Reeds Solicitors “Top Tier” Crime Firm in Legal 500

The Legal 500 results are always hotly anticipated, and Reeds were proud and delighted to have been recognised as a “Top Tier” firm for its crime practice within both the South East and South West regions, as well as having been promoted in the rankings to Tier 3 in the notoriously competitive London region.  In addition, a total of our 10 lawyers across the firm are mentioned by name in Legal 500 UK commentary for their standout contribution to their respective practices.

In the South East the commentary said “Spanning across several offices, the criminal defence practice at Reeds Solicitors is ‘agile and modern’, according to clients, and offers the full spectrum of services. ‘Class act‘ Stuart Matthews, who is based in Oxford, oversees the team and is experienced in complex criminal matters pertaining to serious sexual offences and drug-related crime. Other practice co-heads Neil Jarvis and Tom Brymer in Basingstoke also comprise the core team. Julian Richards is highly praised by clients and is recommended for murder cases and large-scale drug conspiracies. Elsewhere, Jayne Wilkinson from the Magistrates Court team is also a key contact.”  Partners Stuart and Julian are named Leading Individuals within their field.

Of the South West region, the Legal 500 said “Criminal defence is a core specialism for lawyers at Reeds Solicitors, which draws on ‘a universally professional, dedicated, thorough and diligent’ team to advise on high profile matters. The group comprises highly experienced solicitor-advocates, including department co-heads Stephen Clifford, who leads on crown court issues, and Nicola Hutchinson, whose area of focus is the magistrates court practice and whom clients rate as ‘ great in the courtroom‘.  Andy Lee is regularly called upon to assist clients facing allegations of murder, fraud and serious sexual offences.” Andy was also named as a “Rising Star” within the editorial.

Finally, within London, “The general crime team at Reeds Solicitors is led by the ‘standout‘ Abigail Ashford. Supported by the ‘excellent‘ Mark Abbott, who is notable for defending in the first double-jeopardy retrial for murder, the offering covers a wide range of matters. Recent casework includes possession of explosives, burglary, car theft, threats to kill and football hooliganism. In addition, the firm handles allegations of sexual assault and has represented a number of political activists (Extinction Rebellion).” Both Abigail and Mark have both been recognised as recommended lawyers.

The Legal 500 is the leading guide to law firms in the UK, and they undertake a rigorous research process every year to establish these rankings.

For more information, you can access the Legal 500 website here. The specific testimonials about our individually recommended lawyers can be found on their website profiles.