Choosing a criminal defence team in London can feel daunting. This guide lists ten highly regarded firms with proven expertise in serious and general crime, each with three named lawyers to help you compare at a glance.
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How we selected these firms
- Longstanding recognition in independent directories and case experience
- Depth of partner and senior lawyer bench in serious crime
- Clear focus on client service and outcomes supported by third-party commentary
Key services in criminal defence
Typical instructions include police station advice and representation, Crown Court trials, appeals, sexual offences, violent offences, drugs and firearms matters, financial crime and confiscation, extradition and international assistance. See endnotes for core public guidance used by prosecutors and courts.
1. BCL Solicitors LLP
BCL is widely recognised for complex, high profile criminal cases alongside financial crime and confiscation matters.
Lawyers: Ian Burton, Ellen Peart, Mark Haslam.
Why noted: Consistently ranked in London crime with a deep pool of senior specialists.
Sources: Chambers UK profile.
“Highly experienced across the full range of serious criminal defence.”
2. Hickman and Rose
Specialist defence practice acting in serious and sensitive criminal matters and investigations.
Lawyers: Jenny Wiltshire, Ben Rose, Kate Goold.
Why noted: Strong record in serious crime, protest, and reputation-sensitive cases.
Sources: Chambers UK profile.
“Specialist criminal defence with complementary expertise in extradition.”
3. Kingsley Napley
Full-service team handling both general crime and complex investigations, with extensive partner bench strength.
Lawyers: Louise Hodges, Sandra Paul, Rebecca Niblock.
Why noted: Market feedback consistently praises strategic advice and client care.
Sources: Firm criminal litigation page.
“The firm you go to if you really need a very high standard.”
4. Corker Binning
Specialist criminal and regulatory litigators regularly instructed in high profile and sensitive matters.
Lawyers: Jessica Parker, Andrew Smith, Edward Grange.
Why noted: Recognised for serious crime, investigations and extradition strength.
Sources: Chambers UK crime, Legal 500 crime general.
“A very high-quality firm with a broad range of experience.”
5. Peters and Peters Solicitors LLP
Renowned business crime and serious crime team with private prosecutions capability.
Lawyers: Michael O’Kane, Neil Swift, Rachel Cook.
Why noted: Regularly acts in significant investigations and defence cases for individuals.
Sources: Chambers UK financial crime individuals.
“Superb depth of knowledge and team approach across civil and criminal issues.”
6. Bindmans LLP
Longstanding leaders across serious crime, public order, terrorism and appeals.
Lawyers: Katie Wheatley, Tayab Ali, Jude Lanchin.
Why noted: Frequently instructed in complex cases and matters of public interest.
Sources: Chambers UK crime.
“Compassionate, intelligent lawyers who fight doggedly for their clients.”
7. Hodge Jones and Allen
Cutting-edge criminal practice handling high profile and serious allegations.
Lawyers: Raj Chada, Mike Schwarz, Steven Bird.
Why noted: Strong trial pedigree and protest law expertise.
Sources: Chambers UK firm profile.
“Regularly represents clients in high profile cases.”
8. Tuckers Solicitors
One of the UK’s largest dedicated criminal defence teams with nationwide coverage and 24-hour representation.
Lawyers: Claire Parrott, James Turner, Phil Smith.
Why noted: Experienced across the full range of criminal offences, including legal aid and private work.
Sources: Chambers UK team summary, Firm criminal defence page.
“Well-known practice experienced in complex, multi-party cases.”
9. Edward Fail, Bradshaw and Waterson
Specialist defence firm with deep experience in serious crime and appellate work.
Lawyers: Paul Harris, Shila Keshvari, Natalie Berman.
Why noted: Highly ranked for the breadth of serious crime matters.
Sources: Chambers UK crime, Legal 500 crime general.
“Incredible breadth, from murder to complex and rare matters.”
10. Blackfords LLP
Respected for serious crime, fraud and related regulatory defence.
Lawyers: Gary Bloxsome, Daniel Cundy, Gary S Rubin.
Why noted: Recognised in London crime and white-collar defence work.
Sources: Chambers UK profile, Legal 500 white collar.
“Leading in high profile regulatory and serious crime matters.”
FAQs on criminal defence in London
What should I do if I am arrested in London
Ask for a solicitor immediately and do not answer questions without legal advice. You are entitled to free legal advice at the police station. Experienced firms provide 24-hour representation.
How do I choose between private and legal aid representation
Eligibility depends on means and the interests of justice test. Some firms act on both bases; complex or serious cases can still qualify for legal aid.
What areas do criminal defence firms typically cover
Police station interviews, Magistrates’ and Crown Court trials, appeals, sexual offences, violent crime, drugs and firearms, fraud and confiscation, extradition and international assistance.
What guidance do prosecutors follow in charging decisions
The Crown Prosecution Service applies the Code for Crown Prosecutors and published prosecution guidance when deciding whether to charge and how to proceed.
Where can I see how sentences are decided
The Sentencing Council publishes offence-specific guidelines and general principles that courts in England and Wales follow when passing sentence.
Does recent policy affect sentencing practice
Yes. New and revised Sentencing Council materials come into force periodically, and government policy can affect guidance oversight. Check current guidance for the latest position.
Can a firm help before I am charged
Yes. Pre-charge advice can shape the investigation, engage with police or prosecutors and present exculpatory material early.
What if my case involves confiscation or restraint of assets
Specialist criminal teams handle POCA issues, restraint, account freezing and confiscation proceedings alongside the criminal case.
Do these firms handle reputational concerns
Many listed firms manage parallel reputation and crisis issues, media handling and privacy alongside the defence strategy.
How quickly can I get a lawyer to the police station
Most specialist criminal defence firms offer 24-hour attendance. Call immediately on arrest or if you expect voluntary interview.
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Endnotes
- Chambers UK, BCL Solicitors, Crime.
- Chambers UK, Hickman and Rose, Crime. :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}
- Kingsley Napley, Criminal Litigation. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
- Chambers UK, Corker Binning, Crime. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
- Legal 500, Corker Binning, Crime: general. :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}
- Chambers UK, Peters and Peters, Financial Crime: Individuals. :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5}
- Chambers UK, Bindmans, Crime. :contentReference[oaicite:6]{index=6}
- Chambers UK, Hodge Jones and Allen, firm profile and crime rankings. :contentReference[oaicite:7]{index=7}
- Chambers UK, Crime in London overview including Tuckers. :contentReference[oaicite:8]{index=8}
- Tuckers Solicitors, Criminal Defence. :contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}
- Chambers UK, Edward Fail, Bradshaw and Waterson, Crime. :contentReference[oaicite:10]{index=10}
- Legal 500, Edward Fail, Bradshaw and Waterson, Crime: general. :contentReference[oaicite:11]{index=11}
- Chambers UK, Blackfords LLP. :contentReference[oaicite:12]{index=12}
- Legal 500, Blackfords LLP, White collar crime. :contentReference[oaicite:13]{index=13}
- Crown Prosecution Service, Prosecution Guidance. :contentReference[oaicite:14]{index=14}
- Sentencing Council, About sentencing guidelines. :contentReference[oaicite:15]{index=15}
- Government guidance, how sentences are worked out. :contentReference[oaicite:16]{index=16}
- Kingsley Napley partner list excerpt. :contentReference[oaicite:17]{index=17}
- Corker Binning, Jessica Parker profile. :contentReference[oaicite:18]{index=18}