Clifford Johnston & Co

Clifford Johnston & Co

Specialist expertise. Strategic representation. Trusted advice.

About the Firm

Clifford Johnston & Co is an established law firm providing specialist legal advice and representation to individuals, professionals, families and businesses across England and Wales.

With offices in Manchester and Stockport and a history spanning more than 40 years, the firm has developed a reputation for handling complex, sensitive and high-stakes legal matters, combining technical expertise, strategic judgement and a highly personalised approach to client service.

The firm's particular strengths lie in serious and complex criminal defence, professional discipline, regulatory proceedings and inquests, supported by established practices in family law, property, wills and probate, and other specialist legal services.

Clifford Johnston & Co is regularly instructed in matters where the consequences extend far beyond the immediate legal proceedings. Whether protecting an individual's liberty, defending a professional career, safeguarding a reputation or resolving a significant personal or commercial dispute, the firm approaches each instruction with meticulous preparation, discretion and a clear focus on the client's objectives.

Criminal Defence — Specialist Representation in Serious and Complex Cases

Criminal defence is a cornerstone of the firm's practice.

Clifford Johnston & Co has extensive experience representing individuals facing serious criminal investigations and prosecutions, including murder and manslaughter, rape and other sexual offences, serious fraud, financial crime, organised crime, drug trafficking, terrorism, firearms offences and complex multi-defendant conspiracies.

The team undertakes privately funded defence work and criminal legal aid matters, representing clients from the earliest stages of police investigation through to Crown Court proceedings and beyond.

A defining feature of the practice is its proactive approach to pre-charge representation. The firm recognises that decisions made during the investigative stage can fundamentally influence the course of proceedings. Its solicitors engage strategically with investigators and prosecutors, scrutinise the evidence, identify weaknesses in allegations and, where appropriate, make detailed representations aimed at avoiding unnecessary prosecution.

In cases that proceed to trial, the team adopts a rigorous, evidence-led approach, working closely with experienced counsel and specialist experts to challenge prosecution evidence and advance the strongest available defence.

The quality of the firm's criminal defence work has received independent recognition through the Legal Aid Agency's peer-review process, achieving its highest rating, Excellent (Category 1), in 2017, 2020 and 2023.

The practice is led by Jared McNally, Partner and Head of Crime and Professional Discipline, whose experience encompasses serious and organised crime, complex fraud, homicide, sexual offences and sensitive investigations involving professionals and individuals facing significant reputational consequences.

The firm is particularly well placed to advise where early intervention, tactical decision-making and close attention to complex evidence are central to the client's defence.

Professional Discipline and Regulatory Defence — Protecting Careers and Reputations

Clifford Johnston & Co has an established professional discipline and regulatory practice representing professionals whose registration, livelihood and reputation are at risk.

The team acts for doctors, nurses, teachers, social workers, dentists, pharmacists and other regulated professionals facing allegations of misconduct, dishonesty, sexual misconduct, clinical failings, safeguarding concerns and criminal behaviour.

Its experience includes investigations and proceedings involving the General Medical Council, Nursing and Midwifery Council, Teaching Regulation Agency, General Dental Council, Health and Care Professions Council, Social Work England and other professional regulators.

The firm provides representation throughout the regulatory process, including initial investigations, responses to allegations, interim orders, fitness-to-practise hearings, disciplinary proceedings, appeals and restoration applications.

A distinctive strength of the practice is its combined expertise in criminal defence and professional regulation.

Where a professional faces parallel criminal and regulatory investigations, the firm is able to develop a coordinated strategy that considers the evidential, procedural and reputational implications of both proceedings.

This joined-up approach is particularly important in cases where decisions taken during a criminal investigation, employment process or disciplinary hearing could materially affect a professional's registration or ability to practise.

Led by Jared McNally, who has more than two decades of experience in professional discipline and regulatory law, the practice combines detailed knowledge of regulatory procedures with robust advocacy, strategic case preparation and a clear understanding of the personal and professional consequences of disciplinary action.

The team has represented professionals in complex and highly sensitive proceedings, securing outcomes including the dismissal of allegations, closure of investigations without further action and the preservation of professional registration.

Inquests and Public Inquiries

The firm's specialist contentious expertise extends to coroners' inquests and public inquiries.

Clifford Johnston & Co represents individuals, families and professionals in complex and sensitive inquests, including those involving deaths in custody, healthcare settings and care institutions.

The practice has significant experience of Article 2 inquests, cases involving allegations of systemic failings, and proceedings in which the conduct of professionals or public bodies is subject to detailed scrutiny.

Its work includes representation of healthcare professionals, prison officers and other interested parties, as well as individuals and families seeking answers following a death.

The firm has also undertaken representation in significant public inquiry proceedings, drawing on its experience of sensitive evidence, regulatory issues and matters attracting public attention.

Residential Property and Conveyancing

Residential conveyancing is one of Clifford Johnston & Co's most established practice areas, forming a cornerstone of the firm's reputation and longstanding relationships with clients across Greater Manchester, Cheshire and beyond.

Led by partners Chris Furbey and Horup Khan, the department combines experienced leadership, technical expertise and a proactive, client-focused approach to residential property transactions.

With over 40 years' experience in residential property, the firm has developed a substantial conveyancing practice advising individuals, families, landlords, property investors and businesses. The department is accredited under the Law Society's Conveyancing Quality Scheme (CQS), reflecting its commitment to recognised standards of professional practice and client care.

The team advises on a comprehensive range of property matters, including freehold and leasehold sales and purchases, new-build properties, remortgages, transfers of equity, buy-to-let investments and more complex property transactions.

The department places particular emphasis on efficiency, clear communication and anticipating potential issues before they cause unnecessary delays. The team works closely with clients, estate agents, mortgage brokers and other professionals to ensure transactions progress smoothly while protecting clients' interests.

A key strength of the practice is its commitment to delivering a genuinely personal service, combining the expertise of an established conveyancing department with accessibility, transparent pricing and practical, straightforward advice.

With offices in Manchester and Stockport, Clifford Johnston & Co combines strong local property knowledge with the capability to handle transactions throughout England and Wales.

The department's reputation for professionalism, responsiveness and consistent client care continues to underpin its growth, with repeat instructions, personal recommendations and professional referrals forming an important part of its success.

A Comprehensive Legal Practice

Alongside its specialist criminal, professional discipline and inquest work, Clifford Johnston & Co provides a broad range of legal services to private individuals, families and businesses.

Its family law team advises on divorce, financial settlements, complex children matters and other family disputes, combining practical advice with a sensitive understanding of the personal issues involved.

The firm's residential and commercial property practices assist clients with property transactions, commercial leases and related property matters.

Its private client team advises on wills, probate, inheritance planning and lasting powers of attorney, helping clients protect their interests and plan for the future.

Further areas of expertise include mental health law and immigration.

The firm's multidisciplinary structure enables clients to access specialist legal advice across different stages of their personal and professional lives.

A Personal Approach to Complex Legal Challenges

Clifford Johnston & Co believes that effective legal representation depends on an understanding of the client's circumstances, clarity of advice, careful judgement and the determination to pursue the best achievable outcome.

The firm places particular importance on direct communication, accessibility and building lasting relationships with clients. Its solicitors aim to provide practical, straightforward advice, explain the available options clearly and ensure that clients remain fully informed as their matters progress.

The combination of established local roots, specialist national instructions and personal service is central to the firm's identity.

Clifford Johnston & Co combines specialist legal expertise and sound strategic judgement with a personal commitment to every client, delivering clear, practical advice and determined representation when it matters most.

Main Areas of Practice

• Serious and Complex Criminal Defence

• Private Criminal Defence and Pre-Charge Representation

• Serious Fraud, Financial Crime and POCA Proceedings

• Sexual Offences and Historic Allegations

• Professional Discipline and Fitness to Practise

• Regulatory Investigations and Appeals

• Coroners' Inquests and Public Inquiries

• Family and Matrimonial Law

• Residential and Commercial Property

• Wills, Probate, Inheritance Planning and Court of Protection

• Mental Health Law

• Immigration