Farleys Solicitors LLP stands out for its expertise in homicide, drug conspiracy, major fraud and business crime cases, often handling complex, national cases. The team is led by four practitioners: Paul Schofield and Bridgette Hibbert in Preston, Jonathan Taylor in Blackburn and David Caplin in Manchester. Schofield is an expert in financial crime and has extensive experience handling fraud and money laundering cases, Hibbert is well versed in proceeds of crime applications and high-end trading standards cases and Jonathan Taylor handles criminal defence work. Caplin, who joined the team in February 2025, bolsters the team further in the areas of fraud, money laundering, tax evasion and investigations.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘The Farleys team is truly exceptional in virtually every way. They are cohesive, committed and diligent in all their work. Their preparation is excellent and by far and away above the industry standard. They stand out in the Northwest and nationally. Their standard of work and preparation is exceptional, both in legal aid and private client work.’
‘Garry Leaver, Rod Hall, Bridget Hibbert and Paul Schofield are all excellent, both individually and as a team. They set the industry standard. I cannot speak more highly of this most excellent firm and all its constituent parts.’
‘Very professional outfit, represent those charged with the most serious and complex offences. At the forefront of defending fraud nationally and regionally. Strong team that all pull in the same direction from their clients.’
‘Paul Schofield has vast experience and is widely regarded as one of the leading defence solicitors in the UK. The recent acquisition of David Caplin strengthens the team even more.’
‘In these challenging times, Farleys has maintained outstanding client care. They are a firm who really do go the extra yards for their clients. The outstanding standards exhibited by Paul Schofield, Bridgette Hibbert and Garry Leaver, coupled with their collaborative team approach, means that even in these extremely busy times their standards never slip.’
'Paul Schofield is a true leader, a visionary who never seems to rest. Bridgette Hibbert operates at an extremely high standard, she has an ability to communicate with the client and counsel in such a manner nothing gets missed.'
Work highlights
Representing an individual during a six-year investigation by the Royal Mail Group Ltd into systematic fraud.
Representing a client charged with conspiracy to cheat the Public Revenue over a 5-year period, fraudulent trading, and money laundering following a 4-year HMRC investigation.
Representing a client charged with conspiracy to produce Class B drugs (cannabis) at six different addresses in Lincolnshire over a 12-month period and offences of slavery, allegedly coercing two youths (his teenage sons) to do forced or compulsory labour, contrary to the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Practice head
Paul Schofield; Bridgette Hibbert; Jonathan Taylor; David Caplin
Other key lawyers
Garry Leaver; Rod Hall