Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Individuals and businesses can email him directly or speak to his clerks at 2 Bedford Row (2BR). He accepts Public Access instructions, often called Direct Access, where the case is suitable. He will assess the work required and explain whether you also need a solicitor.

That depends on the facts, the work needed and the support you require. He will consider the complexity of the case and whether you can manage any tasks that remain your responsibility. His clerks can discuss the available routes, and he will assess whether instructing a solicitor would be in your best interests.

Not necessarily. He is a registered litigator and can provide litigation services as well as advice and advocacy where agreed. Whether you also need a solicitor depends on the matter, funding and scope of the instructions. He will explain who will handle each part of the case before work begins.

Yes. He is a registered litigator. He can undertake the conduct of litigation as part of agreed instructions, alongside advice and advocacy. The client care letter will set out the work covered and who is responsible for correspondence, documents and procedural steps.

Yes, where the matter falls within his practice and is suitable for Direct Access. You can seek advice on a specific issue or a second opinion, including on a possible appeal. The documents, scope and fee are agreed first. If you later need further advice or representation at a hearing, that work can be agreed separately, subject to availability.

Include the full name and date of birth of the person needing advice or representation, your contact details, a short outline of the matter and any hearing date or deadline. Mention the other parties and any solicitor already instructed. If applicable, include the person’s prison number and current prison. If you are enquiring on someone else’s behalf, explain your relationship to them.

Yes. Give the person’s full name, date of birth, prison number and current prison, together with a short case outline and any hearing dates. Include your own contact details and explain your relationship to them. The clerks will explain the next steps and what is needed to arrange instructions.

Fees depend on the complexity of the case, the documents to review and the time required. The clerks at 2 Bedford Row can provide a quotation once they know what work is needed. Ask what is included, the VAT amount, any expenses and how a change in the work would affect the fee.

No. Direct Access is privately funded. If you have legal aid, instructions to a barrister must come through a solicitor. If you may qualify, speak to a solicitor about funding and your choice of barrister. Your solicitor can contact the clerks at 2 Bedford Row to discuss his availability for the case.

You can make an informed choice to pay privately, provided the case is suitable for Direct Access. Before deciding, understand the legal aid available and the costs and responsibilities of private instructions. Discuss the funding options with a legal aid solicitor, and ask the clerks about the proposed work and fees.

For Direct Access, you will receive a client care letter setting out the agreed work, fees, terms and the responsibilities that remain with you. Make sure you understand what is included, VAT and any additional costs before accepting. Further advice, a hearing or other work outside that agreement will need to be agreed separately.

Call the clerks at 2 Bedford Row and explain the matter and the hearing, interview or deadline. He offers evening and weekend attendance. The clerks will confirm availability, the preparation required and the arrangements for your matter.

His work includes drug offences, serious and complex crime, murder and manslaughter, fraud and money laundering, confiscation and asset recovery, regulatory and licensing matters, road traffic offences, criminal appeals and sports law. He also advises on contracts, NDAs, prenuptial agreements, trademarks and patents, and separately offers copywriting services. The expertise pages explain the work covered.

The client care letter will explain the work he will undertake, including any agreed litigation services, and your responsibilities. These may include providing documents, giving instructions and completing tasks outside the agreed scope. Tell him if you need help with correspondence, filing or deadlines so responsibility for each task can be agreed clearly.

Gather the relevant court papers, charges or claims, correspondence and evidence, with a short chronology and a list of deadlines. The clerks will explain how to send the material. Keep copies of new papers and follow the agreed arrangements for sharing them and handling correspondence, so he has the material needed for his work.

Case News covers his work in criminal defence, financial crime and related matters. You can filter cases by area and year, then follow the links to read more. Each case turns on its own facts and evidence.

Yes. He handles voluntary interviews, including advice and attendance. Contact his clerks with the police station, the proposed interview date, the allegation and any papers or correspondence you have received. They will confirm availability and arrangements.

Yes. He offers attendance following arrest. Call his clerks with the person’s full name and date of birth, the police station or custody location, the alleged offence if known and whether an interview is imminent. If you are calling for someone else, explain your relationship to them. Attendance is subject to confirmed availability.

Yes. He provides pre-charge advice, including advice about the allegation, available evidence and the next steps in an investigation. Send a brief outline and mention any interview date, bail conditions or other deadlines. The scope of the advice will be agreed at the outset.

Yes. He offers evening and weekend attendance, including for police interviews and attendance following arrest. Call his clerks to explain the situation and when attendance is needed. Availability and arrangements must be confirmed for the particular matter.

He works with clients based overseas, including in Dubai, the United States and Spain. Include your location, time zone, where the matter arises and any deadlines when you enquire. His clerks can discuss remote meeting arrangements. He will assess the relevant jurisdiction and whether any locally qualified legal advice is needed.

Yes. Tell him or the clerks what would help when you enquire. They can discuss communication needs, alternative formats and arrangements for professional appointments.