The Legal 500

United Kingdom > South East > Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime

Editorial sections

Other

All countries

The ‘tenacious and tactically astuteGary 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 experiencedPhilip 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’.

Press releases

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to

Legal Developments in the UK

Legal Developments and updates from the leading lawyers in each jurisdiction. To contribute, send an email request to

Press Releases in the UK

The latest news direct from law firms. If you would like to submit press releases for your firm, send an email request to
  • Could Britain have tried Saif Gaddafi?

    Geoffrey Bindman comments on the limits of universal jurisdiction
  • Procurement update: Court of Appeal rules on service concessions and implied contract claims

    In JBW Ltd v Ministry of Justice [2012] EWCA Civ 8 (16 January 2011), the Court of Appeal has analysed and applied recent Court of Justice case-law on the definition of “services concession” contract and made an important ruling on the availability in procurement litigation of claims based on an implied contract created by an invitation to tender.
    - 11KBW
  • Bindmans partner Tamsin Allen achieves High Court victory for phone hacking victims

    Tamsin Allen , who heads the firm’s media practice, has secured settlements against News Group Newspapers Ltd for the former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott, Chris Bryant MP, Denis MacShane MP, journalists Joan Smith and Tom Rowland and Christopher Shipman.
  • Greenwich Community Law Centre: High Court upholds withdrawal of funding from law centre

    In R (Greenwich Community Law Centre) v Greenwich LBC [2011] EWHC 3463 (Admin), the Administrative Court (Cranston J) has dismissed a challenge by a leading law centre to the decision by Greenwich Council to withdraw its funding of around £200,000 per year.
    - 11KBW
  • Pannu and ors v Geo W King Ltd and ors UKEAT/0021-23/11/DA

    The EAT has delivered judgment in this the first case to consider the “supply of goods” exception to the service provision change rules in the Transfer of Undertakings (Protection of Employment) Regulations 2006 (“TUPE”). The case concerned the supply of axle assemblies for vans built by a company within the General Motors group. James Goudie QC and Holly Stout appeared for two out of the three respondents. Instructing Solicitor was Jon Taylor of EMW Picton Howell LLP.
    - 11KBW
  • Clear Edge UK Ltd v Elliot and others [2011] EWHC 3376 (QB)

    Akhlaq Choudhury was junior counsel for the Claimants in this application for springboard injunctive relief in a team move context. The case was unusual in that the “team” comprised only three people and all of them had given due contractual notice of their termination (which notice had already expired in respect of two of the Defendants by the time of the application).
    - 11KBW
  • Kettling judgement disappoints protesters

    Protesters expressed disappointment with a Court of Appeal decision today to overturn a Divisional Court judgement on kettling and use of violent force against climate protesters on April 1 2009. The Divisional Court headed by its President, Sir Anthony May, and Mr Justice Sweeney, had concluded the police operations were “not lawful.”
  • 11KBW welcomes David Stead as its Chief Executive

    11KBW is delighted to announce that David Stead will be joining Chambers as Chief Executive with effect from 18th January 2012. David is currently the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Gill Jennings & Every LLP, having held similar positions at Field Fisher Waterhouse, Eversheds and KPMG.
    - 11KBW
  • Marcus Pilgerstorfer joins 11KBW

    We are delighted to announce that Marcus Pilgerstorfer has joined 11KBW, Chambers and Partners Employment Set of the Year 2011.
    - 11KBW
  • Protest continues at Parliament Square

    Long standing protest continues at Parliament Square and efforts yesterday evening by the Metropolitan Police (supported by Westminster) to clear the area have not ended protest at this iconic location.