The Legal 500

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BCL Burton Copeland is ‘superlative, and most certainly the one with the greatest strength in depth in its field’. Recent work for practice head Mark Haslam includes acting for high-profile clients in death by dangerous or careless driving cases, and his ‘sense of humour, experience and hard work amount to a masterful combination’. Paul Morris (‘charm on top, hard as nails underneath’) successfully represented a Premier League footballer in an attempted murder case. Ian Burton, Ellen Peart and Rachel Hubbard are also highly recommended.

Neil O’May heads the team at Bindmans LLP, which is ‘one of the best criminal firms in the country’. Work included advising on high-profile murder cases involving unusual defences and the complex use of experts. Katie Wheatleydeals with everything thrown at her be it legal, factual, or emotional, or difficult judgment calls’.

Superb appellate lawyer’ Steven Bird at Birds Solicitors is ‘very comfortable with difficult forensic issues, and understands exactly what is needed from expert witnesses’. Recent work for the team includes successfully representing an MP in relation to the expenses scandal; and acting in an 11-week murder trial involving six defendants. Timothy Greene is highly praised for his animal rights work.

Blackfords LLP has an impressive team, and recently acted for a client who was acquitted of murder. Gary Bloxsome’s ‘hands-on knowledge and involvement in cases are first rate’. Trevor Francis has ‘mammoth technical expertise and is an incredibly hardworking and gifted solicitor who inspires trust in his clients’.

Corker Binning represents many high-profile clients in sensitive matters attracting considerable media attention. Recent work includes advising the driver of a heavy goods vehicle prosecuted for causing the death of a cyclist. Robert Brown is ‘highly intelligent, hugely experienced, full of common sense, and shrewd, and knows exactly how to pitch it’; and David Corker is ‘extremely bright and good at providing a strategic overview, and has excellent client care skills’. Peter Binning and Nicola Finnerty are recommended.

Edward Fail Bradshaw & Waterson has a long track record of dealing with serious cases including murder, manslaughter, sexual offences, and armed robberies. The team continues to invest in its in-house capabilities, recently recruiting a specialist counsel to focus on Crown Court cases. Nigel Dean heads the criminal department, and Kate Anderson has been appointed head of the new youth court department.

Hickman and Rose is known for its media-savvy approach, which helps to keep its high-profile clients out of the limelight. Its track record includes acting for a 17-year-old defendant in a murder case characterised as a homophobic attack; and defending a mother charged with the murder of her two daughters on the basis of diminished responsibility. Practice head Ross Dixon is ‘excellent’.

The highly recommended Stephen Parkinson heads the practice at Kingsley Napley LLP, which continues to attract high-profile, sensitive and complex matters. Highlights included successfully defending Dr Ejup Ganic in an extradition request from Serbia relating to the alleged commission of war crimes in the early stages of the ‘Siege of Sarajevo’. Angus McBride and John Harding are valued for their ‘superb service, in-depth knowledge of the law and ability to engage with clients’.

Philip Smith and Nick Inge head up the teams at Tuckers Solicitors’ Central and South London offices, respectively. Recent work for Smith includes successfully representing Jack Tweed in a high-profile rape trial, while Inge has been acting in three gang-related murder cases. Fiona Dunkley is currently acting as solicitor-advocate in a number of Crown Court cases.

The team at Bankside Law benefits from team head Bill Wilson’s previous experience as a detective inspector. In recent years, the firm has received an increasing number of instructions from the Medical Defence Union, where work has included acting for a doctor regarding allegations of sexual assault.

David Phillips & Partners has four London offices dealing with heavyweight criminal matters. It acted in a drugs case involving one million ecstasy tablets and 15 kilos of cocaine; and also in a highly publicised murder case defending one of three brothers. The highly regarded Scott Ewing leads the team.

Hodge Jones & Allen LLP is increasingly seen as a leading firm for public order work, and successfully represented 11 defendants who were accused of imitating police officers during London’s G20 summit. The team, led by Nigel Richardson, has also been advising on numerous complex murder cases.

IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) has a highly regarded Magistrates Court team, led by Joanne Gibbons. Anil Rajani, praised for his efficient team management, acted in a manslaughter case in which death was caused by a single punch; and also acted in one of the largest-ever investigations into the unlicensed supply of military goods.

Russell-Cooke LLP has a particularly high profile in extradition cases, and in 2010 acted in a successful appeal which had far-reaching implications for extradition proceedings instituted in Albania. Jae Carwardine leads the team, which also advises professionals accused of crimes against people in their care.

Russell Jones & Walker is acting for a number of high-profile individuals, in relation to some of the most newsworthy cases of 2010. Highlights included advising police officers involved in the Rothbury incident involving Raoul Moat. Practice head Scott Ingram is experienced in police shooting cases.

Shaw Graham Kersh has recently expanded its team to develop its higher court advocates department. Recent work includes representing a defendant accused of the murder of his landlord and dismemberment of his body. Raymond Shaw is ‘a knowledgeable lawyer able to provide clear and realistic tactical advice in difficult circumstances’.

Shearman Bowen & Codelivers a first-rate service right across the board’. The team, led by the highly experienced Rick Shearman and Mark Bowen, has an outstanding track record in defending murder cases. The team expanded at associate level, and also welcomed Robert Tolhurst, formerly of Dyers Chambers, as in-house counsel.

Simons Muirhead & Burton has a varied and unusual practice, led by the vastly experienced Anthony Burton. The firm has extensive experience acting as Privy Council Agents, and specialises in appeals to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council. Burton also acts for high-profile clients in the entertainment industry.

Sonn MacMillan Walker has a strong reputation in extradition matters, acting on a mix of legally aided and private instructions. Other notable work includes acting for five families of individuals killed in the 7/7 terrorist attacks in London. Tim Walker heads the team.

T V Edwards has a strong team, and benefits from the varied experience of its more senior members. Anthony Edwards has substantial experience in protected witness cases; and Jim Nichol has successfully represented clients in many miscarriage of justice cases before the higher courts.

Birnberg Peirce & Partners is experienced in terrorism work. Previous clients of Gareth Peirce include the Birmingham Six, and the Guildford Four.

Daniel Berman & Co advises at all stages of the criminal process, from investigation to detention, where the team leverages its prison law experience. Senior partner Daniel Berman is well known in the field.

Edwards Duthie represents public bodies, and has a specialist team advising on claims against the police and other detaining authorities. Shaun Murphy and Bernie Huber lead the team.

As well as acting for private clients, GT Stewart Solicitors has recently been granted contracts to conduct publicly funded crime and prison law work in eight geographical areas of England. The experienced team includes Gregory Stewart, who has a long track record representing children and young people; Harminder Cheema, who heads up VHCC cases; and Daniel Rubinstein, who leads a team dealing with actions against the police. Recent work includes acting in a nine-handed murder trial in which all nine defendants were acquitted of conspiracy to murder. Other expertise includes prison law, extradition cases, and specialist appeal work.

Janes Solicitors has a solid reputation, and is regularly instructed in major cases covering the full spectrum of criminal offences. Recent work includes acting in a murder case in which canine DNA was presented as evidence for the first time in a British court.

Lewis Nedas & Co has a number of specialist teams dealing with specific areas such as extradition and firearms. The team was recently successful in overturning a sexual offences case in the Court of Appeal. Siobhain Egan’s ‘meticulous approach is second to none’; Keith Wood is ‘a terrific organiser of large-scale cases, and a redoubtable fighter’; and Jeffrey Lewis has ‘a great grasp of the tactics necessary to win a case’.

Lloyds PR Solicitors is ‘a young, growing firm with a bright future’. The team has a dedicated in-house higher court advocacy team, and close relationships with many leading criminal barristers. Department head Harsha Rupasinghe has ‘a sharp tactical awareness in pre-trial litigation when dealing with the prosecution’.

Peters & Peters Solicitors LLP acts for numerous high-profile individuals in reputational matters . Work for highly recommended department head Michael O’Kane includes successfully defending a Russian Federation extradition request against the billionaire owner of Stoli vodka.

Powell Spencer & Partners’ track record includes successfully representing a defendant charged with murder and violent disorder, achieving a full acquittal. Greg Powell is the managing partner.

Reynolds Dawson has been instructed in a number of high-profile inquiries including the Stephen Lawrence Inquiry, and more recently the Jean Charles De Menezes Inquest. Colin Reynolds is the senior partner.

Rustem Guardian Solicitors is currently defending a client in the Graff Jewellers heist involving £40m worth of jewellery; and advising in a highly publicised attempted honour killing. The experienced Zahir Ahmed leads the team.

Saunders Law Ltd has experience in complex legal, scientific and medical issues. Notable recent work includes acting in numerous trials regarding a £1.7m robbery and subsequent allegations of jury tampering, where an appeal to the ECHR is pending. Founding partner James Saunders is a well-known figure.

Venters Solicitors has court experience at all levels, and also has youth court expertise. Well-known senior partner June Venters QC is recommended.

Victor Lissack Roscoe & Coleman has a good reputation in criminal matters.

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