Barnfather Solicitors’ team of regulatory and business crime solicitors defends serious fraud and financial crime cases brought by regulators and enforcement agencies. The firm acts for companies, directors, senior personnel, entrepreneurs and high-net-worth individuals across a range of allegations, including corporate fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering, and pension liberation fraud. Anthony Barnfather leads the team, developing a niche in failed tax structuring schemes that HMRC are now criminally prosecuting. Gary Broadfield focuses on cyber crime, while Simon Morgan assists overseas clients with investigations and proceedings conducted by law enforcement authorities.
Crime: general crime and fraud in North West
Barnfather Solicitors
Practice head(s):
Anthony Barnfather
Other key lawyers:
Gary Broadfield; Simon Morgan
Testimonials
‘Tony Barnfather was excellent at fighting our case.’
‘Barnfathers is a boutique criminal firm. As a consequence they are able to concentrate on a relatively small number of private clients and provide a dedicated service.’
‘Gary Broadfield is exceptionally bright and hardworking with a great ability to communicate with the client. His knowledge spans not just crime, but civil challenges to search and seizure operations and other civil challenges to criminal process.’
Work highlights
Cartwright King
Cartwright King handles the full spectrum of financial crime matters, often acting for directors, senior employees and management of multinational companies accused of bribery and other serious financial crimes. The practice also advises corporate clients with regards to the avoidance of fraud. Richard Cornthwaite leads the North West crime team, specialising in the defence of serious and complex fraud cases. Senior associate Sarah Sherry bolsters the team, offering expertise in criminal and regulatory litigation. The London-based Laura Smith is the interim head of the national corporate, financial and serious crime team, and oversees the Manchester office. Director Michael Balmer departed in December 2021.
Practice head(s):
Richard Cornthwaite; Laura Smith
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Sherry
Testimonials
‘The general crime and fraud departement continue to provide an unrivalled service of top experience and expertise in fraud and crime, they appear in the top cases and are able to provide expert advice expertise at very short notice in all fields.’
‘Richard Cornthwaite is the “fraud guru”.’
‘Sarah Sherry’s attention to detail and knowledge of law is underpinned by a steely detemination and passionate representation of her lay clients.’
Work highlights
- Acted for a major international bank being investigated in relation to a substantial multi-million pound/euro/dollar fraud.
- Represented a client in relation to a mis-declaration fraud against the Royal Mail using an online self-billing system, with the total loss sustained by the Royal Mail estimated at £81m.
- Represented two senior executives of a multinational company under investigation by SFO for falsifying analytical test results enabling the sale of poor quality steel products into the international aviation industry.
Farleys Solicitors LLP
Farleys Solicitors LLP handles matters across financial and general crime and is particularly recognised for its work on high-value revenue fraud. The firms deals with a range of complex criminal cases nationally. The Preston-based Paul Schofield leads the team, with expertise in fraud and money laundering. Jonathan Taylor oversees the crime department from the Blackburn office. Bridgette Hibbert offers considerable experience in proceeds of crime applications and high-end trading standards cases.
Practice head(s):
Paul Schofield
Other key lawyers:
Jonathan Taylor; Bridget Hibbert
Testimonials
‘Paul Schofield is exceptional. He has a huge amount of experience and is incredibly easy to work with.’
‘Paul Schofield is outstanding. He is meticulous in his preparation and has an excellent support team.’
‘They are a fantastic team, always willing to go the extra mile for the client.’
‘Paul Schofield and Bridgette Hibbert are just incredibily hardworking. A team that is second to none.’
Work highlights
Forbes Solicitors
Forbes Solicitors advises professional clients across general and financial crime claims.The firm offers expertise in sexual offences cases, large-scale conspiracies to defraud and international drug trafficking offences. The dedicated financial crime team includes two partners and one consultant who are approved VHCC fraud supervisors. Daniel King, managing partner and head of the special case work, leads the team from the Preston office. The Salford-based Craig Liversidge heads the crown court department, focusing on large-scale drugs conspiracies and financial and business crime. Shane Parkin specialises in murder, cyber crime, drug conspiracies and RTAs.
Practice head(s):
Daniel King; Craig Liversidge
Other key lawyers:
Shane Parkin; Carrie Gilgun
Testimonials
‘Forbes is an extremely well organised and efficient firm. I have always found them very responsive to my communications and their client care is excellent.’
‘Forbes are the paradigm criminal firm.’
‘They are unquestionably one of the very best firms I have worked with in the North of England. They are ultra-professional and extremely well organised.’
Work highlights
JMW Solicitors LLP
JMW Solicitors LLP’s business crime and regulation team is recognised for its work in relation to alleged financial wrongdoing, investigations and prosecutions instigated by industry regulators, professional misconduct, sexual wrongdoing claims, and the defence of motoring offences. Practice head Peter Grogan has considerable experience in cases of fraud and alleged financial wrongdoing. Ian Lewis specialises in all areas of professional regulatory discipline and fitness. Mike Rainford deals with matters concerning complex fraud, VAT evasion and investigations conducted by the FCA, HMRC and trading atandards. Sam Healey is another name to note, handling financial crime matters.
Practice head(s):
Peter Grogan
Other key lawyers:
Ian Lewis; Mike Rainford; Sam Healey
Testimonials
‘Great combination of expertise and approachability. They find constructive solutions in even the most difficult litigation.’
‘They combine legal acumen with personable support. They are diligent in all that they do and deliver to the highest standard in every situation.’
‘A very well respected team for criminal work and regulatory work. They attract top quality work and do it very well.’
‘Ian Lewis has massive experience and demontsrates utter commitment to his clients.’
‘Mike Rainford is something of a legend in the field.’
‘Sam Healey provides his clients with a five star service.’
‘Sam Healey is an impressive solicitor with excellent client care and strong tactical acumen.’
‘Ian Lewis and Mike Rainford are the stand-out partners, with vast experience of the most complex and high profile clients.’
Key clients
Police Federation of England & Wales
Police Superintendents Association of England & Wales
ParkingEye Ltd
British Parking Association
Smart Parking Ltd
UK Parking Control Ltd
David Duckenfield
Donald Denton
CP Plus Ltd Trading as Group Nexus
Horizon Parking Ltd
Work highlights
MSB Solicitors Ltd
MSB Solicitors Ltd
is recommended for its work the defence of serious fraud, criminal and regulatory cases. The Merseyside-based firm handles POCA proceedings, health and safety/regulatory work privately funded by insurers. Paul Gallagher heads the team, representing clients with serious criminal offences ranging from murder to drug importation conspiracies. Sean Sexton is noted for handling high-profile criminal proceedings, including complex fraud cases. Andrew Pearson specialises in representing defendants who are autistic or have Asperger’s Syndrome. Michael McKeown joined the firm in 2021, with expertise in county lines drug matters and related kidnap. Jeremy Asher left the firm in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Paul Gallagher
Other key lawyers:
Sean Sexton; Andrew Pearson; Michael McKeown
Testimonials
‘Paul Gallagher cares about the clients and his level of preparation is excellent.’
‘MSB have an impressive profile in the city of Liverpool and are well known for their inclusive culture, excellent client service and valuable CSR activities.’
‘Paul Gallagher has an excellent rapport with clients. He always provides detailed instructions and is supportive of counsel and client alike.’
Olliers
Olliers, a criminal defence and regulatory law firm, specialises in the defence of serious general and financial crimes. The firm is recommended for its handling of regulatory issues, sexual offences, asset recovery, insolvency disputes and motor offences. Managing director Matthew Claughton heads the team, recognised for defending allegations of serious crime, fraud, regulatory matters and sexual offences. Matthew Corn deals with complex proceeds of crime confiscation matters and as well as cases involving fraud, drugs importation conspiracies, murder and terrorism. Alex Preston is noted for representing neurodiverse clients, as well as those with psychiatric and learning difficulties.
Practice head(s):
Matthew Claughton
Other key lawyers:
Matthew Corn; Alex Preston
Testimonials
‘Olliers are simply the best firm of criminal solicitors in the North West.’
‘The strength and breadth of the criminal team at Olliers really stands out from other firms, and reflects their reputation as leaders in criminal work.’
‘Olliers are without question the premier crime and fraud firm in Greater Manchester.’
‘This firm has a particularly able and experienced criminal defence team. Each member has particular and complementary strengths and they work together very effectively.’
‘Matthew Claughton is outstanding. Absolutely dependable and an inspirational leader to his team.’
‘Alex Preston has a keen forensic mind and is excellent at providing clear, strategic and tactical advice to clients with clarity and precision.’
‘Matthew Claughton is the “go-to” solicitor for people who are being investigated in all manner of criminal and fraud offences.’
‘Matthew Corn is excellent in dealing with very serious career criminals facing substantial drug or murder conspiracy charges.’
Work highlights
Stephensons Solicitors LLP
Stephensons Solicitors LLP is a Wigan-based boutique criminal practice. On the general crime side, which includes three High Court advocates, the practice deals with motoring offences, civil liberties, miscarriages of justice and SRA interventions. On the fraud side, the firm handles large-scale cases such as land-banking matters, Ponzi schemes and VAT and investment fraud. Sean Joyce heads the regulatory and criminal justice team, while Correna Platt oversees the fraud practice. Mike Pemberton manages the civil liberties and public law unit, dealing with cases involving public law or human rights issues. Colin Rawson offers expertise in drug offending cases, in particularly those arrested connected to encro phones and county line cases. Fraud specialist John Greenwood and Duncan Phillips are other key members of the team.
Practice head(s):
Sean Joyce; Correna Platt
Other key lawyers:
Mike Pemberton; John Greenwood; Duncan Phillips; Colin Rawson
Testimonials
‘Stephensons have an excellent criminal department of experienced and dedicated lawyers, dealing with the full range of criminal cases.’
‘An excellent team that is able to deal with the full spectrum of criminal offences including financial crime.’
‘Stephensons are a top rated criminal firm with a great team who have exceptional client care skills.’
Work highlights
- Represented a client who has committed an offence of fraud relating to crypto currency to in excess of AUD37m.
- Acted for a defendant charged with conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and firearms, relating to a nationwide supply of Class A drugs in the sum of millions of pounds.
- Acted for a youth defendant charged with an offence of murder, allegedly a retaliation gang murder.
AGI Criminal Solicitors
AGI Criminal Solicitors, a Manchester-based legal aid practice, acts on multi-handed drugs and sex cases, as well as murder, terrorism and fraud by false representation matters. The practice is also recognised for representing prisoners and vulnerable clients. Practice head Yasmin Aslam focuses on criminal, fraud and prison law. Samayra Ashraf bolsters the team, supporting clients accused of or charged with serious criminal offences.
Practice head(s):
Yasmin Aslam
Other key lawyers:
Samayra Ashraf
Testimonials
‘Their preparation and their dedication to their clients are unparalleled.’
‘It’s hard to put into words how good this company really is; I would recommend to anyone fighting for innocence.’
‘100% ready to fight and win and go above and beyond.’
Brabners LLP
Brabners LLP’s criminal instructions include driving offences, serious sexual and violent allegations, fraud and money laundering. The practice also has a particular specialism in handling firearm cases. The team acts on behalf of a wide range of private clients, including sports and media personalities, educational institutions and major businesses. Lachlan Nisbet leads the team and is recommended for his work on firearm issues. Associate Charlotte McRae specialises in white-collar crime, health and safety matters and coronial work.
Practice head(s):
Lachlan Nisbet
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte McRae
Testimonials
‘Clients trust them, opponents respect them and they always seem to find a way to find a sensible solution in the best interests of the lay client.’
‘Very approachable and provide a very personal and individual service to clients.’
‘The team at Brabners is always thoroughly prepared. They have access to a huge fund of knowledge and experience and operate in a professional and honest way.’
Work highlights
Burton Copeland LLP
Burton Copeland LLP handles the full spectrum of criminal law, from serious and organised crime through to regulator work and road traffic matters. The practice is instructed by police federations, claims management companies who act on behalf of insurance companies and members of the National Fostering Association. Practice head Louise Straw is recognised for her work on sexual abuse and historical sexual assault cases. Co-head Gwyn Lewis, chairman of the Manchester Law Society Crown and Magistrates Committee, focuses on road traffic cases. Daniel Weed completes the leadership trio and has developed a practice representing police officers. The experienced Michael Mackey is now a consultant to the firm.
Practice head(s):
Louise Straw; Gwyn Lewis; Daniel Weed
Other key lawyers:
Michael Mackey
Key clients
Legal Insurance Management Ltd
Arc Insurance
All Med Professionals (DAS)
Fostering Association
ARAG Insurance
Police Federation
Work highlights
Clyde & Co
Clyde & Co merged with Clyde & Co in 2022. The practice is instructed on corporate and gross manslaughter, environmental crime, food safety, fatal road traffic and, health and safety cases for an array of corporate and insurer clients. Chris Morrison leads the firm’s UK safety, health and environmental regulatory group, splitting his time between the London and Manchester offices. Co-heads Karen Elliott and Damian Rourke are important senior team members, with the latter advising on fraud risk and strategy across cases. Associate Kate Hargan leads the motor crime department. Mark Brookes is also noted.
Practice head(s):
Chris Morrison; Damian Rourke; Karen Elliott; Kate Hargan
Other key lawyers:
Mark Brookes
Testimonials
‘The general crime team at Clyde is focused on motor crime which means that they are very highly specialised. There are few practises in the country with this level of specialist expertise and knowledge.’
‘Imaginative, enthusiastic and always superb service.’
‘The team at Clyde has a really in-depth knowledge of their subject matter, they act in their clients’ best interests and are exceptionally good at communicating with all those involved in cases.’
Key clients
Airbus
Beaufort Maintenance Ltd
Natwest/RBS
RSA
AXA
Aviva
Work highlights
- Represented Beaufort Maintenance Ltd, specialist conveyor contractors, in respect of the Police/HSE investigation following the Avonmouth waste treatment plant explosion of December 2020 which killed four workers.
- Represented 21 CC Group Limited, a national events services business, at a five day hearing, in respect of a successful appeal of a Prohibition Notice served by the HSE regarding the picking and storage of fireworks.
- Advised one of the largest Health & Safety Consultancies in the UK, including the representation of any mentor businesses subject to regulatory investigation; representation in respect of enforcement notice appeals and prosecutions in the criminal courts.
Cunninghams Solicitors
Cunninghams Solicitors‘ complex fraud and crime team focuses on defending allegations of serious fraud and organised crime brought by the main prosecuting agencies, including the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC and the Complex Case Units of the Crown Prosecution Service. The department is also experienced in the conduct of confiscation and restraint proceedings, particularly under The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. Practice head David Caplin handles serious fraud, money laundering and tax evasion investigations. Director Sarah Housley works on fraud and confiscation cases.
Practice head(s):
David Caplin
Other key lawyers:
Sarah Housley
Testimonials
‘The firm clearly runs a very professional operation.’
‘In an increasingly difficult legal aid environment, the team at Cunninghams provide a quality and comprehensive service.’
‘The firm as a whole is one of the best I have worked with, maintaining a high quality of service to client in difficult times.’
‘Sarah Housley is a fantastically dedicated solicitor in fraud.’
‘Both David Caplin and Sarah Housley are extremely personable and take client care very seriously.’
‘David Caplin has vast knowledge and experience. He fights hard but fair for clients.’
‘Sarah Housley has an ability to marshal and understand large volumes of information, excellent interpersonal skills.’
Work highlights
Keoghs LLP
Keoghs LLP deals with the defence of serious regulatory breaches across all service sectors for corporate entities and directors. The practice handles a large amount of motor offences as well as prosecutions for corporate and gross negligence manslaughter, environmental issues and care sector-related investigations. Neena Sharma leads the criminal motor defence team, while co-head David Walton manages health and safety, environmental, food safety and care related investigations and prosecutions. The Bolton-based Damian Ward and Ruth Needham complete the management quartet. Associate Rekha Sharma is recommended for handling motor defence cases.
Practice head(s):
Neena Sharma; David Walton; Damian Ward; Ruth Needham
Other key lawyers:
Rekha Sharma
Testimonials
‘The Bolton team work extremely well as a unit. They are an underrated team, fly under the radar and deserve greater recognition for their exceptional legal knowledge and client handling skills.’
‘Keoghs are an excellent team with a group of highly efficient solicitors.’
‘Keoghs are a one-stop shop for all legal needs from civil to fraud assistance. They have exceptional teams covering every area of law from fraud to motor, recoveries and enforcement.’
Key clients
LV
Chubb
Catholic Insurance Services
Allianz
AXA
Markel
RSA
Zurich
Hastings Direct
Esure
Work highlights
Markel Law LLP
Markel Law LLP offers expertise in professional discipline, business crime and regulatory law for businesses, high-net-worth individuals, and associations across a broad spectrum of industries. Deborah Nicholson oversees the regulatory department, undertaking both contentious and non-contentious regulatory and criminal work. Gareth Martin has extensive experience handling road traffic cases, serious crime and fraud matters and regulatory investigations. Associate Lauren Wilson focuses on health and social care regulation.
Practice head(s):
Deborah Nicholson
Other key lawyers:
Gareth Martin; Laura Wilson
Testimonials
‘The team at Markel Law are a small, but excellent crime team. Despite their heavy workloads each case is prepared meticulously and the client is made to feel like they are the only client that matters.’
‘Great client care and willingness to look for every way to help the client.’
‘In terms of comparison to other firms, Markel are seen to be several steps above the norm in terms of quality of lawyers and quality of service.’
‘Gareth Martin is very good and excellent with clients.’
‘Gareth Martin is a stand-out, no-nonsense solicitor, who goes the extra mile.’
‘I dealt with Gareth Martin extensively, and felt that he was ‘available’ to me at every step of the way, irrespective of office hours.’
‘As soon as Gareth took our case we felt reassured and in the best possible hands.’
Key clients
Towergate
Federation of Small Businesses
Markel UK
Markel Legal Expenses Insurance
Jelf
P3 (Charity Sector)
Rethink
Tower Hamlet GP Care Group
E.Asthampton Ltd
Work highlights
- Advised a health and safety consultant in respect of an HSE investigation into the death of an employee at a haulage yard.
- Instructed by a fire engineer in the context of the criminal investigation into the Grenfell Tower fire.
- Advised a company and its three directors in respect of a large scale fraudulent trading prosecution brought by Trading Standards involving in excess of 500 complainants.
Mary Monson Solicitors
Mary Monson Solicitors‘ criminal defence practice represents professionals, particularly in the medical sector, facing criminal allegations. The team is also recognised for handling cases involving death, people trafficking, rape and serious homicide. On the fraud side, the practice focuses on bribery and corruption cases. Joseph Kotrie-Monson heads the team, defending clients involved in large-scale drugs importation and distribution as well as serious sexual offences. Liam Kotrie specialises in defending allegations of murder.
Practice head(s):
Joseph Kotrie-Monson
Other key lawyers:
Liam Kotrie
Testimonials
‘Mary Monson Solicitors attract some high-quality/complex criminal defence work, and plainly fight hard for their clients.’
‘An innovative practice that punches above its weight.’
‘They are utterly dedicated to providing a top of the range legal service.’
‘Joseph Kotrie-Monson is very impressive and passionate about his specialist field.’
‘Joseph has a great legal knowledge and tactical awareness.’
‘Joseph Kotrie-Monson is a star.’
Key clients
Paul Bond (Unaoil Case)
Work highlights
- Represented Paul Bond in the Unaoil criminal trials.
3D Solicitors
3D Solicitors is a boutique practice specialising in regulatory, professional discipline and criminal law encompassing sexual allegations and appeal procedures. Daniel Berke leads the team, with regulatory and compliance expertise. Co-head Deborah Britstone handles professional disciplinary matters, particularly in the area of police law.
Practice head(s):
Daniel Berke; Deborah Britstone
Testimonials
‘They are a small firm, but highly specialised and experienced meaning they can offer a fantastic service.’
‘Very responsive and highly experienced in dealing with complex cases’
‘They are a powerhouse and the go-to firm in the North West for crime.’
Key clients
Chief Officers Police Staff Association
Police Superintendents Association
Manchester Beth Din
Farillio
UK Lawyers for Israel
Work highlights
- Represented former Chief Constable Creedon as a key witness at the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse – Lord Janner strand.
- Represented Matthew Catterall who is accused of breaches of the Covid Regulations for leaving a quarantine hotel with his son due to concerns that his son’s medical needs could not be met, choosing to take him to hospital.
- Represented Thomas Maher, a businessman, facing allegations of exporting Class A drugs and money laundering following the high-profile infiltration of the Encro chat encrypted network by the National Crime Agency and international law enforcement teams.
Brian Koffman & Co
Brian Koffman & Co handles privately funded criminal work, with a focus on motor offences. The practice is also instructed on fraud-related matters and regulatory issues. Founding partner Brian Koffman is noted for his work in the areas of crime and road traffic law.
Practice head(s):
Brian Koffman
Work highlights
DWF
DWF’s fraud and financial crime team, is recommended for acting on behalf of insurers in relation to alleged fraudulent motor and personal injury claims. Lorraine Carolan 
leads the team nationally, while Stuart Poole oversees the Liverpool office and is experienced in covering RTA, casualty and large loss exaggeration claims. Jewels Chamberlain co-heads the Liverpool branch, working with insurance companies in combatting spurious soft tissue and whiplash claims. The Manchester-based Colin Bushell is also noted for his work on insurance fraud.
Practice head(s):
Lorraine Carolan; Stuart Poole; Jewels Chamberlain
Other key lawyers:
Colin Bushell
Work highlights
Hempsons
Hempsons’ regulatory and crime practice offers expertise defending healthcare professionals, particularly doctors, against criminal allegations. The firm specialises in investigations related to the offences of murder, gross negligence manslaughter, sexual offences, assaults, fraud and indecent images. Practice head Katherine Sheldrick defends healthcare practitioners under investigation by their regulatory bodies, in particular the GMC/MPTS. James Rowley joined the practice from Weightmans LLP in 2021.
Practice head(s):
Katherine Sheldrick
Other key lawyers:
James Rowley; Hannah Stephenson; John Fitzpatrick
Testimonials
‘Katherine Sheldrick is outstanding; a master of the fine detail.’
Key clients
Medical Defence Union
Dental Defence Union
Work highlights
- Advised and secured acquittal of a senior medical practitioner on multiple historic allegations of indecent and sexual assault.
- Advising senior medical consultant in multiple defendant gross negligence manslaughter prosecution.
- Advised NHS organisation on corporate/gross negligence manslaughter investigation, including potential investigation of the organisation as well as of individual employees.
Kennedys
Kennedys specialises in insurance fraud across various lines of business, including motor, employer and public liability, travel and property damage claims. Practice head Martin Stockdale advises clients on counter fraud strategies as well as fraud litigation. Katherine Totty focuses on high-value casualty claims.
Practice head(s):
Martin Stockdale
Other key lawyers:
Katherine Totty
Key clients
JD Wetherspoon Plc
Chubb
The Innovation Group
Work highlights
Reeds Solicitors
Reeds Solicitors specialises in criminal defence, prison work, family law, and mental health issues, accepting instructions on both a private and publicly funded basis. The team is recognised for its expertise in appellant work, representing clients across the country in Court of Appeal matters. Practice head Jeremy Moore has considerable experience advising on criminal defence and appeals.
Practice head(s):
Jeremy Moore; Beth Mantel
Testimonials
‘Jeremy Moore is superb when it comes to criminal appeals.’
‘Jeremy Moore has been most understanding, clear in communication, delivered prompt service when needed and has given me great confidence.’