The ‘ferociously hardworking and very dedicated’ crime and regulatory department at Slater Heelis (Part of Lawfront) advises on various regulatory and criminal matters, including RSPCA cases, sexual offences, DBS referrals, fitness to practice and youth crime cases. Rachel Fletcher leads the practice and has experience across the full spectrum of private crime and regulatory cases, including murder, assault, sexual assault, youth crime and fraud. Hannah Costley and Rachel Mason are also noted.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The Manchester team is small but ferociously hardworking and very dedicated. I've worked directly with Hannah Costley and Rachel Mason, alongside Rachel Fletcher. They are a very impressive unit. They are also very responsive to requests for assistance.’

  • ‘The standout individual is Rachel Fletcher. She deservedly has an increasingly stellar professional profile. She is phenomenally hard working and able to combine very successfully the need to be straightforward and hard hitting with a more compassionate approach when required.’

  • ‘Hannah Costley is an outstanding solicitor. Her case preparation is consistently excellent, with every document accurately prepared. She responds promptly to all case-related requests and displays remarkable thoroughness.’

  • ‘Rachel Fletcher is highly experienced and a true fighter. Hannah Costley demonstrates a level of call beyond her years. She is able to pick up cases at the last minute and exudes confidence. Rachel Mason offers brilliant client care. She is very adept at dealing with the most difficult of characters.’

  • ‘This criminal team, led by Rachel Fletcher, is first rate. They are well organised and dedicated to their client's cause. They appear to provide excellent personal support to their clients, in addition to legal advice. They are the first firm I would consider if I had a client unused to the criminal justice system, or who was vulnerable in some way.’

  • ‘Rachel Fletcher is first rate. She is tough, knowledgeable, professional but is empathetic to her client's needs. Before meeting the client, she will invariably appraise me not only of the legal aspects of the case, but also the particular needs, quirks and expectations of the client. A client can expect a excellent, bespoke service.’

  • ‘Hannah Costley and Rachel Mason are both great to work with. They know their cases inside out, they are always contactable. Whatever needs doing is done promptly and to a high standard.’

  • ‘The main reason I would recommend this firm is their outstanding preparation of cases. They have highly experienced solicitors who provide comprehensive and reliable advise to lay clients. Their client care is exceptional, including with vulnerable clients, and communication about the cases is faultless. Lay clients expectations are appropriately managed from the outset.’

  • 'They manage to fit between a small boutique firm and a large national firm: large enough to have the resources to put into substantial claims, but small enough to have that personal feel for their client base.'

  • 'Hannah Costley is a rising star in the criminal law field, with a real expertise in road traffic matters. She is highly respected by Counsel and provides excellent service to all her clients.'

Work highlights

Represented an individual in regard to an allegation of attempted kidnap, securing an acquittal mid-trial.
Represented a youth who was interviewed by the police for making indecent images, ultimately securing a Route 22 intervention programme.

Practice head

Rachel Fletcher

Other key lawyers

Hannah Costley; Rachel Mason