With a focus on criminal defence work, Olliers' ‘dynamic’ team frequently handles complex murder, sexual offence, drug, regulatory crime as well as fraud matters, advising clients from the early investigative and pre-charge stage to proceedings in court and the final judgement. Matthew Claughton leads the practice and is a highly regarded for his ’outstanding grasp of financial and serious crime areas’. Matthew Corn has extensive experience handling fraud and non-fraud cases prosecuted by the NCA, HMRC and the Counter Terrorism unit, while regulatory expert Gareth Martin handles cases related to health and safety, public inquiries, firearms appeals and professional discipline. Richard Cornthwaite is a go-to name in fraud and financial crime cases and Zita Spencer advises in cases concerning sexual allegations, serious crime and fraud. Laura Baumanis, Toby WilbrahamAlex Close-Claughton and Martha Odysseos are further active practitioners in the department.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Accolades

Client satisfaction

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Laura Baumanis is empathetic with clients and robust in court.’

  • ‘Gareth Martin is an excellent and dedicated lawyer.’

  • ‘What a dynamic team Olliers is. They are exciting, they are trailblazers. It is no surprise they are always winning awards. They are undoubtedly the best, nationally, for the defence of sexual offences. The preparation they put into their cases is quite simply unsurpassed. The result is always the very best outcome available to the clients.’

  • 'Matt Corn is an outstanding solicitor, a real fighter with grit and determination, if you have him in your team then you have one of the very best. Zita Spencer is deservedly recognised as being the very best solicitor for the defence of sexual offences nationally. She really is outstanding. The attention to detail that Toby Wilbraham provides is outstanding. Other solicitors that deserve a mention are Alex Close-Claughton and Martha Odysseus, who are both showing signs of being the ones to watch for future world domination!'

  • 'Matthew Claughton is a brilliant lawyer with an outstanding grasp of financial and serious crime areas. Matt splits his time between managing the business, giving time to develop all his staff, and a lucky few clients. Those clients that have him have the best there is.’

  • ‘Matt Claughton is well organised and takes advice appropriately. Zita Spencer is loved by her clients. She is hard working and sensible. Matthew Corn is very sensible and diligent.’

Lawyers

Leading partners

The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Next Generation Partners

Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.

Practice head

Matthew Claughton

Other key lawyers

Matthew Corn; Gareth Martin; Richard Cornthwaite; Zita Spencer; Laura Baumanis; Toby Wilbraham; Alex Close-Claughton; Martha Odysseos