Dispute resolution
Kingsley Napley LLP, 'an absolute diamond of a firm with gifted and talented lawyers' covering criminal defence and investigation support work, is jointly led by Louise Hodges, Sandra Paul and David Sleight. The criminal litigation practice boasts a particularly strong track record in the defence of serious sexual assault and rape allegations. Paul is hailed as ‘an absolute titan in the world of crime’ and is well known for her advice that overlaps with the media sector. Sleight is well-renowned in the sport sector and is equipped to handle the full lifecycle of a criminal matter, from the initial interviews with the police through to trial. Matthew Hardcastle, noted for his expertise in cases concerning high-profile individuals, and Rebecca Niblock, noted for her capabilities in cross-border matters, are further key contacts.
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Profile
Work Department
Criminal litigation.
Position
David has an extensive criminal litigation background. Regularly acting for individuals and companies in high profile cases, he specialises in providing advice at the crucial early stages of an investigation. Astute and practical in his approach, David’s early involvement in the case can make the difference between being charged with an offence or not. This includes representing clients who are arrested and interviewed under caution, challenging search warrants and other investigatory powers and making pre-charge representations to the police and prosecuting authorities. Should matters progress to court he is meticulous in his preparation and has a high acquittal rate. Case highlights include representing Cambridge Analytica’s CEO in the Facebook data breach scandal and other high profile matters.
David’s white collar crime practice includes acting for companies and individuals accused of complex financial investigations involving fraud, overseas corruption and Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA). He specialises in defending tax evasion/fraud allegations brought by HMRC and has developed a specialist expertise in advising in cross border tax litigation involving MLA requests between Member States. He is currently representing two separate companies in the on-going “cum ex” trading scandal in Denmark and Germany.
Career
Joined Kingsley Napley 2009, Partner 2014.
Publications of note: The law regarding entrapment (Law Society Gazette); HMRC increasingly takes criminal prosecution route (Wealthbriefing.com).
Memberships
Law Society; Fraud Lawyers Association.
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'KN are, together with a handful of other firms, is considered a market leader in this area of work. Their reputation is well-founded.'
'KN provides every type of legal advice to all types of people. They are an absolute diamond of a firm with gifted and talented lawyers.'
'Sandra Paul is an absolute titan in the world of crime. If there is an issue, Sandra will do her absolute utmost to help. A must to have in your corner.'
'The crime team at Kingsley Napley is by far and away the best in the business. Each individual is clever, dedicated, hard-working, and savvy.'
'Sandra Paul is highly experienced and knowledgeable. No one knows more about how to provide the most excellent level of representation than her. This, coupled with kindness and compassion, makes her stand head and shoulders above others in the field.'
'Matthew Hardcastle's friendly, easy manner belies a steely core. He will fight tooth and nail for his clients. I have never done a case with him that we haven't won, in no small part to his hard work, dedication and intelligence.'
'Matthew Hardcastle provides solid, clear, and transparent advice to the lay client on the merits of pursuing particular grounds of appeal. His approach is both professional and empathetic, with the authority of a partner in a serious crime department.' 'There are very few solicitors who understand properly the appeals system. Kingsley Napley is one of those very few firms.'