Hall Of Fame

Firms To Watch: General crime and fraud

Tim Baker heads the team at Jericho Law Ltd, which has a niche focus on providing pre-charge representation for sexual offenders and assisting clients under police investigation.

General crime and fraud in South East

ABV Solicitors

Acting for private individuals, senior company executives, and corporations, the ‘professional, conscientious, and compassionate’ team at ABV Solicitors provides a multidisciplinary offering, with notable expertise in serious fraud investigations. Deepak Vij is experienced in commercial and financial fraud cases, while Akhtar Ahmad is knowledgeable of regulatory matters, wealth orders, confiscation, and forfeiture proceedings. Robert Borwick handles murder, sexual offences, drug, and firearm offences, while Amirah Ajaz is another key team member,

Responsables de la pratique:

Deepak Vij; Akhtar Ahmad


Autres avocats clés:

Robert Borwick; Amirah Ajaz; Fergus Harrington; Sunita Mehta


Les références

‘ABV are a fantastic law firm. The team are extremely dedicated. The financial crime team is especially fantastic.’

‘Amirah Ajaz has a forensic way of working and puts her all into cases. Robert Borwick, Akhtar Ahmad, and Deepak Vij are all great lawyers who are friendly, approachable, and really dedicated. ’

‘The team has been exceptional every step of the way, providing professional, conscientious, and compassionate guidance. Their expertise, combined with a genuine human touch, has made all the difference. A truly outstanding practice that prioritises both excellence and care.’

Principaux clients

Arena Television


Operation United


AOG Technics


Principaux dossiers


  • Represented a company director in an SFO investigation into a £280 million fraud involving a TV production services company, investigated by the Serious Fraud Office.

Blackfords LLP

Blackfords LLP houses a ‘hard working, reliable, and incredibly well informed‘ team which stands out for its expertise in serious crime and fraud, representing both private clients and legal aid cases. Diana Payne, a seasoned solicitor-advocate, heads the Croydon office and is renowned as a Youth Court expert; she also has expertise in a wide range of complex and lengthy investigations including sexual offences, violence, fraud, murder, and serious drug offences. Lisa Towell heads the general crime department and is adept in representing young people in cases at all stages of the justice system, while other key members of the team include Gary Bloxsome and Trevor Francis.

Responsables de la pratique:

Diana Payne


Autres avocats clés:

Lisa Towell; Hannah Giles; Lucinda Shand; Jen Richardson: Gary Bloxsome; Trevor Francis


 


Les références

‘One of the few firms left that has a major private crime practice but still does legal aid well. Great judgment, hard working, reliable, and incredibly well-informed on the market.’

‘Blackfords has a team of committed, skillful, and tenacious lawyers that provide a service to their clients that would be difficult to beat. They attract the most high profile clients in the most serious cases because everyone knows that they are one of best firms operating in criminal law.’

‘Hannah Giles is one of the best criminal lawyers in the business. She knows the law inside out, turns every case inside out, and is a calm and masterful tactician. There can’t be many that enjoy the same level of success.’

Reeds Solicitors

Renowned for its work involving sexual offences, Reeds Solicitors has particular strength in cases involving historical sexual offences, rape, and indecent images. Founding partner Stuart Matthews oversees the department and leverages decades of experience in sexual offence cases, handling the investigation stages through to defending prosecutions, while Tom Brymer is a key figure in the Thames Valley courts, who is praised as ‘thoroughly well respected.’ Leveraging his expertise in serious organised crime is Julian Richards who handles cases involving large scale drug conspiracies, firearms, money laundering, and murder, while Scott Primer is adept at handling private clients and complex crime matters. Nathan Seymour-Hyde specialises in fare evasion offences and Kate McNab undertakes domestic violence, coercive, and controlling behaviour cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Stuart Matthews


Autres avocats clés:

Tom Brymer; Julian Richards; Scott Primer; Nathan Seymour-Hyde; Kate McNab; Jo Benn


Les références

‘Tom Brymer is thoroughly well respected, hard working, and has a fantastic relationship with clients. He never shies away from giving robust and realistic advice. Without question, clients trust him, his advice, and his judgement.’

‘Julian Richards is the model of a modern solicitor, marrying client care with a smart and effective forensic strategy tailored to each case. Calm and unruffled, five steps ahead of the rest of the field, Julian is the man I’d want in my corner.’

‘Reeds is national law firm which still carries a family-like feel. Staff are supportive of each other and this environment fosters hard work and leads to fantastic results for clients. It is a pleasure to receive a brief from Reeds because I know the solicitor or caseworker will be personable and the case fully prepared with sound, realistic advice.’

Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors

Clarke Kiernan LLP Solicitors houses an ‘extremely thorough and tireless’ team with expertise in fraud, crime, prison law, and civil liberties. The firm is also recognised for its role in trafficking and smuggling cases, a speciality of Daniel Bonich, who acts as co-head of the team. Bonich represents both individual and corporate clients in civil litigation, with a particular focus on money laundering, fraud, drug trafficking, and complex confiscation proceedings. Also co-head of the firm, Catherine McCarthy frequently advocates for professionals such as teachers, doctors, and lawyers, as well as vulnerable individuals.

Responsables de la pratique:

Catherine McCarthy; Daniel Bonich


Les références

‘Clarke Kiernan provides an outstanding service to individuals facing criminal investigation and prosecution, particularly in fraud matters. It is one of the best firms in the region. Although a provincial firm, it often defends in cases involving London firms and provides excellent service at provincial rates, punching well above its weight.’

‘Based in Kent, Clarke Kiernan provide a level of service that clients expect from West End and City firms. Also, they provide that level of service however small or large the case, maintaining a close relationship with their clients throughout and putting them at ease.’

‘Daniel Bonich is dedicated, meticulous, and has extensive and up to date knowledge of many areas of law and criminal law and procedure in particular. He explores any and every avenue that might legitimately assist his lay client, very often on his own initiative. In short, he provides an outstanding service and it is always a pleasure to work for him.’

Principaux clients

Police Federation


National Union of Teachers


Unison


Police Federation of Wales


South Eastern Water


Principaux dossiers


  • Handled fraud prosecution proceedings against a man named on the UK’s most wanted list for many years.
  • Handled Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings for a man charged as part of the largest VAT fraud ever prosecuted by West Midlands Police.
  • Represented a man accused of money laundering.

Duncan Lewis Solicitors

Duncan Lewis Solicitors is geared to handle various, serious, and complex criminal cases including gang-related crime, murder, sexual relations and drug importations, with a particular focus on high-value confiscation proceedings. Hardeep Dhaliwal is experienced before both the Magistrates Courts and the Crown Courts, while Sunjay Versani is a seasoned criminal defence specialist who is skilled at cases of alleged sexual wrongdoing.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sunjay Versani; Hardeep Dhaliwal


Les références

‘Very committed criminal team, personal service to clients.’

‘Extremely well prepared for every case, every minute detail that can assist their clients is looked at, especially when it comes to choosing counsel for the client and the case. each is different and can be looked at in a different way.’

‘Great criminal team – they all work together and know what is happening with all their cases.’

Jerman Samuels & Pearson LLP

Jerman Samuels & Pearson LLP is jointly lead by Simon Samuels, Mark Jerman and Ian Clift, and Samuels is experienced in defending clients in high-value fraud cases and organised major drug conspiracies. Jerman is highly involved in complex murder, fraud, and serious violence cases, while Clift leads the crown court department and is adept in leading cases involving major drug conspiracies, murder, sexual offences, and trafficking. Carly Denniss is another key team member.

Responsables de la pratique:

Simon Samuels; Mark Jerman; Ian Clift


Autres avocats clés:

Carly Denniss; Amie Harris


Les références

‘As one of the longest established firms in Essex, JSP provides the complete package to its clients. Wonderful client care and superb legal knowledge, they have a wonderful firm mentality and no case is too little or unimportant.’

‘Amie Harris is first class. A brilliant solicitor and a proper team player.’

‘Simon Samuels is a founding partner and exceptional. ’

Lawtons Solicitors

Lawtons Solicitors operates across multiple locations in the South East and London, with expertise in the full range of criminal offences. Serious sexual crime is an area of particular strength, but the group additionally covers violent crime, drugs offences, and theft, as well as matters relating to fraud. The group maintains a focus both on legal aid and privately funded work. Co-leading the group are Stephen Halloran and Nick Titchener, both of whom are based in St Albans. Joanne Cestaro and Paul Dillon share notable aptitude in relation to sexual offences.

Responsables de la pratique:

Nick Titchener; Stephen Halloran


Autres avocats clés:

Nicola Hobdel; Nick Seeley; Joanne Cestaro; Paul Dillon


Les références

‘The team at Lawtons provide excellent client care. Conferences are arranged in good time to prepare for hearings. Focused and relevant instructions are taken from clients to assist counsel in the preparation of a case. Their strengths lie in identifying relevant issues in a case and instructing counsel to suit the needs of a client.’

‘Nicola Hobdel offers excellent client care and robust advice delivered with empathy and compassion for clients. Efficient instruction of relevant experts and excellent communication.’

‘Partners and solicitors work very well with counsel, giving a collaborative approach. They are very much there for the lay client and deal with the everyday challenges clients present with ease. They are all on top of their workload and no task, however small, is too much for them, both pre-trial and during the course of a trial.’

Principaux dossiers


SVS Solicitors

SVS Solicitors‘ practice is noted for its full comprehensive offering, and holds particular expertise in conspiracy and gangland offenses. The team is headed by Sasha Sidhu, a seasoned criminal defence attorney who is skilled at gang violence, white collar crime, and murder investigations. Pelin Mehmet specialises in violent crimes, including gang related murders, firearms, and large scale drug cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

Sasha Sidhu


Autres avocats clés:

Pelin Mehmet


Les références

‘The team is team very dedicated to clients, especially young vulnerable clients.’

‘Sasha Sidhu is exceptionally intelligent when it comes to overall case strategy and adept at reassuring clients who are often scared and agitated at their predicament.’

‘The SVS team is highly experienced and committed to providing excellent client care.’

Birkett Long LLP

Routinely representing individuals and businesses on regulatory criminal matters, Birkett Long LLP is headed by Tej Thakkar, who handles a broad range of regulatory and criminal matters.  Zoe Hoskings boasts deep expertise in military law,  alongside expertise in criminal matters in the Magistrates and the Crown courts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Tej Thakkar


Autres avocats clés:

Zoe Hosking


Les références

‘The firm are at the top of their game. They combine a fantastic balance of professionalism and communication with the clients. They deal with some very interesting cases.’

‘Tej Thakker and Zoe Hoskings are both extremely impressive, great instructing solicitors, professional, and friendly.’

‘Birkett Long has a small but excellent general crime and fraud team. It provides a first-class service for corporate and individual clients at provincial prices.’

GT Stewart Limited

The ‘dedicated and hardworking team’ at GT Stewart Limited retains a strong reputation before the Youth, Magistrates and Crown Courts. The team is co-headed by Will Russell, a highly respected litigator, who holds niche expertise in dealing with vulnerable defendants and in particular those with mental health problems. Adept in matters defending young and vulnerable people, co-head Mel Stooks holds a reputation within the Youth Court for her expertise in handling charges of serious sexual and violent offences. Melanie Krudy draws on over two decades of experience in the criminal courts, offering a full service from cross examining police officers in execution of duty cases to successfully appealing conviction at the Court of Appeal. Jack Stewart leads cases in a variety of high courts.

Responsables de la pratique:

Will Russell; Mel Stooks


Autres avocats clés:

Melanie Krudy; Jack Stewart


Les références

‘Dedicated and hardworking team who go the extra mile.’

‘Jack Stewart seemed to genuinely care about the client and reacted quickly when asked to help obtain information. He works very hard and is always available.’

‘I am very impressed with the team at GT Stewart. They have high standards for their case preparation and client care. They have an attention to detail, are diligent, and hard-working.’

Levy & Co Solicitors

Levy & Co Solicitors is experienced in representing legal aid and private clients and frequently appears before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. The team is jointly led by Steven LevyElliot Moulster, Paula Fell, and Evelyn Hicks, and Levy boasts significant expertise in complex matters involving firearms, organised crime, and serious sexual offences. Adept in matters involving animal welfare and driving offences is Moulster, while Fell handles cases involving youth matters. Hicks is well regarded for her work in cases arising at the intersection between criminal and mental health law.

Responsables de la pratique:

Steven Levy; Elliot Moulster; Paula Fell; Evelyn Hicks


Autres avocats clés:

Michael Rees; Sam Nundy


Les références

‘Steven Levy is extremely talented at all levels and especially in its Crown Court department. The team of solicitors is extremely well assisted by the associates. They are all super experienced and really good. A huge all round knowledge of crime and Crown Courts.’

‘The solicitors are hardworking and prepare cases thoroughly.’

‘Michael Rees is an excellent solicitor.’

Old Bailey Solicitors

Old Bailey Solicitors houses a ‘strong, loyal team’ which handles cases involving a wide variety of issues, including serious violent sexual, dishonesty, and drugs offences. Rod Hayler co-heads the team, utilising trial advocacy experience before the Crown Courts to assist both legal aid and private clients on a range of matters. Co-head Camilla Rents acts as both advocate and litigator in criminal defence cases, holding particular expertise in engagements with the police and prosecution.

Responsables de la pratique:

Rod Hayler


Autres avocats clés:

Camilla Rents; Matthew Bishop


Les références

‘This is a strong, loyal team. They work closely together, and each member is empowered and capable.’

‘Old Bailey Solicitors are leaders in the field of criminal defence. They have a breadth and depth of experience of defending in all sorts of cases. They provided a first class service to their clients, whether privately or publicly funded. They are responsive, compassionate, and consistently go the extra mile for their clients.’

‘Camilla Rents is an absolute star. She consistently provides excellent advice and is a great tactician. I never hesitate to recommend her.’

Tuckers Solicitors

Tuckers Solicitors is geared to handle an array of criminal offence matters, including fraud, financial crime, and sexual offenses, with niche expertise in motoring law, prison law, and immigration. The team is headed by Richard Atkinson, who is knowledgeable of murder, robbery, and financial crime mandates, while James Turner is experienced in high-value cases involving foreign jurisdictions.

Responsables de la pratique:

Richard Atkinson; James Turner


Autres avocats clés:

Nicola Hall; Victoria Tye; Sadie Castle-O’Connor; Sarah Seear


Les références

‘The team have excellent knowledge of legal issues. They have a good understanding of the mental health needs of their clients and will go to great lengths to instruct psychiatric experts when required.’

‘Nicola Hall is an experienced practitioner with excellent tactical acumen. She handles criminal litigation across the board and is a real asset to counsel in preparation of a case. Clients respect her and her preparation is very thorough.’

‘I am consistently impressed with their attentiveness and level of involvement in their cases, which not only positively impacts on me but more importantly on our mutual clients. Each member of the team has their own cases, but their knowledge of one another’s work is excellent, and they are consistently willing to help each other. It is significant for me that I can say to a client after a court hearing that a particular action will be carried out by the solicitor safe in the knowledge that it will be carried out promptly and with care whether by the solicitor with conduct or one of their colleagues.’

Wells Burcombe LLP

Demonstrating particular strength in matters at the intersection of business and white-collar crime is Wells Burcombe LLP. The practice is jointly led by Alan Burcombe, David Wells and Ravinder Khumra. Burcombe is an expert in multi-million-pound frauds, sexual abuse cases, complex drug offences, terrorism, firearm offences, and has particular expertise in criminal appeals. Wells is a seasoned criminal appeal lawyer, specialising in complex criminal matters involving cases concerning miscarriages of justice. Adept in white-collar and business crime matters, Khumra is a key port of call for companies and individuals seeking advice on all manners of complex criminal cases.

Responsables de la pratique:

David Wells; Alan Burcombe; Ravinder Khumra


B P Collins LLP

Headed by criminal law specialist Jonothan Moss, who handles regulatory matters, serious crime, and specialist areas such as victims’ rights and police conduct, B P Collins LLP is skilled at the gamut of criminal defence matters. Olivia Duncan focuses on cases related to victim’s rights, while Rubin Italia is another key member of the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Jonothan Moss


Autres avocats clés:

Olivia Duncan; Rubin Italia


Les références

‘The engagement between the team members to bring out new and supporting positions has been particularly helpful in a recent matter. The range of experience and ability to appropriately engage skills in a timely manner, is greatly appreciated.’

‘Very high quality legal advice and professional practice. Advice is based on careful legal analysis as well as an insightful take on the nuances of the case and individuals involved. Very well organised and efficient. Teamwork with counsel is very effective. Provision is excellent in all aspects. I would trust them with any legal matter.’

‘Olivia Duncan is the best solicitor I have had the pleasure to work with. She is highly professional, not only having excellent legal knowledge but also the insight and experience to apply it to complex and contentious cases. She secured an outstanding outcome that has far surpassed anything achieved by other solicitors I have worked with. Her exceptional interpersonal skills make her both effective and efficient, and her ability to navigate this aspect of legal matters makes her a remarkably steady pair of hands. She stands out not only for her intelligence and professionalism but also in her sensitive and kind manner. I could not ask for a better solicitor, she is exceptional in all aspects.’

Gerard Maye Legal

Gerard Maye Legal ‘works tirelessly for its clients to deliver great services’ and specialises in handling private criminal work. Sharing his time between London and Brighton, Gerard Maye heads the firm, retaining a reputation as a high end criminal defence lawyer, handling offences of murder, fraud, terrorism, and sexual offences.

Responsables de la pratique:

Gerard Maye


Les références

‘There is no-one who comes close to Gerard in terms of his preparation and attention to detail. He identifies the issues, the weaknesses from both sides and strategises accordingly.’

‘The team is dedicated and professional. The firm works tirelessly for its clients to deliver great services and achieve the best results for clients.’

‘Gerard Maye is a very talented practitioner. His extensive experience and keen awareness of how to manage cases produces great results for clients.’

Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP

Paul Robinson Solicitors LLP is proficient in complex criminal cases and has recently focused on strengthening their capabilities in sex cases. Practice head Michelle Breindel is well-regarded for her experience in handling matters before the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, and Appeal Courts, while Emma Grewock handles legal aid and private basis work, advising on serious sexual offences. Duty solicitor Seth Collins is another key member of the practice.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michelle Breindel


Autres avocats clés:

Emma Grewock; Seth Collins; Charlotte Davison; Aysha Moore


Les références

‘My experience of this firm is governed by my knowledge of the exceptional work of Michelle Breindel, one of the criminal partners at this firm. Michelle is exceptional because she is one of those rare solicitors these days who does not just rely on counsel but really prepares the case for the defendant.’

‘Emma Grewock is one to watch, as she has the same standards and attitude as Michelle, demonstrating the firms strength at a senior level.’

‘A very experienced company with some extremely competent and knowledgeable solicitors. The company has a healthy mix of experience in its ranks and is renowned for developing young paralegals into competent solicitors.’

TS Law

TS Law has a strong reputation for its work in serious crime, including murder, sexual offences, and drug crime, with a notable track record handling cases at all stages of investigation. The group is regularly active in the Magistrates and Crown Courts, in addition to having experience in Youth Court matters. Leading the team in Chatham is Michael Michael, an 'excellent hands on solicitor' and a founding member of the firm. Karley Styles works alongside Michael, and is active across the South East.

Responsables de la pratique:

Michael Michael


Autres avocats clés:

Karley Styles


Les références

‘The team are particularly client-focused and have strong lines of communication with clients.’

‘The quality of client care is exceptional. Instructions given are considered, realistic and spot on when dealing with the law.’

‘Michael Michael- Excellent hands on solicitor. Good legal knowledge and client care.’