Diana Payne > Blackfords LLP > London, England > Lawyer Profile

Blackfords LLP
20 Old Bailey
EC4M 7AN
England

Work Department

Head of General Crime Team

Position

Partner, Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Court criminal proceedings)

Heads up one of the busiest general crime departments in the country.

 

Diana specialises in serious crime and those matters whereby it is of the utmost importance that the correct outcome be achieved. As a consequence, Diana’s client base consists regularly of professionals.

Extensively experienced in matters including: –

  • Murder, manslaughter, serious violence
  • Sexually related matters including historical allegations
  • High value fraud
  • All drugs related matters
  • Robbery, blackmail, kidnapping and misconduct

Diana has a niche practice in motoring law and understands that the outcome needs not to impact prejudicially upon a client’s livelihood.

A particular expertise in representing young people who find themselves in conflict with the criminal justice system.

Diana is fortunate to be in a minority of lawyers who have represented clients before the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court).

Notable cases: R v Mills & Poole (House of Lords) 1997.

Career

  • Trained Wilkinsons, Kingston Upon Thames; qualified 1990
  • Robert Blackford & Co 1995- 2001- assistant solicitor: 2001- 2007 Partner
  • Blackfords LLP 2007 to present- Partner.

Memberships

  • London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA) (executive committee member)
  • Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA)
  • Female Fraud Forum (founding member)
  • Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocate (SAHCA)
  • Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA)
  • Women In Criminal Law (WiCL) (founding member)
  • Association Womens Solicitors (AWS)
  • The Law Society

.

Education

  • Old Palace of John Whitgift School, Croydon
  • Durham University (BA Hons)
  • College of Law, Guildford

Lawyer Rankings

South East > Crime, fraud and licensing > General crime and fraud

(Leading partners)

Diana Payne  – Blackfords LLP

Blackfords LLP houses a leading criminal defence practice, which acts for both legal aid and private clients, with the team often appearing before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court. One of the group’s standout features is its vast experience in very high cost cases (VHCCs), and its proficiency in serious fraud matters, an area which managing partner Trevor Francis is a specialist. Co-leading the firm’s financial crime team, Gary Bloxsome is noted for his handling of allegations of money laundering and corruption, and his niche expertise in electoral cases and matters involving allegations of war crimes. Lauded for her work before youth courts, Diana Payne heads the general crimes practice, and is recommended by clients for her ‘rapier sharp tactical skills’. Hannah Giles handles the full gamut of violent crime, sexual offences, and gang crime, while Lucinda Shand represents clients in all stages of an investigation and prosecution, being particularly knowledgeable in international arrest warrants.