Recognised as a 'hardworking firm that puts its clients at the heart of what they do', Blackfords LLP has a market-leading reputation handling white-collar and complex crime matters, where it has 'leaves no stone unturned' in its efforts to secure the best possible result for the client. Combining 'a mental dexterity in the law with an effortless ability to communicate with clients of all backgrounds', team head Philip Williams has been key to solidifying this reputation in the market, and as well as handling serious fraud cases, is also 'seemingly the professional client’s first choice of "brief"', including in the context of corporate manslaughter mandates. Nicola Mitchard also has 'a real ability to master the detail of complex fraud cases', work with which she combines with a more general crime practice, including on cases relating to drugs, murder and sexual offences. 'Utterly committed to getting the best result for his clients', Scott Bowen is also a 'very safe pair of hands', whose higher rights of audience provide an added layer of skill.

 

The 'very experienced' team at de Maids Solicitors & Advocates has 'peerless expertise' in criminal law, regularly defending clients in the most serious and complex cases, including murder and drug offences, where it works very effectively with the most reputable barristers as well as with expert witnesses to present the most compelling case to the jury. Matthew De Maid takes the lead on much of this work, including financial crime, where he is 'extremely good at digesting voluminous material and explaining it simply and clearly'. Senior solicitor Stephen Jones is also a very important member of the team and is noted, in particular, for his skill at preparing a client's case. The firm also excels at prison law, with Sarah De Maid very skilled at representing clients in parole and judicial review applications.

Able to represent clients across the spectrum of criminal law, the well-resourced team at Cardiff-based firm M & M Solicitors, which includes a number of in-house advocates, 'has genuinely national reach and real expertise in serious and complex financial crime'. Key to the firm's success is 'dynamic' managing partner Nadeem Majid who 'works tirelessly to achieve the very best outcome for his clients', invariably appearing at court and in conferences to reassure clients and 'to provide innovative and different perspectives on cases when required'. Majid has particular knowledge of white-collar crime and is able to offer a unique perspective to clients, in part by his former role as a prosecutor for Financial Services Authority (now the FCA). Other key members of the team include Mike Prosser, who is 'very responsive and goes the extra mile for clients', and Craig Bond , who 'has a thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure' and is particularly skilled at advising on road traffic matters.

Hugh James is primarily focused on regulatory prosecution, an area that the firm has, in recent years, gained particular acclaim as a result of Justin Davies' eclectic work for prosecutors in relation to health and safety, environmental health, food safety and trading standards, among others. 'Personable, warm and witty yet firm and unshakeable in court', Davies is best-known for his fire-safety work, recently adding a number of English fire and rescue services to a client base that already includes South Wales Fire and Rescue Service, and Mid & West Wales Fire and Rescue Service. He also regularly handles work for the Driver & Vehicles Standards Agency (DVSA) and the Welsh government (including on fisheries regulation), as does the 'highly competent' Leah Ellison , who regularly assists Davies on larger cases, as well as developing her own caseload. Martin Jones  heads up the firm's overarching regulatory department and is the main contact for defendant work, including as it relates to fraud and money laundering.

With a strong local presence, which was recently enhanced by the merger with Gartsides Solicitors in December 2022, including a new Ebbw Vale office in 2024, Martyn Prowel Solicitors has excellent coverage throughout South Wales and provides a service of the 'highest calibre' to clients in privately and publicly-funded matters. Under the leadership of 'fastidious' Cardiff-based Aled Watkins, who is one of many higher court advocates in the team, it has deep and long experience defending clients across a myriad serious cases, and is on both the Serious Fraud Panel and the Very High Costs Cases Panel. Watkins is 'capable at dealing with matters of particular complexity with a thorough and considered approach', and is a key member of the team that also includes James Harris , who has 'very good insight into cases', and James Lynch, who is recognised by the Legal Services Commission as a ‘Level A’ Litigator qualified to act in Very High Cost Cases.

Under the expert leadership of Andrew Manners, Morgan LaRoche has developed a market-leading UK-wide offering defending independent early years education and adult social care providers (care home and domiciliary care) against civil and criminal enforcement actions brought by regulators. In addition, Manners has developed niche expertise defending clients in fraud and tax-related private prosecutions, as well as handling defence work for Wales-based landowners against allegations of animal cruelty. As part of the overarching expertise in all the defence work, the firm is also very adept at skilfully managing any negative press attention.

The 'professional and approachable' team at Reeds Solicitors is 'very client focused and produces excellent results' across a broad range of publicly and privately-funded criminal law matters. Jon Wilkins  has 'excellent client skills and a great grasp of detail', and is skilled at handling a range of fraud, general crime and motoring offences. His client base regularly includes high-profile and high-net-worth-individuals, where he is skilled at putting an early end to criminal prosecutions through proactive action, as well as being adept at dealing with any negative media/press interest. Other recommended practitioners include the 'very dedicated and hardworking' Laura Halliday  and Nathan Adams, who is one of many in the team with higher rights of audience.

Led by Laura Sherwood the 'experienced and responsive' well-established Llanelli-based team at Gomer Williams & Co provides a 'very effective service' to clients in the defence of a wide range of cases before the Magistrates and Crown Court. Welsh speaking solicitor/advocate Gareth Jones has vast experience in the field and is appreciated by clients for his ability to conduct proceedings in either Welsh or English. At a more junior level Matthew Ridler  and Jessica Smith  are 'well thought of in all areas', with Smith impressing with her 'excellent client care skills particularly when dealing with difficult clients'.