Highly experienced criminal defence partner trusted in the most serious and complex cases

Tony Meisels, Partner

Tony Meisels is a Partner and one of the most experienced criminal defence solicitors at Lewis Nedas Law. Admitted as a solicitor in 2000, Tony has been with the firm since 1992 and is widely respected for his work in serious crime and regulatory defence. He is recommended in the Legal 500 Top Tier Firms 2024, reflecting his standing within the criminal defence community.

What Tony Does

Tony specialises in defending individuals accused of serious and complex criminal offences. His practice includes murder, rape, grievous bodily harm, serious fraud and large-scale multi-defendant drugs conspiracies. He is known for taking a hands-on approach from the earliest stages of a case, frequently attending police stations and representing clients through the magistrates’ courts and the Crown Court.

In 2006, Tony obtained Higher Rights of Audience, enabling him to conduct advocacy in the Crown Court. His approach is diligent, committed and focused on securing the best possible outcome for his clients.

Specialist Expertise

Tony has particular expertise in cases involving indecent images, historic sexual offences and the imposition or alleged breach of Sexual Harm Prevention Orders and Sexual Risk Orders. He is also experienced in defending regulatory and specialist prosecutions, including cases involving the trade in endangered species under CITES and COTES regulations.

Notable Cases

One of Tony’s most prominent cases was R v Nicky Jacobs, where his client was charged with the murder of PC Keith Blakelock during the Broadwater Farm riot in 1985. After a five-week trial in 2014, the jury took less than an hour to acquit Mr Jacobs. The case attracted extensive national media coverage, and Tony appeared on Newsnight with Jeremy Paxman. The murder remains the only killing of a serving police officer on the UK mainland for which no one has ever been convicted.

Tony has acted in numerous other significant cases, including allegations of causing death by dangerous driving, large-scale county lines drug conspiracies, romance fraud involving losses exceeding £1.5 million, historic sexual allegations, prison officer misconduct cases and complex multi-defendant frauds. He has also acted in unusual and novel prosecutions, including a private prosecution for coercive and controlling behaviour linked to religious divorce proceedings.

Professional Standing

Tony is a member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association and previously served for five years as its Law Reform Officer. He originally qualified as a legal executive and became a Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives before qualifying as a solicitor, bringing a broad and practical perspective to his work.

Why Clients Trust Him

Clients value Tony’s thorough preparation, clear advice and steadfast support throughout the criminal process. His experience, attention to detail and willingness to engage fully at every stage of a case have earned him a reputation as a formidable and reliable defence lawyer in the most challenging circumstances.

Contact Tony Meisels

To discuss a serious criminal or regulatory defence matter, contact Tony directly via the firm.