MSB Solicitors Ltd is singled out by clients as a ‘heavyweight criminal law firm’ with ’bags of experience’ and regularly defends clients against serious fraud, crime and regulatory allegations, with further extensive experience in POCA proceedings. Paul Gallagher leads the team and has a broad practice, which includes representation in contempt of court, drug importation, duty evasion and people trafficking cases. Further key team members include Michael McKeown, who handles serious crime, including fraud, firearms, drugs and murder matters, Andrew Pearson, who covers high value fraud and regulatory crime cases and Sean Sexton, who handles fraud cases, including pharmaceutical fraud. Recent changes to the team include the departure of Nicholas Woosey to MJP Solicitors in April 2024, while Alison Sharples joined the firm in the same month from Brodie Jackson Solicitors and John Davies joined in October 2024 from Radar Solicitors.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction: Billing & efficiency
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Michael McKeown is exceptionally hard working, very well prepared in all his cases and identifies the issues in the case really quickly and is a great communicator with clients.’
‘Paul Gallagher and others, including Alison Sharples & Michael McKeown, always take time to explain the evidence to clients and also provide full instructions to counsel.’
‘Paul Gallagher provides robust advice but also carefully explains issues to clients as they arise, supporting counsel at all stages. Michael McKeown and Alison Sharples are also particularly knowledgeable and great with clients.’
‘MSB is a heavyweight criminal law firm which specialises in representing individuals charged with the most serious crimes. The team has bags of experience. Uniquely, they have expertise in representing members of the security industry.’
‘Paul Gallagher is super experienced and his judgment is second to none. His case preparation is exceptional. Michael McKeown works exceptionally hard for his clients. He leaves no stone uncovered in order to get justice for them. His client care skills are terrific and his clients rightly appreciate everything that he does for them.’
'This firm has a very strong reputation for work in this area.'
'I have been extremely impressed with their dedication, knowledge and their ability to achieve successful outcomes, whether that be in the final result or in pursuing disclosure applications even against the most apathetic prosecuting and police teams, so as to enable them to put the best case forward on behalf of their client.'
'Andrew Pearson, has earned a well deserved reputation for always putting the client’s interests first and is tireless in his pursuit of information which can have a real bearing on the case, even in the face of disinterest or reluctance on behalf of the prosecuting authorities. He has a real interest and knowledge of neurodiversity and how it can impact on a case.'
'Well-resourced. Good attention to detail. Excellent communication with clients and counsel. Experienced and competent personnel.'
'Michael McKeown is extremely diligent, calm and competent. The advice he imparts is realistic and his care for his clients displays great empathy.'
Lawyers
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Sean Sexton
Practice head
Paul Gallagher
Other key lawyers
Michael McKeown; Andrew Pearson; Alison Sharples; John Davies; Sean Sexton