Lately, we’ve been hearing and watching news bombarded with accidents and crimes. It feels scary to be out there, and accidents can happen anytime.
A bit anxious, I suddenly feel like I want to be on the safe side (no worries, I am safe here in London). I just want to have that assurance in case something happens to me. No one will tell me when, so I decided to prepare myself for this.
I started searching for a criminal defence lawyer in London. Luckily, my friend working in the legal services industry helped me!
Now, we’ve made this list, and it’s time for you to check it out in case you or someone you know needs this service.
How much do criminal defence lawyers charge?
Criminal defence lawyers in London charge £250 to £500 per hour, depending on your case. Expect the fees to increase based on the lawyer’s level and the legal services you need. The final amount will come from the professional fee and value-added tax (VAT).
How we chose
- Experience: We picked lawyers with years of experience in different cases, which means they know the ins and outs of the criminal justice system.
- Success Rates: We selected criminal defence attorneys based on the cases they won, proving their knowledge and skills in the legal industry.
- Pricing: We considered their initial consultation, retainer fees, hourly rates, and payment terms. We only picked those that charge a reasonable rate.
- Availability for Urgent Cases: We chose law firms with readily available lawyers for crucial cases needing immediate attention.
1. Lewis Nedas Law
Address: 24 Camden High St,
Contact Details: +442073872032,
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM
Lewis Nedas Law, with 40+ years of legal practice, is one of the well-known companies in London. They’re famous (highly ranked in Legal 500) because they really are something!
We found that they offer a long list of legal services, from A to Z. They entertain basic issues such as traffic violations up to complex cases like domestic violence, theft, and sex abuse, to name a few.
They’re in demand, but no worries, you can expect a dedicated solicitor since they have 20+ lawyers working on criminal cases. They also have barristers who can represent you in court.
We also appreciate the utmost confidentiality of their team (even in an initial consultation). Their staff are also patient and responsive to queries. They’re the type of people blessed with patience despite dozens of questions.
Since they have almost four decades of experience, they’ve built a strong reputation. With that reputation comes the real price tag, which can be expensive.
They bill by the hour, with the solicitors’ fee starting from £250 and continuing to £350 per hour (exclusive of VAT). That’s just an overview, though, and it depends on the nature of the case.
Professional, patient, and supportive
“I had an outstanding experience working with Jeremy, Joseph and the team at Lewis Nedas Solicitors. They were professional, patient, and incredibly supportive throughout what turned out to be a complex and often stressful process. Joseph was always responsive, clear in his communication, and truly had my best interests at heart. I’ll definitely be using Lewis Nedas for all future legal matters—both personal and commercial. Highly recommended!”
-Mr. Amro Emra, Google Review
Attentive and responsive
“We have instructed Lewis Nedas on property purchases three times in 25 years, and the experience is always terrific. In the latest instruction, we worked with Naziana Mehdy and found her attentive to our client’s needs and responsive around the clock.”
-Mr. Preston Mendanhall, Google Review
2. Bark & Co Solicitors
Address: Hamilton House, 1 Temple Avenue
Contact Details: +442073531990, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Bark & Co Solicitors is another defence firm with private expert lawyers specialising in different areas.
We learned that they share expertise in criminal fraud, serious crime, corporate fraud, and litigation areas. They’ve been handling such cases since 1996, which we can say is a good run for a boutique firm.
We appreciate their prompt responses when we ask questions about their offerings. They are open to discussing your initial concern and providing you with possible solutions.
For us, they’re authoritative yet friendly and approachable. These qualities are a plus for us, reducing the anxiety of clients (who are already stressed with legal issues). No wonder they’re also rated as a leading law firm in Legal 500 and Chambers.
Their office also has a nice parking space and is easy to locate. Aside from that, the ambience of their office is very positive, with a warm welcome as you enter.
The only thing you need to consider is their fees. Since they’re a top-tier law firm, the fees of their accredited solicitors are also high.
Knowledgeable and helpful team
“There’s a reason why Bark&Co are one of, if not the top, law firms in London. They have an amazing team who are very knowledgeable and very helpful. Has a family feel when you arrive on site.
Vanessa Wiggins in particular has been a key figure at Bark & Co. Her passion to do her job leaves her contactable 24/7. She goes above and beyond to make sure that your supported and achieve the best possible solution.
Would definitely use their services again and have already recommended Bark & Co and, in particular, Vanessa. Keep up the amazing work you are doing.”
-Mr. Rico Smith, Google Review
Honest, professional, and caring
“Excellent service provided by Magdalena Motyl (Bark&Co Solicitors), very honest, professional and caring from the beginning until the end. She did an amazing job to get the best outcome on my wife’s extradition case, also, Magdalena was very helpful with my wife and daughter’s British citizenship application. Always excellent communication via email, phone and text at any time, any day, and weekends, I always received a quick response.
Bark & Co. Solicitors is the best firm in the UK.”
-Mr. Alejandro Von Buchwald, Google Review
3. BSB Solicitors
Address: 2 John St
Contact Details: +442078373456, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM
BSB Solicitors, established 22 years ago, is another experienced defence law firm you can consider. They’re also mentioned in the Legal 500 guide, and they have connections in other top-tier law firms as well.
Upon searching, we’ve learned that they have competent solicitors experts in different areas like financial crimes, serious crimes, and international crimes. We like their transparency when it comes to the services they do and do not offer.
Another positive aspect of their solicitors is their confidence in handling cases. They’re in fact popular in handling fare evasion cases, and most of their clients are satisfied with their professionalism.
We also tried enquiring via phone, and their office immediately answered (a good first impression). The person we talked to is professional and very supportive. They even suggest visiting the office, and they’ll schedule it right away so we can skip the line.
The only thing we like to raise is their transparency when it comes to fees, as they don’t disclose them publicly. A starting rate or fee will do and will help their clients cross-check it with their budget.
Excellent solicitor
“Jim from BSB solicitors was outstanding in the way he successfully handled my case. Jim is an excellent solicitor and will do everything he can to ensure the desired outcome of your case is achieved. He is an amazing listener and conducts himself in a very professional manner. I would definitely recommend Jim and the BSB firm.”
-Mr. Adam Boumezbah, Google Reiew
Exceptional care, attention, and effort
“I want to convey how wonderful BSB Solicitors have been in representing our case. The care and attention, and effort given have been exceptional. We felt well served and understood. They were always prompt in all follow-ups and were very good at explaining the situation to us. We are very grateful for all BSB has done on our behalf. We would highly recommend this solicitor’s firm if you are searching for good and dependable representation.”
-Ms. Angela Woodhouse, Google Review
4. Berkeley Square Solicitors
Address: F2, Berkeley Square House, 283 Berkeley Square
Contact Details: +442038580851, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: Open 24 Hours
Like other defence law firms, Berkeley Square Solicitors has also set the bar high in the legal industry. Mind you, they’re in the Legal 500 and Chambers too!
With over 20 years of experience, they’re in and out of tough cases. They’ve handled fraud, sexual allegations, drug offences, and police station representation. We believe that two decades of experience are enough to prove their skills.
Aside from that, we appreciate how they build a connection with their clients. They’re not the type of solicitors who just want to make a profit. We noticed it in the way they spoke to us when we started to ask questions about their services.
As a person who is new to the criminal justice system, assurance and support will give you peace of mind. This is what we felt throughout our encounter with them.
In terms of fees, we expected it wouldn’t be cheap. We actually asked about their fees, but they did not state exactly how much because it really depends on the case (we understand that).
However, we’re glad to know that they offer flexible payment terms. They’re also open to connecting you to a third-party organisation to finance your legal defence team.
Exceptional service
“If I could give more than 5 stars, I would. Choosing Berkeley Square Solicitors was the best decision I could have made. Patrick O’Hanlon represented us, and I cannot praise him enough. This man is exceptional at his job. In his correspondence, he made us feel heard, never sugar-coated anything and delivered the exact outcome we were hoping for. In all honesty, I will recommend him each and every time.”
-Ms. Kashaka Marcano, Google Review
Highly recommended solicitors
“Just been in I situation where I need a solicitor and those guys are unbelievable, how great they do their job. Patrick O’Hanlon was the one who dealt with me, and he was great at what he was doing. Big thanks to him. Highly recommended solicitors.”
-Fatjoni London, Google Review
5. Rustem Guardian Solicitors
Address: 44 Southampton Buildings
Contact Details: +442039299119, [email protected]
Operating Hours: Monday – Friday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Rustem Guardian Solicitors, built in 2005, has also built a reputation in the city.
We have to admit that this is a relatively small company compared to the other firms. But despite that, they’re still loaded with professional legal services.
From police representation to serious cases like dishonesty and violent offences, they can lend a hand to you. Speaking of lending, they can also help in organising your case funding.
We appreciate their willingness to make an application for a Defendant’s Cost Order. They like seeing their clients recover a part of their legal costs. In case you want to take this route, they provide a monthly interim report for you to pay periodically.
Let’s talk about the real deal – FEES! For their senior solicitor, they charge £350.00 per hour and £135.00 for their trainee solicitor and paralegal. We found the fees affordable, though remember that they can still change depending on the case.
Support? They have great customer service and responsive staff ready to answer your queries.
The only thing we think puts them in the last spot is their availability. Since it’s a small firm, their solicitors are also limited.
Extremely professional
“I was at ease the moment I walked into Rustem Guardian Solicitors and had my first consultation. They completely worked their magic and took control of the whole case. Extremely professional and quick on their feet. I highly recommend them for any difficult criminal work to be undertaken. I’ve never dealt with better solicitors in all my life.”
-Mr. Ignazio Maniscalchi, Google Review
Approachable, understanding, and highly professional
“I am extremely satisfied with the service provided by Natasha. From the very beginning, they were approachable, understanding, and highly professional. Their attention to detail and thoroughness in handling my case were impressive. They kept me updated at every stage and always made sure I understood my options. I felt confident and supported throughout the process. I highly recommend Natasha for their exceptional legal expertise and client care.”
-Ms. Abdullah Aldefiri, Google Review
