Firms To Watch: Crime: general crime and fraud

Stockport firm Gorvins Solicitors set up a new crime and regulatory department in late 2022 with the double hire of Paul Reddy and Tom Nutter, who specialise in representing police officers.
Since joining the firm in December 2021 from Cartwright King where he led the fraud and cybercrime teams, Michael Balmer heads up Weightmans LLP’ business and financial crime team which primarily acts for corporates in external investigations and prosecutions into allegations of fraud, bribery, and corruption.
Slater Heelis has made a push into the general crime and fraud space with the well-renowned Rachel Fletcher, formerly of JMW Solicitors LLP, leading the team.

Crime: general crime and fraud in North West

Barnfather Solicitors

Boutique firm Barnfather Solicitors specialises in defending directors, entrepreneurs, high-net-worth individuals, and professionals under investigation for white-collar crime, serious fraud, and tax evasion, including corporate fraud, bribery and corruption, money laundering, and pension liberation fraud. The practice is recognised for handling the most sensitive and high-profile cases in serious fraud and financial crime, and supporting clients during complex investigations and proceedings conducted by law enforcement authorities, including the SFO, NCA, HMRC, and the police. Experienced criminal litigator Simon Morgan is a key name for such investigations. Practice head Anthony Barnfather ‘has an unmatched ability to attack prosecution cases from outside the box and his technical knowledge is the best in the business.’ Gary Broadfield departed to become a judge in October 2022.

Practice head(s):

Anthony Barnfather


Other key lawyers:

Simon Morgan; Sarah Sherry


Testimonials

‘Having a serious, professional team with empathy and a strong sense of justice has been an extraordinary support!’

‘This is a team of high quality professionals at the top of their game. Anthony Barnfather is an outstanding commercial lawyer.’

‘The practice is known as pre-eminent amongst white-collar fraud firms and the specialist bar. It is the only regional white-collar fraud practice in and around Manchester that has a full private case load, and the case load and success at investigation stage speaks for itself.’

Work highlights


Farleys Solicitors LLP

Farleys Solicitors LLP handles the entire spectrum of serious crime, fraud, and white-collar crime cases and the team is frequently instructed in the most complex and serious cases. Splitting his time between Preston and Manchester, practice head Paul Schofield has expertise in national and international fraud, as well as money laundering and undertaking defence preparation in foreign jurisdictions. Co-head Farleys Solicitors LLP draws on over 20 years’ experience of criminal defence work and has exceptional experience in POCA and complex trading standards cases. In the Blackburn office, Jonathan Taylor oversees the general crime department, which handles homicides and substantial conspiracies to import and supply drugs, as well as extradition matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Schofield; Bridgette Hibbert; Jonathan Taylor


Other key lawyers:

Garry Leaver


Testimonials

‘Commitment and resolute support. They provide services across every level of case with high standards. They are excellent communicators and diligent in their handling of the case load. They are excellent.’

‘Outstanding, committed, and serious team.’

‘Fantastic team. Always willing to go the extra mile for the client.’

‘Paul Schofield is exceptional. He has a huge amount of experience and is incredibly easy to work with. His client care is terrific. He combines a passion for his client’s cases with sound judgement. He is incredibly hard working.’

‘Paul Schofield is outstanding. Meticulous in his preparation and with an excellent support team.’

‘Paul Schofield and Bridgette Hibbert are just incredibly hard working.’

‘A team that is second-to-none.’

Work highlights


  • Successfully defended a former solicitor in a £120m fraud trial at Southwark Crown Court.
  • Defending a client in a £45m duty evasion case concerning the importation of solar panels from the Far East.
  • Defending a client in a sex trafficking ring case.

Forbes Solicitors

Forbes Solicitors ‘is a top-class outfit for crime and fraud at the top level.’ The group is jointly headed by Preston-based Daniel King, who is active in handling cases involving extradition for terrorism offences and EncroChat drugs conspiracies, and Salford-based Craig Liversidge, head of the Crown Court department. Liversidge has significant experience acting in international drugs trafficking conspiracies, complex gangland cases, human trafficking work, and cyber-crime mandates. Shane Parkin specialises in serious, grave, and complex matters. With a background in medical law, Carrie Gilgun represents medical professionals in inquiries. Also noted is ‘outstanding performerCraig MacKenzie and senior associate Phil Blackburn, who joined from Cobleys LLP in September 2022.

Practice head(s):

Daniel King; Craig Liversidge


Other key lawyers:

Shane Parkin; Carrie Gilgun; Craig MacKenzie; Phil Blackburn


Testimonials

‘They have a significant civil commercial department whose expertise they can draw upon in commercial crime. They have offices throughout the North West and have grown by quality acquisitions of talent. It is a top-class outfit for crime and fraud at the top level.’

‘The star performer is Shane Parkin. The quality of his preparation is outstanding. His calm, sensible, and intelligent approach with his clients is deeply impressive.’

‘Craig McKenzie is a standout lawyer. He is extremely bright, hardworking, and committed to his clients. His calm demeanour is effective, whether dealing with judges or stressed lay clients. His briefs are carefully prepared, and he follows the case through from start to finish.’

Work highlights


JMW Solicitors LLP

Manchester-based JMW Solicitors LLP’s business crime and regulation practice boasts a strong team of highly experienced lawyers who ‘always demonstrate exceptional commitment to their cases, providing very high quality, comprehensive, and efficient service.’ The group, headed by experienced criminal litigator Peter Grogan, has a particular reputation for its work in white-collar crime and pre-charge advice, as well as in relation to alleged financial wrongdoing, including fraud, investigations and inquests, professional misconduct, sexual wrongdoing claims, and defence of motoring offences. Drawing on over 35 years’ experience, Ian Lewis is the key contact for professional regulatory discipline and fitness to practice proceedings, while Mike Rainford is a specialist in complex fraud and VAT evasion matters. Sam Healey is a ‘standout, heavyweight performer, who is absolutely exceptional, strong, strategic and assiduous in all of his work.’ 

Practice head(s):

Peter Grogan


Other key lawyers:

Ian Lewis; Sam Healey; Catherine Gaynor; Evan Wright; Mike Rainford


Testimonials

‘A truly efficient and modern approach. An excellent team, especially Sam Healey. First choice for private crime.’

‘Team has the capacity and knowledge base to deal with a variety of matters; from the most straight forward to the most complex. The support provided to counsel is excellent and adaptive to how different counsel work. Their client support is second-to-none both in terms of advice and the basic practicalities of navigating the criminal justice system.’

‘Sam Healy’s attention to detail is fantastic, even in the most complex of cases. He is a team player, always willing to discuss strategy with counsel and to have a reasoned debate about the tactical options available in a case. He is reassuring and pragmatic with clients, leaving no stone unturned on their behalf whilst providing cogent advice.’

‘Difficult conversations and situations are met with maturity, professionalism, and speed in making decisions on how best to move forward. The best criminal team I work with in the North of the country by a long way. I speak with various members of the team discussing ideas, technology, and how to move the legal community forward.’

‘Sam Healey is approachable, straight forward, and will go the extra mile for his clients and do everything he can to conduct the smooth passage of a case through the system. He is exceptional at knowing exactly where a case is at any given moment with an amazing eye for details and memory of what has previously happened. He is simply a class act.’

‘The team at JMW is one of the best around. They have exceptionally engaging partners in Ian Lewis, Mike Rainford, and Sam Healey. They have a large ‘behind the scenes’ team that allows the partners to focus on the real issues and they achieve some fantastic results.’

‘Ian Lewis undertakes some of the firm’s most serious work. He really fights for his clients and puts them at ease. Sam Healey is widely regarded as a go-to lawyer for financial crime matters. He has a very calming disposition and clients are delighted to have him on their side.’

‘JMW lawyers always demonstrate exceptional commitment to their cases. They provide a very high quality, comprehensive, and efficient service to all their clients. I have been incredibly impressed by the teams they put together for each client, led by a fully engaged partner who oversees every stage and the quality of service.’

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


  • Represented a Police Inspector charged with rape.
  • Rperesented a world-renowned retired footballer charged with assault and controlling and coercive behaviour.
  • Acted for a client in money laundering case in excess of £260m.

MSB Solicitors Ltd

MSB Solicitors Ltd handles the full spectrum of crime, regulatory, and fraud cases, undertaking both privately funded and legal aid work. Practice head Paul Gallagher has a track record of advising clients in attempted murder and murder acquittals, and he has been involved in numerous drug and evasion of duty conspiracies. Based in Merseyside, the team is particularly skilled in handling serious fraud cases, POCA proceedings, and an increasing number of health, safety, and regulatory work that is privately funded by insurers. The esteemed Sean Sexton, who is a supervisor on the Specialist Fraud Panel, has a strong reputation in handling high-profile criminal proceedings and complex fraud cases. Andrew Pearson is noted for his expertise in serious fraud and regulatory matters, and legal advisor Michael McKeown specialises in county lines drug matters.

Practice head(s):

Paul Gallagher


Other key lawyers:

Sean Sexton; Andrew Pearson; Michael McKeown


Testimonials

‘This team has great strength in depth. They have built a tremendous and well-deserved reputation for representing those accused of the most serious criminal allegations.’

‘For one team to have the highly experienced and respected Sean Sexton, Andrew Pearson, and Paul Gallagher within it goes some way to explaining the continuing success of this firm’s criminal practice.’

‘A first-rate team with bags of experience. They always go the extra mile. They prepare cases thoroughly, formulating clear case theories and smart strategies.’

‘Paul Gallagher has been operating at the top for many years. He uses this experience to great effect. He invariably gets the strategic decisions right. He prepares cases thoroughly. No stone is left unturned.’

‘Michael McKeown gets the big cases, which is a mark of his reputation and popularity with clients, all of whom like and trust him. He is extremely efficient and gets things done promptly and properly.’

‘This practice goes above and beyond in its service to the community.’

‘Paul Gallagher is an approachable, highly effective criminal solicitor who regularly gives his time with vulnerable clients and shadowing students.’

‘Paul Gallagher is exceptional. He is very through and spends time with his clients to ensure counsel is properly instructed. All inquiries are followed up and any brief received is prepared to the highest degree.’

Work highlights


Olliers

Olliers is a ‘standout full criminal service firm’, with a notable reputation in defending clients in general crime cases, investigations, and prosecutions regarding financial crime, business crime, regulatory breaches, and asset recovery. The group of specialists particularly stands out for its proactive approach in handling pre-charge criminal investigations and supporting a range of clients, from company directors and professionals, to private individuals. Practice head and ‘top-class lawyer’ Matthew Claughton is ‘a visionary who has steered the firm from being a group of legal aid criminal defence lawyers to being the most professional legal service providers in the North.’ Stand-out individuals include Zita Spencer, Matthew Corn, and Laura Baumanis.

Practice head(s):

Matthew Claughton


Other key lawyers:

Zita Spencer; Matthew Corn; Toby Wilbraham; Lily Grundy; Laura Baumanis


Testimonials

‘Lily Grundy is consistently exceptional in her well-considered advice to defendants.’

‘Olliers general crime and fraud team really is one of the best criminal defence firms in the North West; the numerous awards that they receive every year evidences the longstanding, consistent excellence of this team. Members of the team give their clients 100% at all times.’

‘Laura Baumanis is outstanding. Her client care is exceptional. She really goes the extra mile and is very good indeed with difficult clients in cases of the utmost seriousness.’

‘Zita Spencer is simply the best. Her compassionate client care is always a priority, and she has superb intellectual strength and works out a game plan that succeeds even with difficult cases. She has a near perfect record of trial acquittals in sexual offences trials. Superb solicitor who is hugely respected on circuit.’

‘The client care provided by Olliers is second-to-none. All of the team go above and beyond in any case, big or small, to ensure that clients receive the best possible representation. They give clear and practical at every stage. They are constantly developing as a team and ensure they remain up to date with any legal changes.’

‘Matthew Corn is an exceptional solicitor. He is the go-to solicitor for serious criminal cases in Manchester. He is extremely thorough and leaves no stone unturned. He is calm and personable, gaining the confidence of clients from the outset.’

‘Matthew Claughton is a visionary. He is the person who has steered the firm from being a group of legal aid criminal defence lawyers to being the most professional legal service providers in the north. He is also a top-class lawyer, especially when it comes to top end financial crime.’

‘Olliers services all areas of criminal law and this is plain from the strength and depth of their criminal team. They are often instructed in multi-handed complex cases and when dealing with complicated fraud matters, their attention to detail is superb. Across the board, their lawyers demonstrate excellent client care.’

Work highlights


Stephensons Solicitors LLP

Wigan-based boutique firm Stephensons Solicitors LLP handles the full spectrum of regulatory and criminal matters, including multi-jurisdictional cases, and its offering encompasses advice on sexual offences, POCA, offences of violence, and large-scale drug importations and supply conspiracies. The group boasts dedicated experts in criminal litigation, regulatory enforcement, and criminal appeals. The department stands out for its work in niche areas, such as prison law and inquests, as well as for its strong fraud practice which handles large-scale cases regarding land-banking, Ponzi schemes, VAT fraud, and tax evasion; these are key areas of strength for Duncan Phillips and John Greenwood. While Sean Joyce heads the regulatory and criminal justice team, co-head Correna Platt oversees the fraud side of the practice. Mike Pemberton remains a key partner for cases involving civil liberties and human rights.

Practice head(s):

Sean Joyce; Correna Platt


Other key lawyers:

Mike Pemberton; Colin Rawson; Martin Pizzey; John Greenwood; Duncan Phillips


Testimonials

‘The team at Stephensons is a well respected, down to earth, and straight talking. They have significant experience in large scale drugs supply cases, which they prepare for with tenacity and vigour.’

‘Corenna Platt and Colin Rawson are standout partners. Corenna has a real eye for detail and is extremely personable. She deals with serious and complex Crown Court cases and is often instructed in some of the regions largest cases on circuit. Colin deals with all aspects of criminal law and is very persuasive in the courtroom. He is a well-respected practitioner who always appears unflappable.’

‘Always efficient and professional, detailed knowledge of the law, and many years of experience, which provides reassurance especially when big tactical decisions are required.’

Work highlights


  • Defending a client charged with a multi-handed murder involving a retribution killing.
  • Defended a client who was convicted of death by dangerous driving.
  • Defending a client who was convicted of £20m fraud and money laundering.

AGI Criminal Solicitors

The Manchester-based legal aid practice at AGI Criminal Solicitors is frequently instructed in crime and serious crime, fraud, extradition, and mental health and immigration mandates, and the team also often features in multi-handed drugs and sex cases. The team, led by Yasmin Aslam, has developed a specialism in defending prisoners and vulnerable clients across the country. Solicitor advocates Samayra Ashraf and Michael Levy act for clients charged with serious criminal offences or fraud. Solicitor Hannah Grennan has a strong focus in representing seriously vulnerable clients and young adults detained in custody.

Practice head(s):

Yasmin Aslam


Other key lawyers:

Samayra Ashraf; Michael Levy; Hannah Grennan


Testimonials

‘AGI Criminal Solicitors defends a range of complex criminal cases nationally.’

‘A team of experienced and committed solicitors who undertake excellent case preparation and provide excellent client care.’

‘AGI Criminal Solicitors work together as a superb team to provide an extremely high level of representation for their clients.’

Work highlights


Brabners LLP

Brabners LLP’s handle the entire spectrum of criminal law, from serious and organised crime, including money laundering, to regulatory work, with an established specialism in firearm cases. Its work often has a multi-jurisdictional element. Lachlan Nisbet heads up the department, which houses a group of specialist lawyers in criminal defence, business risk and compliance, professional disciplinary, coronial law, and public inquiries. In December 2022, the firm’s offering was strengthened with the arrival of white-collar crime and anti-fraud specialist Dan Stowers and solicitor Hannah Hobbs, who joined from Pinsent Masons LLP. Associate Charlotte McRae is praised as ‘unflappable’ and specialises in white-collar crime, health and safety matters, and coronial work.

Practice head(s):

Lachlan Nisbet


Other key lawyers:

Dan Stowers; Charlotte McRae; Hannah Hobbs; Paul Lunt


Testimonials

‘Charlotte McRae is one of the most dedicated solicitors. She is always absolutely on top of the case, remarkably industrious, and builds a fantastic rapport with the client.’

‘Dan Stowers is a highly experienced and exceptional white collar and regulatory solicitor.’

‘They have an extremely well coordinated team led by hard working, talented lawyers who always act as a team. They listen to what is conveyed to them by clients, they then carefully consider their approach, and they always react, advise, and represent to the absolute best of their ability.’

Work highlights


Cartwright King

The team at Cartwright King handles the full range of financial crime, bribery, and complex fraud matters, and it frequently advises clients on a mixture of privately paid, publicly funded, and insurance-backed work. The group regularly defends in investigations and prosecutions brought by the SFO, CPS, HMRC, NCA, and FC A. The practice's client portfolio ranges from directors and senior employees to management of multinational companies. Splitting her time between Manchester and London, Laura Smith focuses on heavyweight corporate and financial crime and heads up the national and Manchester-based team. While Richard Cornthwaite draws on 20 years’ experience defending serious and complex fraud matters, senior associate Sarah Sherry is has expertise in handling large scale POCA confiscation cases.

Practice head(s):

Laura Smith


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Sherry; Richard Cornthwaite


Testimonials

‘The team provides a wealth of unrivalled and unparalleled experience in the area of fraud and financial crime. They are masterful with lay clients and provide reassuring and consistent advice and guidance.’

‘Richard Cornthwaite is simply without equal in experience and knowledge.’

‘Sarah Sherry is a a well-known and much respected fraud solicitor from the Northwest.’

Work highlights


  • Acting on behalf of a defendant alleged to have been involved in a £123m fraud scheme to avoid the payment of VAT and duties on goods imported from China.
  • Representing a client in relation to a mis-declaration fraud case against Royal Mail using an online self-billing system.
  • Representing two senior executives of multinational companies under investigation by SFO for falsifying analytical test results which enabled the sale of poor quality steel products into the international aviation industry.

Clyde & Co

Clyde & Co’s regulatory and crime team is frequently instructed in cases of corporate and gross manslaughter, fatal road traffic accidents, health and safety-related matters, environmental crime cases, and food safety cases, acting for an array of corporate and insurer clients facing serious criminal allegations from a variety of regulators. Chris Morrison heads up the firm’s national and Manchester-based teams and is often retained by global companies to work with their EHS departments. Drawing on over 20 years’ experience, legal director Kate Hargan chairs the group’s motor crime team. The highly experienced senior associate Lindsay Orr also specialises in motor crime, as well as health and safety defence work.

Practice head(s):

Chris Morrison; Kate Hargan


Other key lawyers:

Lindsay Orr; Allan Kells; Mark Brookes


Testimonials

‘Because Clyde & Co have such a huge corporate base across the firm, they have an interesting and eclectic general crime and fraud base, which includes advising corporate clients who have been the victims of fraud, and defending in fraud and road traffic cases that are run of the mill or serious and involving fatalities.’

‘Kate Hargan is clever and conscientious and Mark Brookes has a general crime practice alongside the HSE work he is well known for. Chris Morrison advises on a large amount of fraud across his corporate client base.’

‘Market leader. Great service to their clients from a team of first-class lawyers.’

Key clients

Airbus


Beaufort Maintenance Ltd


Natwest


RBS


RSA


AXA


Aviva


Work highlights


  • Represented Beaufort Maintenance Limited in a police and HSE investigation following an industrial explosion and quadruple fatality at an Avonmouth waste recycling centre.

Cunninghams Solicitors

The complex fraud and crime team at Cunninghams Solicitors is particularly adept at handling multi-jurisdictional organised crime and serious fraud cases, often involving multiple defendants. While practice head David Caplin has built a reputation for handling complex serious fraud, money laundering, and tax evasion investigations, director Sarah Housley, drawing on over 10 years’ experience, handles some of the most serious and high-profile cases of fraud and financial crime. The team is also experienced in the conduct of confiscation and restraint proceedings, particularly under The Proceeds of Crime Act 2002.

Practice head(s):

David Caplin


Other key lawyers:

Sarah Housley; Steve Halsall


Testimonials

‘Efficient and helpful. Sound advice and diligent case preparation.’

‘Steve Halsall is someone who is extremely experienced and easy to work with. I found him to be kind and caring, but robust in his approach to lay clients. He is thorough in his preparation of each case and I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of a criminal solicitor.’

‘They are quite simply superb at what they do. They have been a top tier firm for fraud in the North West and nationally for many years now. They are so sought after that they have a client in most large fraud cases in England and Wales. They have a network of experts who are hand picked for each case.’

‘David Caplin is charismatic and an innovator. He is one of the best fraud lawyers in the country. He is a master tactician who knows where to find the weak points in a case. Sarah Housley is an amazing fraud lawyer. As soon as you have her on your side, you immediately secure a tactical advantage.’

‘Sarah Housley and Steve Halsall are tremendous professionals. Their instructions are lucid and detailed, and they action any reasonable request efficiently. The lay clients trust them.’

‘Sarah Housley is incredibly hard-working, grasps detail firmly, and she understands complex cases. She exudes competence, so the lay clients trust her, and she elicits clear, relevant instructions.’

‘The practice handles almost exclusively heavyweight fraud and serious and complex crime. Unlike many larger practices who conduct this work, they are a tight-knit team who have been together for a very long time, the majority of which each have 30 years of experience in this field. Each significant case is director-led, including the servicing of cases throughout England, Wales, and overseas.’

‘Superb team players. Everyone in the team is focused on the client and the case in hand. David Caplin is a superb tactician and Sarah Housley is excellent at managing the evidence.’

Work highlights


Keoghs LLP

The crime and regulatory team at Keoghs LLP is particularly well-known for its high-profile defence and serious regulatory breaches work across an array of service sectors, both on an advisory and contentious basis. The group is often instructed to handle motor offences with a civil fraud angle, as well as prosecutions for corporate and gross negligence manslaughter, health and safety mandates, environmental offences, and care sector-related investigations. The group also boasts an established counter fraud department, which covers the entire spectrum of work, including international matters. In Manchester, Tom Stevenson leads the practice alongside David Rainey, who joined from Clyde & Co in December 2022, while Damian Ward and Ruth Needham co-head the team in Bolton.

Practice head(s):

David Rainey; Tom Stevenson; Damian Ward; Ruth Needham


Other key lawyers:

Neena Sharma; Nick Gianferrari; Rebecca Stanton; Abdul Khan


Testimonials

‘Keoghs has a team of skilled experts with real experience in so many different types of crime and regulatory matters. Their unique selling point to us is acting as more than simply a lawyer providing legal commentary or advice.’

‘They get to know the client, acting not only as a trusted adviser, but also supporting sensitively complex situations and emotions.’

‘Rebecca Stanton is a standout lawyer in the team. Rebecca’s legal knowledge, skills, and expertise in crime and regularity matters is absolutely unrivalled. We worked with Rebecca on a multi-jurisdictional matter and her skill not only in navigating the complexities, but also in communicating these effectively was exceptional.’

Key clients

LV


Aviva


Chubb


Catholic Insurance Services


Allianz


AXA


Markel


RSA


Zurich


Hastings Direct


esure


Covea


Somerset Bridge Group


QBE


MIB


Sainsbury’s


Peel Ports


Work highlights


  • Represented a transport manager who was prosecuted for two counts of gross negligence manslaughter and an offence under Section 7 of the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 following the death of two colleagues in December 2016 at an animal feed farm.
  • Represented a client who, in the course of his employment, was driving a vehicle which shed a load of timbers which impacted a vehicle driving in the opposing carriageway, causing the death of the driver.
  • Represented Haven in a successful appeal defence that clarifies the requirements for disclosure of call recordings between credit hire organisations and claimants.

Mary Monson Solicitors

Mary Monson Solicitors's defence team is particularly well-known for representing professionals in criminal cases where substantial damage to reputation may occur. Often acting for multiple defendants, the team is adept in handling sensitive cases, including human trafficking, alleged rape, and death or serious harm. The group also has a busy fraud practice, acting nationally and internationally in business investigations, bribery, and corruption cases. The group is jointly led by Joseph Kotrie-Monson, who defends clients in serious criminal and fraud cases, primarily involving large-scale drug importations and distribution cases, Liam Kotrie, who specialises in representing members of the medical sector facing criminal allegations, and Kellie Dent, who acts in serious organised crime cases.

Practice head(s):

Kellie Dent; Liam Kotrie; Joseph Kotrie-Monson


Other key lawyers:

Nick Ives


Testimonials

‘Joseph Kotrie-Monson is a leader in his field. An exceptionally bright lawyer who is very sought after.’

‘This firm has been a leading practice dealing with serious crime for decades. They have a strong team of highly experienced solicitors. They specialise in private work. They are adept at dealing with these cases and the complex issues which they typically involve.’

‘Joseph Kotrie Monson is a standout individual. He has good tactical awareness and gets to the heart of a case.’

‘Mary Monson Solicitors is an excellent white-collar crime practice. The quality of the cases they are involved in demonstrates their reputation and capabilities in this area.’

‘This is a team that punches above its weight and has outstanding success in the most important criminal cases. Joseph Kotrie-Monson is a rock star among defence lawyers.’

‘Mary Monson Solicitors offer a caring approach to their clients. They understand what their clients are going through and offer a professional, but also a caring attitude on a personal level.’

‘Joseph Kotrie-Monson and Nick Ives are professional, competent, understanding, caring, and they listen.’

‘Joseph Kotrie-Monson and Liam Kotrie are excellent lawyers who devote unusual amounts of time to client care and confidence. Their experience in the field of corporate fraud is excellent.’

Key clients

Patisserie Valerie


Work highlights


  • Representing a client in a bribery investigation and criminal trial which was one of the SFO’s largest cases.
  • Advising Chris Marsh, former FD of Patisserie Holdings in the Patisserie Valerie accounting case, the largest false accounting case of the modern era, already having resulted in the resignation of the chief executive of worldwide accountancy giant Grant Thornton.
  • Representing a client in the criminal investigation of the Grenfell Fire Case concerning the deaths of 72 people in the 2017 tragedy.

Reeds Solicitors

Reeds Solicitors handles a broad spectrum of serious crime and fraud work, including multi-handed homicide cases, international and complex drug conspiracies, and firearm and violence matters, as well as high-value frauds and historic sex cases. The practice is led by Beth Mantel, who is ‘without doubt one of the best criminal solicitors in the North West – her legal acumen and eye for detail are top drawer.’ With the arrival of experienced Damian Wall, previous partner at Burton Copeland, and Lisa Paton, previously at Tuckers, the team has been considerably bolstered.

Practice head(s):

Beth Mantel


Other key lawyers:

Damian Wall; Lisa Paton


Testimonials

‘Beth Mantel in Manchester is outstanding. Her client care, efficiency, and knowledge of serious crime puts her a head and shoulders above her competitors.’

‘Damian Wall is so very experienced in criminal work, he is always someone I recommend to others. Thorough preparation, strong analysis of strengths and weaknesses in a case, sound and realistic advice in the client’s interest. His collaborative approach to preparing a case for trial is rare and extremely valuable.’

‘Beth Mantel is without doubt one of the best criminal solicitors in the North West. Beth’s legal acumen and eye for detail are top drawer. Her client care is second-to-none; she always goes the extra mile for her lay clients and is extremely professional and dynamic when reacting to counsel’s advice.’

‘Damian Wall is highly experienced; good eye for issues in a case and capable of putting clients at ease in conference. There is not much that he has not seen or been involved in over the years which is why, together with the standard of his work, I would not hesitate to recommend him.’

‘Lisa Paton is a joy to work with; she knows her cases inside out, and is instrumental in reassuring the client. Clients trust her completely, and rightly so. Lisa works very efficiently in a high-pressure environment.’

‘The total package. Trusted with some of the most serious criminal defence on offer and they regularly deliver. Client care is second-to-none and, most importantly, they are readily available when required.’

‘The team are highly experienced, dedicated, and knowledgeable. Work is completed efficiently and no stone is left unturned in their representation of their clients or their assistance of counsel. Their client care is exemplary.’

‘Beth Mantel is approachable, professional, and very popular with clients. Once a client has been represented by Beth, they will return to her each and every time they require representation. Beth has an outstanding bedside manner and her dedication to achieving the best possible result for her clients is second-to-none.’

Work highlights


3D Solicitors

The boutique practice at 3D Solicitors specialises in regulatory matters, professional discipline, and criminal law, and frequently represents clients in high-profile sexual misconduct cases and appeal procedures. The team is jointly led by esteemed practice founder Daniel Berke and Deborah Britstone, who has vast experience in police law. The group maintains a solid pro bono practice.

Practice head(s):

Daniel Berke; Deborah Britstone


Testimonials

‘This is a first-class bespoke criminal and regulatory firm.’

‘The team is exceptionally strong. The firm is the strongest firm providing criminal advice in Manchester. This is a results-driven team that leaves no stone unturned.’

‘Daniel Berke is exceptional. He is extremely knowledgeable, professional, and builds an excellent rapport with clients. Daniel is hugely experienced and knowledgeable and offers robust and clear advice to clients whilst being supportive and empathetic.

Key clients

Chief Officers Police Staff Association


Police Superintendents Association


Falsely Accused Carers and Teachers


Manchester Beth Din


Farillio


UK Lawyers for Israel


Work highlights


Burton Copeland Ltd

Burton Copeland Ltd‘s criminal and regulatory offering encompasses the entire spectrum of work, from serious sexual and violent allegations, organised crime, fraud and money laundering mandates, to regulator work and road traffic matters. The Manchester-based team is jointly headed by road traffic cases expert Gwyn Lewis, Daniel Weed, who specialises in representing police officers, and Louise Straw, who clients praise as ‘simply outstanding’. Instructions are frequently received from police federations, claims management companies who act on behalf of insurance companies,2 and members of the National Fostering Association.

Practice head(s):

Louise Straw; Gwyn Lewis; Daniel Weed


Other key lawyers:

Mike Mackey; Jonathan Wall


Testimonials

‘Burton Copeland has, for a large number of years, been one of the best, if not the best, solicitors’ firms in Manchester and the North-West. They consistently employ personable individuals with real talent.’

‘Burton Copeland is made up of a team of individuals that all excel in their own niche areas of law. From the most serious offences in the criminal calendar to road traffic offences, there is an expert in every field. All members of the team are incredibly hard working, from senior partner level to trainee solicitor, and nothing is too much trouble. Excellent team.’

‘Louise Straw is an expert in cases involving serious and prolonged sexual abuse. She also deals with foster carers who have been charged with offences, an area which is growing in work. She deals with a number of cases and puts 100% effort into each case individually.’

‘Mike Mackey and Jonathan Wall are first rate. Their attention to detail and the ability to distil complex material in a digestible form is highly impressive.’

‘Daniel Weed is excellent – he is able to get to the heart of the matter and his advice is first rate. Respected by police officers across the North.’

‘Leading criminal practitioners outside London. Thoroughly modern and extremely skilled in the use of technology, creating and using bespoke databases to analyse and manage complex and page-heavy cases. All this while managing to maintain a personal touch.’

‘Burton Copeland has always been a premier league firm. They have experienced and quality staff at the level of caseworker, assistant solicitor, and partner. Clients know that they receive a thoroughly professional service.’

‘The team have real depth in serious criminal matters, but also police discipline matters, and they can use this to their strength when the fields overlap. They are also very discrete, dealing with high-profile clients in an understated manner.’

Key clients

Legal Insurance Management Ltd


Arc Insurance


All Med Professionals


Fostering Association


ARAG Insurance


Police Federation


The Nursing & Midwife Council


Work highlights


DWF

Acting for a range of insurance companies, most notably in relation to alleged fraudulent motor and personal injury claims, DWF’s fraud and financial crime team is praised by clients as a ‘friendly, approachable team which can be relied upon to provide critical business intelligence’. The group is jointly led by Lorraine Carolan, who leads the team nationally, and Stuart Poole, who heads up the counter fraud team in Liverpool together with Jewels Chamberlain , who has particular expertise in claims farming counter strategies.

Practice head(s):

Lorraine Carolan; Jewels Chamberlain; Stuart Poole


Other key lawyers:

Carl Graham; Miles Hepworth


Testimonials

‘DWF provides regular updates on ongoing and new operations, as well as general legal updates.’

‘DWF is committed to delivering optimal claims solutions.’

‘Carl Graham is knowledgeable and very client focused, friendly, and approachable. He has excellent understanding of the issues faced by the insurance sector.’

Key clients

Allianz


First Central


Sabre


Admiral


Aviva


NFU Mutual


QBE


Markerstudy


RSA


Insure the Box


Covea


Ageas


LV


Work highlights


  • Acted for Insure The Box in a suspected staged accident.
  • Acted for a number of insurers in the defence of approximately 60 claims for recovery of expert invoices in an Organised Fraud Operation.
  • Acted on behalf of insurance company, Markerstudy, defending claims made by two claimants who were found to be fundamentally dishonest.

ABR Solicitors

ABR Solicitors is headed by managing partner Rob Rode, ‘a genuine talent and a real fighter’, and Tony Murphy based in Liverpool. The group covers all areas of criminal law and provides regulatory advice, including on sexual offences, conspiracy offences, and business defence, and it also has niche expertise in prison law. The team which has ‘real expertise and passion for the work and always goes the extra mile’, and is routinely instructed on multi-handed organised crime and fraud cases and provides representation to clients from the police station through to the appeal courts.

Practice head(s):

Rob Rode; Tony Murphy


Testimonials

‘From the top down a real strength and passion for the work. Genuine expert knowledge.’

‘This is an excellent team for all criminal matters. They go above and beyond to make sure that their clients are getting the representation that they deserve.’

‘Rob Rode is excellent and always willing to assist and get a team of people on to the bigger cases to make sure that all necessary work is done to a high standard to give their clients the best chance at trial.’ 

‘Rob Rode is a genuine talent and Tony Murphy knows his stuff and how to fight a case.’

Work highlights


Brian Koffman & Co

At, Brian Koffman & Co founding partner Brian Koffman leads the practice with expertise in acting for a range of clients in motoring offences as well as being regularly instructed in regulatory matters. He often appears before courts of all levels, up to the Court of Appeal. Koffman is also called upon to act in fraud-related matters, including mortgage fraud conspiracy, money laundering, and applications for forfeiture.

Practice head(s):

Brian Koffman


Work highlights


Hempsons

The team at Hempsons specialise in defending individuals in the health and social care sector in healthcare regulatory and criminal investigations related to homicide, gross negligence manslaughter, sexual offences, assaults, fraud and indecent images. Practice head Katherine Sheldrick draws on 20 years’ experience of defending professionals in disciplinary, regulatory, criminal and coronial proceedings. Key practitioners include James Rowley, Hannah Stephenson and Anne Ball.

Practice head(s):

Katherine Sheldrick


Other key lawyers:

Anne Ball; James Rowley; Hannah Stephenson; John Fitzpatrick


Testimonials

‘Katherine Sheldrick is outstanding. A master of the fine detail. Has exceptional client handling skills, even with the most difficult and obdurate of clients.’

Key clients

Medical Defence Union


Dental Defence Union


Work highlights


Kennedys

Based in Manchester, Kennedys' specialised fraud team is headed by Martin Stockdale, James Stevens, who joined the firm in May 2022 from DWF, and Katherine Totty. The group is highly experienced in fraud defence litigation, emerging risks, and organised fraud, acting for large insurers in a wide spectrum of fraud matters, including motor matters, employers liability, public liability, property damage, occupational disease, and complex fraud operations.

Practice head(s):

Martin Stockdale


Other key lawyers:

Katherine Totty; James Stevens; Zoe Alexander; Michael Bickerstaffe


Testimonials

‘An excellent bunch of fraud lawyers.’

‘Zoe Alexander is excellent with clients. A hard working individual who goes the extra mile to secure the right result.’

‘The counter fraud motor team has specialist expertise in countering organised fraud in the motor claim context. They challenge false claims robustly with intelligence and dynamic litigation strategies.’

Key clients

JD Wetherspoon Plc


Chubb


The Innovation Group


Work highlights


Potter Derby Solicitors

Liverpool firm Potter Derby Solicitors has been building a reputation for its work on gang-related cases, and has also recently been involved in increasingly high profile work, such as advising Bristol Rovers FC on their legal position when dealing with their own staff under investigation for criminal matters.

Practice head(s):

Richard Derby; Adam Croft


Work highlights


  • Provided legal advice to City Councillors with regards to an internal investigation of the conduct of the election of the Mayor’s office.
  • Advised leading figures in a political party as to the legality of their own constitution in an internal battle for the leadership of that party.