Lauded as a ‘one-stop shop for all criminal cases’, Cartwright King has notable expertise in high-profile and complex white-collar crime matters. Crime specialist James Bainbridge co-leads the practice and has an extensive litigation background, handling matters regarding human trafficking, modern slavery, drugs and homicide. Sharad Buddhdev is another name to note for his financial crime specialism, with a particular focus in account freezing orders. London-based Laura Smith specialises in corporate, financial, and serious crime and co-leads alongside Bainbridge.
General crime and fraud in East Midlands
Cartwright King
Practice head(s):
Laura Smith; James Bainbridge
Other key lawyers:
Sharad Buddhdev
Testimonials
‘Cartwright King is a one-stop shop for all criminal cases. From the most serious (involving murder, hostage taking and serious violence) through to technical road traffic matters, they have the appropriate expertise and support system to provide a top-quality service to all clients who engage them.’
‘James Bainbridge is an extremely impressive litigator. He is always very responsive to queries submitted by counsel and is always on-hand to guide the lay client through the (often labyrinthine) criminal justice system.’
‘Laura Smith is extremely knowledgeable in her field and great with commercial clients. Comforting to clients, proactive and well-informed.’
Johnson Astills
With capabilities representing clients at all court levels, Johnson Astills‘ team is formed of ‘high-quality lawyers’ who are able to handle the breadth of complex matters. Under the leadership of duo Helen Johnson and Michelle Harding, the team is particularly experienced in representing vulnerable defendants. Johnson’s background in handling serious criminal offences has seen her engaged in a variety of Crown Court trials, whilst Harding aids clients from initial police interviews and investigations through to trial, and handles criminal advocacy at all levels.
Practice head(s):
Helen Johnson; Michelle Harding
Other key lawyers:
Olivia Peck; Rachel Diorio; Lucy-Ann Lee
Testimonials
‘This firm is truly excellent. Their client care is second-to-none – they are always extremely well-prepared, and their advocates are extremely impressive in court.’
‘Helen Johnson is an exceptional solicitor advocate – she combines a practical, sensible approach with her legal acumen and determination to provide the best representation for her lay client that she can.’
‘Helen Johnson leads by example and is approachable and dedicated to her team. Olivia Peck is the absolute go-to person for help with administration – knowledgeable and efficient. Michelle Harding is a dedicated practitioner, always helpful and prepares cases meticulously. Rachel Diorio is an established solicitor who advocates well for her clients.’
Smith Partnership
The practitioners at Smith Partnership receive instructions on the full spectrum of criminal cases, including homicide, drug conspiracy and fraud. Kevin McGrath showcases a strong track record in serious fraud matters, and Andrew Oldroyd‘s workload features defending clients in motoring prosecutions; the pair co-lead the team. To complement their criminal practice, the team also has a dedicated Crown Court department led by Adrian Pearce whose portfolio is largely comprised of multi-defendant conspiracies. Justin Ablott is recommended, alongside Justine Dexter who regularly acts in the Magistrates’ Court. Another name to note is experienced litigator Vasanti Vaitha, who is well supported by Beth McGovern.
Practice head(s):
Kevin McGrath; Andrew Oldroyd
Other key lawyers:
Adrian Pearce; Justin Ablott; Justine Dexter; Vasanti Vaitha; Beth McGovern
Testimonials
‘Taking the law and legal knowledge as a given, which is always excellent, they provide great client care and offer real service and access to their partners and senior members of the team.’
‘An exceptionally solid team of solicitors with a strong emphasis on client care. Each case is managed diligently and forcefully from cradle to grave.’
‘Andrew Oldroyd and Justine Dexter deserve a special mention. Their fierce devotion to each case is commendable.’
Richard Nelson LLP
Richard Nelson LLP’s practice covers a range of areas, including fraud and business defence. It also provides support for clients facing serious sexual offence and indecent image-related allegations, as well as road traffic offences. Practice head and 'true leader in her field' Jacqui Callan carries out advocacy within the Crown Court and is active on serious rape trials. Eve Patterson has expanded the team’s road traffic offence offering, while Darren Young handles a varied caseload that includes drug offences, vacating pleas, and cases involving the perversion of the Course of Justice.
Practice head(s):
Jacqui Callan
Other key lawyers:
Eve Patterson; Darren Young
Testimonials
‘The team are brilliant at communicating.’
‘Jacqui Callan is a brilliant solicitor who has built a very good team. She is very approachable and always easy to deal with. The clients are always happy with the service they are provided with.’
‘Great communicators – they really understand what the client wants.’
‘The crime team at Richard Nelson LLP is made up of first-class lawyers and legal professionals. They consistently deliver an above-and-beyond service to their clients from start to finish.’
‘Jacqui Callan is exceptional and at the top of her game. Her commitment to clients’ best interests is unmatched. A true leader in her field. Eve Patterson is a skilled and attentive lawyer who leaves no stone unturned for her clients. Darren Young is a very experienced and impressive lawyer.’
Sills & Betteridge LLP
With offices throughout the region, Sills & Betteridge LLP‘s comprehensive practice includes homicide, sexual offence, road traffic offence and complex financial matters. The team also represents clients in Court Martial proceedings. Christopher Hogg specialises in private road traffic offences in particular and ‘exceptional individual’ Katie Scott’s homicide and drug conspiracy expertise comes to the fore on cases committed to the Crown Court. The pair co-helm the offering.
Practice head(s):
Christopher Hogg; Katie Scott
Testimonials
‘The Sills and Betteridge team are always dedicated and proactive.’
‘The team are all extremely efficient and easy to work with under pressure.’
‘Katie Scott never ceases to impress with her ability to handle large and small cases. Her knowledge of her cases and the law mean the client gets high-quality advice from the start of their case.’
‘Katie Scott is excellent. She has insight, tactical acumen and outstanding client care. She is hardworking and committed to ensuring the case is properly prepared and well-presented.’
‘Efficient, conscientious and approachable. A very experienced team that always uses its extensive knowledge and skills to find solutions practically and pragmatically.’
‘Professional and friendly with a real determination to go above and beyond for the clients, in particular Katie Scott stands out as an exceptional individual in this respect. Katie has a real understanding of her clients’ needs and communicates this in a strategic and skilled manner.’
‘This practice is made unique by how personal and people-focused they are. They were there for me, to guide me through every step of the way.’
‘Our engagement was notably with Christopher Hogg who is an extremely capable and hands-on litigator with excellent client application, leadership and direction skills. His support team entirely complements that, and team delivery is first-class and most reassuring.’
Tuckers Solicitors
Tuckers Solicitors‘ team handles the whole gamut of criminal offences. Leading the team, Christopher Wall 'goes the extra mile’ for clients who he is experienced advising on the range of complex criminal matters. Andrew Bolc who leads alongside Wall is also recommended.
Practice head(s):
Andrew Bolc; Christopher Wall
Other key lawyers:
Charlotte Farrier
Testimonials
‘Tuckers have a nationwide reach and are almost unique in that. As a result, they have excellent resources.’
‘Despite its vast size, it gives a personal touch to each client and their case.’
‘Christopher Wall is very attentive, and goes that extra mile for his clients and helps alleviate some of counsel’s problems at Court.’