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Crime

The ‘tenacious and tactically astute’ Gary Bloxsome leads the ‘dedicated, well run and supremely committed’ team at Blackfords LLP. Recent highlights include R v Mohammed Adeel, which involved honour killings, and R v McFarland, a case involving the Graff Jewellers robbery. Managing partner Trevor Francis possesses ‘mammoth technical expertise’.

The ‘superb’ team at Edward Hayes LLP is jointly headed by Maria Monan and Christopher Hayes, and specialises in high-value business and white-collar crime, tax and VAT fraud, private crime and shaken baby syndrome cases. Recent cases include R v Wragg, a high-profile mercy killing case, and R v S, a landmark case relating to indecent assault on children. Monan is ‘exceptionally good’ and provides ‘excellent legal support and advice’.

The ‘hardworking and efficient’ team at IBB (Iliffes Booth Bennett) is led by Anil Rajani, who has strong expertise in fraud and white-collar crime cases. Case highlights included R v Hay, a two-year investigation concerning large-scale importation of cannabis; and the successful defence of a complex and sensitive manslaughter case. Thomas Brownlow has retired.

Blake Lapthorn’s ‘first-class’ team specialises in motoring cases, including cases involving drink and dangerous driving, speeding, and accidents. John Mitchell heads the regulatory team, and the ‘very experienced’ Philip Somarakis leads the motoring offences team.

Mark Anthony Rayner’s ‘outstanding’ team at DMH Stallard LLP has particular expertise within the public sector, acting for clients such as the London Borough of Croydon on criminal matters, including in 2010 the prosecution of a woman claiming illegal benefits. It also has experience in criminal damage and computer misuse.

Jim Astle heads the team at Darbys Solicitors LLP, which in 2010 successfully defended a trainee airline pilot accused of assaulting a taxi driver, as well as a senior figure in a religious institution accused of sexual impropriety. The team also has a large corporate client base.

Praveen Saigal’s ‘excellent’ criminal team at Harvey Ingram Borneos predominantly handles prosecution work for national organisations, and recently expanded its expertise in regulatory work. David Gough is recommended.

Tim Ryan’s ‘excellent’ team at Knights advises countryside and country sports clients on a range of matters. Recent highlights include successfully defending a huntsman accused of assaulting two animal rights activists.

Taylor Haldane Barlex joins the ranking following its acquisition of BTMK Solicitors LLP’s well-established crime team. The 25-lawyer team is headed by Richard Cooper and focuses on Health and Safety Executive and Police Federation matters, alongside general criminal matters.

Simon Becker’s team at Tees Solicitors recently secured an acquittal of a client charged with voyeurism.

The ‘exceptional’ team at Woodfines LLP handles serious fraud, child neglect and manslaughter matters. Practice head Mike Hayward has ‘tremendous insight, energy and drive’, and Niall Quinn QC is ‘remarkable’.

Licensing

Phil Crier’s ‘all-round excellent’ team at Blake Lapthorn advises leading retailers and companies on licence applications. Recent instructions include acting for the Stonegate Pub Company on the transfer of 109 premises licences, as well as handling gaming machine permits and pavement licences. London-based Jon Wallsgrove has ‘excellent knowledge’.

Blandy & Blandy LLP’s ‘excellent’ team acts for The London Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, The FA Panel, AEG and Wembley Estate Management. Practice head Sue Dowling is ‘outstanding’.

DMH Stallard LLP’s team advised Haldanes Stores on the licensing requirements of its recently acquired 14 Co-op and Somerfield stores, and also advised CSMA Motoring and Leisure Services on its licensing requirements. Associate Sophie Macarthy leads the team.

The team at Trethowans LLP continues to advise clients such as Nando’s, Chickenland and Pizza Hut on pavement licences and expansions. The loss of Jane Walker to Coffin Mew LLP has been mitigated by the arrival of new practice head Caroline Matthews, who joined from Reed Smith.

Stephen Thomas at Stephen Thomas Law advises festival organisers, nightclub owners and caravan parks on new licence applications and renewals. Thomas also specialises in road traffic licences.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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