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Crime

At ABR Solicitors (previously known as Clarion Advocates), Rob Rode is the driving force in the fraud team, which also includes recommended practitioner Steve Milner. The group has played an important role in major cases relating to SIPPs and large-scale mortgage fraud. It also has experience in significant drug crime cases, and in inadequacy applications to the High Court.

Cartwright King maintains a leading reputation for fraud and serious crime cases, under the leadership of Mark Fowler. MTIC tax fraud is an area of strength, and recent highlights include acting for an acquitted party in Operation Euripus trials.

Irwin Mitchell is particularly well regarded for VHCC fraud work, and has a growing private crime practice. It has been handling some significant money laundering and mortgage fraud cases, in addition to tax investigations. Dan Stowers is ‘a leader in the field’, and Paul Haycock is also recommended.

O’Garra’s regularly defends clients in serious fraud actions brought by HMRC, and also advises on sexual crime and drug offences. Michael O’Garra heads the practice.

Grahame Stowe and Richard Reed at Grahame Stowe Bateson are very strong on cases involving murder and general crime. The firm has a growing white-collar practice, and is active in serious fraud matters.

Howard & Byrne Solicitors’ team is led by fraud specialist and higher rights advocate Kevin Blount. Colin Byrne is an expert in miscarriage of justice and shaken baby cases, while Jacky East heads the prison law sub-group. Recent instructions include acting for the defendant in a ‘loss of control’ murder case.

Howells’ general crime practice is among the largest in Sheffield, and is regularly instructed in homicide and white-collar crime cases. Daniel Simpson and his team work closely with the firm’s civil liberties group on miscarriage of justice matters, and John Gibson has expertise in Youth Court cases. Chris Wong joined in 2011 from Graysons.

Lester Morrill is experienced in both general and serious crime matters. Philip Goldberg heads the practice.

McCormicks handles publicly funded general crime and fraud cases, particularly cases involving the Department for Work and Pensions. The group, led by Geoffrey Rogers, has VHCC panel membership and has acted for a number of professional footballers.

Rahman Ravelli Solicitors’ team is ‘dependable, committed and effective’. It focuses on national and international fraud and corruption work involving mortgage, MTIC and boiler room fraud. ‘Strategic thinker’ Aziz Rahman heads the practice, which recently acted for three directors in a $2.2bn bribery case connected to Liberia. Helen Lynch advises on Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) matters, while Paula Berry heads a dedicated Crown Court team.

Rob Casey leads the team at Switalskis Solicitors LLP, which advises on fraud as well as general and violent crime. Solicitor advocate Peter Byrne left the firm for Lester Morrill in 2011.

Tates Solicitors is on the Specialist Fraud Panel of the CCU, and managing partner John Batchelor has a solid history of defending prosecutions by HMRC and the SFO.

Williamsons provides advice on general and serious crime. Solicitor Carolyn Shelton has higher rights of advocacy.

Licensing

Gosschalks’ two-partner practice has a national reputation. Clare Johnson heads the team, which includes much-admired advocate Richard Taylor. It has been handling an increasing number of Scotland-related instructions from Morrisons, and advised Asda on licensing matters arising from its acquisition of Netto. It also acts for Virgin Active Health Clubs and William Hill.

The ‘outstanding’ John Gaunt at John Gaunt & Partners delivers a ‘prompt’ and ‘consistently excellent’ service. As well as representing national clients in review hearings, the team advised Marston’s plc and Whitbread on multiple licence applications. ‘Lateral thinker’ Tim Shield combines ‘in-depth knowledge of licensing law’ with advocacy skills.

Licensing boutique Woods Whur was formed in 2011 by Paddy Whur and Andrew Woods, who moved from Walker Morris. The firm advises on the licensing of alcohol, gaming, and premises, acting for clients such as Novus Leisure, Barracuda Group and Thistle Hotels.

DLA Piper UK LLP’s licensing practice is led by health, safety and environment specialist Teresa Hitchcock. It recently assisted Empire Cinemas and Qhotels on alcohol licence applications, and advised an international food conglomerate in relation to a premises licence.

Clients of Ford & Warren benefit from John Coen’s ‘outstanding’ knowledge of Scottish licensing law. The team has an excellent track record on licensing appeals in the pub and leisure sector, and provides a ‘speedy and efficient service’.

Blacks Solicitors LLP’s licensing work is handled by Nicholas Dyson and commercial property associate Chris Waddingham. The firm advises pub and retail clients on licence alterations, and handles site licences for clients in the holiday homes sector.

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