah Housley
Les références
‘They are hands on and very supportive.’
‘David Caplin is without doubt a leader in his field. He is without doubt one of the foremost practitioners in the north west.’
‘They are one of the leading firms in the North West and nationally. They are regularly instructed in fraud trials throughout England. They have built up an enviable track record in this field. In addition to fraud, the team is regularly engaged in high-profile and complex crime cases.’
Keoghs LLP
Noted for its capabilities in high-profile defence work and serious regulatory breach work across various sectors, Keoghs LLP deals with prosecutions relating to corporate manslaughter and gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety-related offences, environmental offences, fire safety breaches, and care sector-related investigations. The group is additionally well-regarded for its counter-fraud work, covering an array of claim types, including motor fraud, fraud rings, and personal injury cases with alleged fraud. The group is jointly led by David Rainey and Tom Stevenson in Manchester, and by Chris Newton and Damian Ward in Bolton. Rebecca Stanton is also a key name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
David Rainey; Chris Newton; Tom Stevenson; Damian Ward
Autres avocats clés:
Rebecca Stanton
Les références
‘Market-leading team in civil fraud – motor and casualty. A long-standing history in the market. Second to none.’
‘If I ever found myself facing driving charges, then Tom Stevenson is the lawyer I would want to represent me. Calm, knowledgeable, professional and courteous, he is the complete package.’
‘I work with the criminal team within Keoghs in the North West. They are always approachable, adaptable and happy to assist. They support our customers with the respect and detail required and prove to be an invaluable asset when required.’
Principaux clients
LV
Aviva
Chubb
Catholic Insurance Services
Allianz
AXA
Markel
Zurich
Hastings Direct
esure
Covea
Somerset Bridge Group
QBE
MIB
Sainsbury’s
Peel Ports
Reeds Solicitors
With expertise in criminal defence and regulatory issues, prison law, family law, Court of Protection matters and mental health cases, Reeds Solicitors handle a broad spectrum of serious crime and fraud work, dealing with multi-handed homicide cases, international and complex drug conspiracies, firearms and serious violent offences, as well as high-value frauds and complex sexual allegations including historic sexual allegations. Beth Mantel leads the Manchester-based team. Other key members of the group are Damian Wall, who is ‘exceptionally experienced and will fight for the best result possible’, and Lisa Paton, who ‘is a first choice for serious crime’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Beth Mantel
Autres avocats clés:
Damian Wall; Lisa Paton
Les références
‘The team are very experienced – something which enables them to identify pitfalls others might not spot.’
‘Damian Wall is exceptionally experienced and will fight for the best result possible. He is always the person I recommend to friends in trouble.’
‘Beth Mantel is a highly experienced litigator who always ensures that her client’s cases are thoroughly prepared with nothing left to chance. She is approachable and utterly committed to each and every case left in her capable hands.’
Tuckers Solicitors
Specialising in criminal defence work, Tuckers Solicitors in the North West handles a wide range of cases, such as violent and sexual offences, fraud, theft, drug offences, road traffic offences and regulatory offences. The group is jointly headed up by Leigh Wright, who specialises in serious crime proceedings; Claire Parrott, who focuses on general crime work; and Jill Eastwood, who is the head litigator. Victoria Thomson specialises in representing vulnerable defendants and young adults in complex fraud cases and serious criminal matters.
Responsables de la pratique:
Leigh Wright; Claire Parrott; Jill Eastwood
Autres avocats clés:
Victoria Thomson
Les références
‘Outstanding client care. The team are knowledgable, approachable and tireless in their efforts to assist clients.’
‘Leigh Wright – bright and able to think out of the box. Hard working and able to deal with the more complicated and serious cases.’
‘Jill Eastwood and Claire Parrott are both brilliant litigators, always taking detailed instructions from clients, considering all the evidence in detail and they are not adverse to giving proper robust advice to clients, whether that relates to appropriate pleas or strategic trial management.’
3D Solicitors
3D Solicitors‘s boutique practice specialises in regulatory, professional discipline and criminal law and frequently represents individuals in the policing sector as well as clients in high-profile sexual misconduct cases. The Manchester-based team is jointly led by Daniel Berke and Deborah Britstone. While Berke is the key contact for representing professionals and companies in criminal, regulatory and disciplinary investigations, Britstone has extensive experience in professional discipline matters including representing senior police officers from both the Chief Police Officers’ Staff Association (CPOSA) and Police Superintendents’ Association (PSA).
Responsables de la pratique:
Daniel Berke; Deborah Britstone
Les références
‘Dan Berke is a top tactician in criminal law; with experience in high profile cases. He is stand out and at the top of his profession.’
‘Daniel Berke has an unmatched ability to operate and think outside the box – his technical knowledge is outstanding and the team are the go-to criminal practitioners in the North West. He is an extremely talented and brilliant lawyer. He is efficient, technically excellent and diligent in his preparation. One is fearful of him being their opposition.’
‘Deborah Britstone provides an excellent service to her clients across the regulatory spectrum.’
Principaux clients
Chief Officers Police Staff Association
Police Superintendents Association
Falsely Accused Carers and Teachers
Manchester Beth Din
Farillio
UK Lawyers for Israel
Quooker
National Home Move Ltd
Burton Copeland Ltd
Based in Manchester, Burton Copeland Ltd‘s general crime department covers the whole spectrum of criminal law, including serious and organised crime proceedings, regulatory matters and road traffic cases. The department is jointly headed up by Louise Straw, Gwyn Lewis, and Daniel Weed. Straw has vast experience in high-profile sexual abuse and historical sexual assault cases; Lewis is adept at a range of criminal cases particularly road traffic cases; and Weed is the key contact for cases involving police contact and advises police officers on a range of on and off duty issues.
Responsables de la pratique:
Louise Straw; Gwyn Lewis; Daniel Weed
Les références
‘They attract the quality work and they always prepare their cases fully. They offer their clients sound advice and are adept at ensuring that their clients remain engaged throughout. They are tactically sound and are aware of the key dynamics in substantial cases.’
‘Daniel Weed is extremely good in police misconduct work. His experience and sensible nature mean that officers get excellent advice and representation from the start.’
‘Louise Straw is my first recommendation every time. Her many years of experience dealing with difficult and sensitive cases is worth its weight in gold. She invests time and energy early, often achieving a favourable result for her client pre-charge. Beyond that, her track record of acquittals is startling.’
Principaux clients
Legal Insurance Management Ltd
Arc Insurance
All Med Professionals
Fostering Association
ARAG Insurance
Police Federation
The Nursing & Midwife Council
Cartwright King
Cartwright King assists clients with general crime and corporate issues, and complex financial crime, regularly defending investigations and prosecutions in respect of the full spectrum of corporate and financial crime as well as regulatory-based prosecutions. Based in Blackburn and Manchester, Ian Huggan leads the crime team and is regularly instructed in complex investigations and prosecutions. Working across offices nationwide, Laura Smith leads the corporate, financial and serious crime team and is a leading expert in this area. Richard Cornthwaite left the firm in April 2024 to join Olliers.
Responsables de la pratique:
Laura Smith; Ian Huggan
Les références
‘An experienced team with hard working and tenacious lawyers.’
‘Laura Smith is outstanding. She works hard, knows her cases inside out and provides all the ammunition necessary to win the case.’
‘An excellent large firm with good resourcing and reputation in these fields.’
DWF
Representing clients in the insurance sector concerning motor accidents and personal injury claims, DWF‘s Liverpool-based fraud department is co-led by Jewels Chamberlain, who is known for defending causation claims, and Stuart Poole, who leads on counter fraud issues. Litigator Craig Budworth oversees the organised fraud practice, and Joanne Baker is the firm’s contact for claims management.
Responsables de la pratique:
Jewels Chamberlain; Stuart Poole
Autres avocats clés:
Craig Budworth; Joanne Baker
Les références
‘The entire fraud team are always very efficient.’
‘Jewels Chamberlain is always very prompt and a pleasure to deal with.’
Principaux clients
RSA
NFU Mutual
Direct Line Group
Allianz/LV
First Central
Sabre
Admiral
Aviva
QBE
Markerstudy
Insure the Box
Covea
Ageas
Esure
Action 365
Zego
Markel Law LLP
Acting for insurer and insured clients, Markel Law LLP‘s Manchester-based crime and regulatory team handles the full spectrum of criminal and regulatory work, including professional discipline claims, entity regulation issues, health and safety work, inquests and public inquiries. The team is led by the experienced Deborah Nicholson in Manchester and is skilled in both contentious and non-contentious regulatory and criminal work, often working for healthcare sector clients. Other key members of the team are Lauren Wilson, who excels in health and social care regulation matters, and Francesca Snape.
Responsables de la pratique:
Deborah Nicholson
Autres avocats clés:
Lauren Wilson; Francesca Snape
Les références
‘The team has real strength in depth, with expertise across several areas of law that enables them to offer well-rounded and commercial advice to clients. The team is a real player in the insurance market and the individuals there will be big names in years to come.’
‘The team is well led by Debbie Nicholson. Lauren Wilson is a rising star, bright, quick and great with clients. Francesca Snape is excellent, with a real care for clients.’
‘Deborah Nicholson leads an impressive team with Lauren Wilson and Francesca Snape. The team works tirelessly for their clients. They have a very human, friendly approach whilst maintaining the utmost professionalism.’
Principaux clients
Towergate
Federation of Small Businesses
Markel UK
Markel Legal Expenses Insurance
Jelf
Blue Sky Care Limited
Arcare for Forte Ltd
Police Superintendent’s Association
E.Asthampton Ltd
Discovery Care Group
Principaux dossiers
- Representing a waste disposal company in relation to a prosecution undertaken by the Environment Agency for breaches of waste packaging regulations, including confiscation proceedings.
- Acting for the directors of RWH & Sons Limited in relation to a HSE investigation concerning potential breaches of asbestos regulations as part of a multi-million-pound re-development of one of the UK’s leading dairy drinks businesses.
Abbey Solicitors
In Manchester, Abbey Solicitors’ crime department handles the full range of criminal cases, including high-value fraud cases and significant high-profile national and international cases. Founder Nadeem Ullah oversees the team, which is adept at handling Magistrates and Crown Court cases, private and legal aid work and criminal appeals, and defending clients in police custody.
Responsables de la pratique:
Nadeem Ullah
Autres avocats clés:
Aisha Aslam; Tayaba Hussain; Amy Scott; Janis Cowan
Les références
‘Their customer service is second to none. They are very professional and knowledgeable. They explain everything in full and pay attention to every detail.’
‘Aisha Aslam has been amazing from the moment I met her. She is so knowledgeable and supportive, she always makes herself available whether it be in person, email or phone call. I have total faith in this firm because of her.’
‘The Criminal team is a very strong one, with complete focus on representing their clients. I find that the team provide realistic advice to their clients and are prepared to answer their clients questions fully. I find that this firm looks after their clients, and makes sure that the client has realistic advice before any hearing.’
Brian Koffman & Co
With expertise in defending clients charged with motoring offences, Brian Koffman & Co represents a range of professionals, businesspeople and clients in the sports and entertainment industry. The practice is spearheaded by Brian Koffman in Manchester, who is a leading expert in motoring work and major criminal cases spanning murder, firearms and drug conspiracy allegations. Kaufmann attracts praise as ‘one of the best known and most effective criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, with a particular specialism in motoring offences’.
Responsables de la pratique:
Brian Koffman
Les références
‘The principal of the practice is one of the best known and most effective criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, with a particular specialism in motoring offences. He is a highly skilled and successful advocate with a keen eye for detail.’
‘Brian Koffman, the principal of the practice, combines 50 years of experience and knowhow, in motoring law and criminal law as a whole, with a level of enthusiasm worthy of a hungry young lawyer. He is articulate yet plain speaking, and is very effective both with clients and in court.’
‘Consistently high standards of service and legal advice. BK & Co is a well-run and responsive practice providing excellent client service – very straightforward to deal with.’
Kennedys
Specialising in insurance fraud across a range of businesses, Kennedys‘ fraud department assists with fraud defence litigation, emerging risks and organised fraud mandates. Based in Manchester, legal technologist Martin Stockdale leads the team. Katherine Totty has vast experience in dealing with various claims, such as casualty and property claims, and James Stevens has particular expertise in defending high-value organised fraud matters, particularly in the growing area of telematics.
Responsables de la pratique:
Martin Stockdale
Autres avocats clés:
Katherine Totty; James Stevens
Les références
‘The team at Kennedys do a great job of pulling together expertise in different fields and building a genuine team which provides a very effective approach.’
‘Knowledgeable, approachable and professional.’
Potter Derby Solicitors
With a focus on complex fraud, drug related cases and organised crime mandates, Potter Derby Solicitors handle a range of advice and is ‘particularly adept when dealing with clients with a high profile’. The group is jointly led by Richard Derby, who heads up the Crown Court department, and Adam Croft, who leads the Magistrates Court department. Laura Young is also a key name to note.
Responsables de la pratique:
Richard Derby; Adam Croft
Autres avocats clés:
Laura Young
Les références
‘Potter Derby are an excellent firm who always put client care first. They are at the top of their game and Richard Derby runs a very efficient and experienced team.’
‘Richard Derby is an excellent lawyer who knows the legal landscape inside out and his clients trust him wholeheartedly. He is always available and puts the client first in everything he does. He is great to work with.’
‘Laura Young is uber efficient and again is always contactable when required and pushes forward the firms ethos that every client will receive the exceptionally high standard of service.’
Slater Heelis
Slater Heelis' crime and regulatory department covers all areas of criminal defence work, including sexual offences, driving offences, domestic violence allegations and youth crime, and is growing its expertise in regulatory issues. Rachel Fletcher, who specialises in private crime and regulatory cases, heads up the Manchester-based team. Associate Hannah Costley is a police station accredited representative and acts for clients in both police stations and the Magistrates’ Court.
Responsables de la pratique:
Rachel Fletcher
Autres avocats clés:
Hannah Costley; Rachel Mason
Les références
‘Rachel Fletcher would be a standout individual anywhere in my view. She is very hard working, approachable, has excellent client care and is a sound strategic lawyer.’
‘An excellent client-focused criminal team, with a very personal service. The solicitors are proactive and engaged at all stages of proceedings, consistently available to discuss matters as and when they arise, and communicate well with lay clients.’
‘The team is superb. All members are incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable. Nothing is too much trouble; a very high standard of service is a given. A very modern and technologically advanced team, whilst managing to maintain a personal touch.’
Weightmans LLP
Weightmans LLP‘s business crime department is reputed for its depth of experience in defending corporates in external investigations and prosecutions into allegations of fraud, bribery and corruption. The department also handles financial and cyber crime matters. The team in the Manchester office is headed up by Michael Balmer, who handles prosecution work alongside defence work, acting for corporate entities and senior executives facing complex offences.
Responsables de la pratique:
Michael Balmer
Autres avocats clés:
James Farrell
Les références
‘Michael Balmer has been an exceptional partner to work with as a client, he has gone above and beyond in the cases he has worked on for us and the support and knowledge is outstanding.’
‘Mike Balmer is an exceptional solicitor – great knowledge of the law, good with clients, tactically very astute. Impressive individual in this field.’
‘Michael Balmer and James Farrell – both are very good with clients. Michael has been extremely efficient. James has provided valuable insight.’