Brabners LLP‘s ’very experienced’ practice covers the whole spectrum of criminal law, including allegations of fraud, violence, sexual offences, gross negligence manslaughter and motoring offences, with the team frequently advising HNWIs, sports and media personalities. The firm’s Northwest contingent is based across Manchester and Liverpool and led by regulatory expert Lachlan Nisbet, who has extensive experience in fraud, money laundering, serious crime and firearms cases. Matthew Coles handles various business and regulatory crime matters and Charlotte McRae represents clients in fraud, domestic violence, sexual offences, and firearms cases, while Natalia Aguilar assists on cases at the cross-over between financial regulatory and crime. The team underwent growth last year, with the addition of Sadie Thompson from JMW Solicitors LLP in June 2024, Simon Ellis from Freeths LLP in the same month, as well as Sarah Smith from DWF in September 2024.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Charlotte McRae and Lachlan Nisbet are the standout individuals here. Lay clients love them.’
‘Excellent private crime team. High level work across the country. They have their own case management system to ensure papers are kept securely and shared with counsel. They will go the extra mile in preparing a case to put the client in the best position.’
‘The team is very experienced and able to assist on technical regulatory matters and complicated internal enquires, including in relation to sanctions through to the largest high profile criminal individuals. The team is well balanced to be able to provide the right level of assistance for the right case.’
‘A strong team, from my contact with them. My contact has been with large scale tax fraud.’
‘Natalia Aguilar is very bright, hardworking, and thoroughly engaged in her cases. She stands out as a coming star.’
‘Lachlan Nisbet is highly experienced, very sensible and has an excellent rapport with clients. His understanding and knowledge of other practice areas means that he brings a depth and width to his cases.’
Lawyers
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Practice head
Lachlan Nisbet
Other key lawyers
Matthew Coles; Charlotte McRae; Natalia Aguilar; Sadie Thompson; Simon Ellis; Sarah Smith