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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.