Blackfords LLP houses a ‘hard working, reliable, and incredibly well informed’ team which stands out for its expertise in serious crime and fraud, representing both private clients and legal aid cases. Diana Payne, a seasoned solicitor-advocate, heads the Croydon office and is renowned as a Youth Court expert; she also has expertise in a wide range of complex and lengthy investigations including sexual offences, violence, fraud, murder, and serious drug offences. Lisa Towell heads the general crime department and is adept in representing young people in cases at all stages of the justice system, while other key members of the team include Gary Bloxsome and Trevor Francis.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Accolades
Client satisfaction
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘One of the few firms left that has a major private crime practice but still does legal aid well. Great judgment, hard working, reliable, and incredibly well-informed on the market.’
‘Blackfords has a team of committed, skillful, and tenacious lawyers that provide a service to their clients that would be difficult to beat. They attract the most high profile clients in the most serious cases because everyone knows that they are one of best firms operating in criminal law.'
‘Hannah Giles is one of the best criminal lawyers in the business. She knows the law inside out, turns every case inside out, and is a calm and masterful tactician. There can't be many that enjoy the same level of success.’
‘I have worked with Hannah Giles for over 12 years in various forms and can say she over that time she has consistently shown herself to be a dedicated and diligent solicitor.'
‘They are very hands-on with clients. They know exactly what they are doing.’
‘I have worked with Diana Payne in recent times. She is very calm, full of common sense, and has great judgement when it comes to the specialist area of serious sexual offences. Jen Richardson is stand-out. She has relatively recently been promoted to partner. Her commitment, her attention to detail, her refusal to admit defeat, and her sheer ability mark her out as first division.’
Lawyers
Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.
Trevor Francis
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
Hannah Giles
Lucinda Shand
Practice head
Diana Payne
Other key lawyers
Lisa Towell; Hannah Giles; Lucinda Shand; Jen Richardson: Gary Bloxsome; Trevor Francis