David Hardstaff > BCL Solicitors LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile
BCL Solicitors LLP Offices
51 LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
LONDON
WC2A 3LZ
England
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David Hardstaff
Work Department
Serious and general crime; business crime and regulation.
Position
David Hardstaff is a partner in BCL’s serious and general crime department, specialising in criminal litigation, professional discipline, controlled drug licensing, and proceeds of crime. He has particular experience in representing individuals accused of sexual offences, drugs offences and offences involving violence. He is an experienced police station representative and advocate, representing clients in a wide range of proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. Regularly acting for professionals and high-profile individuals, he has a reassuring appreciation of the pressures and strains that clients face when subject to investigation. He also advises witnesses, corporates and broadcasters involved in criminal proceedings on matters such as reputation management and public relations.
In addition to his busy criminal practice, David advises companies and institutions in the cannabis industry. He is experienced in the Home Office controlled drug licensing system and in advising businesses (from start-ups to multinationals) in relation to proceeds of crime considerations.
Career
Qualified 2014. Joined BCL Solicitors LLP 2015.
David regularly comments in the media on criminal justice news and issues (e.g. The Law Society Gazette and LexisNexis). He is a contributor to the forthcoming edition of the Law and Regulation of Medicines (OUP).
Memberships
Law Society of England & Wales; London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association; Young Fraud Lawyers’ Association; London Irish Lawyers’ Association.
Education
University of Dundee (2009, Law LLB (Hons)); California Appellate Project (2010); University of Law (2012, Legal Practice Course).
Lawyer Rankings
London > Crime, fraud and licensing > Crime: general
(Rising stars)BCL Solicitors LLP offers high-profile and high-net worth clients advice on a range of criminal matters, with recent work including advising Kevin Spacey regarding allegations of sexual assault. The team is headed by the ‘exceptional‘ Ellen Peart, who has recently seen an increase in her work defending FCA regulated individuals facing significant criminal charges. Other key team members include Mark Haslam, who is particularly adept at motoring cases, and David Hardstaff, who specialises in criminal litigation and is described as ‘very hard-working‘. Daniel Jackson is a key contact for sports and business professionals and was promoted to partner in October 2022 alongside Hardstaff. Associates Bethan Cowlam and Rishi Joshi are also key contacts.