OLLIERS SOLICITORS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Head of Corporate Social Responsibility and Wellness
David joined Olliers Solicitors in 1982, qualifying in 1984 and spent many years as a partner of Olliers working within our Magistrates' Court and Crown Court departments. He recently taken up the post of Head of Corporate Social Responsibility.
Job Titles:
- Partner Specialising in Criminal Defence
David has a wealth of experience having been admitted as a solicitor in 1992. He has specialised in Criminal Defence work throughout his career and is a partner at Olliers. He joined the firm in 2008 from JMW Solicitors where he was a partner for 12 years. He has been a Duty Solicitor for more than 25 years and is also a Higher Court (Crime) Advocate.
David is a highly respected Magistrates Court advocate. He continues to appear before the court on a daily basis as he has for the last thirty years. He is very well aware that appearing before any court can be a very daunting experience whatever the nature of the allegation that a person faces. If you have been charged with an offence or have received a requisition to appear in court it is essential that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. If you require representation in connection with Magistrates Court proceedings please contact us.
Hannah joined Olliers in early 2021 as a legal administrator after interning in summer 2020. She initially worked part time whilst finishing her LPC studies at the University of Law and then started her period of recognised training as a trainee solicitor in August 2021.
Now in her final year of training, Hannah has appreciated a variety of work; from handling Magistrates cases such as compiling briefs, to undertaking Crown Court preparation in the many different stages in the run up to trial and sentence.
She particularly values the opportunity in attending court to observe Counsel when representing the client on behalf of the instructing solicitor. Over the last year Hannah has developed a crucial understanding to the importance and process to pre-charge engagement and the need for a pro-active approach in the preliminary stages of an investigation.
Hannah is in the midst of her police station accreditation. Acting as a probationary representative, she recognises that the advice given to a client could be detrimental if a charge follows, the case progresses to court and Counsel seek to rely on the client's initial interview and whether a defence or full account was provided at the earliest opportunity.
As part of her role, Hannah has valued working alongside a number of practitioners, liaising with clients and Counsel whilst ensuring that the client's wellbeing and knowledge to their case remains at the forefront. These are fundamental skills she vows to carry forward as she qualifies as a solicitor in August 2023.
Hannah is experienced in the preparation of Magistrates trial cases.
Hannah in her second year of training continues to develop her understanding for pre-charge work and the many different stages which formulate Crown Court preparation for trial and committals for sentence.
Heather joined Olliers in August 2022 bringing with her over 15 years' experience in practicing criminal defence.
Heather qualified as a solicitor in 2012. She has a thorough knowledge of criminal law and procedure and has amassed a wealth of experience defending clients at all stages of the criminal process.
Heathers main area of expertise involves representing clients before the Magistrates and Youth courts. She is a proactive litigant and an able and confident advocate. Her approachable and calm manner allow her to build an excellent rapport with her clients and her priority is always to achieve the best possible outcome for them.
In addition to her criminal expertise Heather has a good knowledge of childcare proceedings and has represented clients before the Family court on many occasions.
Heather accepts work on both a legally aided and private paying basis
Helen Buxton joined Olliers Solicitors in 2008 having arrived from JMW solicitors. As a criminal lawyer, she has over twenty years experience in the field of criminal law, having worked for JMW Solicitors for more than ten years before joining Olliers as part of the crime team.
Helen has gained the knowledge, ability and wealth of experience that others can only aspire to. She has extensive knowledge and experience in representing clients who face the most serious allegations. She has a friendly, personal, sensitive and empathetic manner with clients yet takes a robust and professional approach to their representation.
Helen has extensive experience at every level of the criminal justice system, having represented defendants accused of serious allegations including multi-handed, nationwide conspiracy to supply and import drugs, multiple allegtions of armed robbery, gang related offences, firearms offences, murder and a case involving serious sexual offences with multiple defendants. Most recent cases have included attempted murder, rape and death by dangerous driving.
Helen was fantastic in making sure I felt reassured and listened to everything I had to say. She provided comforting support to both me and my family. Her experience was invaluable and she is a credit to your team.
Helen has a down to earth, friendly, yet practical approach. After my arrest she was quick to identify witnesses, provide updates and give me support through a very challenging experience. Thanks to her counsel the case concluded with a fauvourable outcome and I'm forever grateful. I cannot recommend her highly enough.
Isobel joined the firm in August 2021 after completing an internship at Olliers in June 2021. Isobel quickly progressed from our Litigation Support team to Paralegal, before beginning her training contract in May 2022.
Isobel completed her Law degree at the University of Manchester, where she also volunteered at the Legal Advice Centre. She then went on to complete her LPC and joined Olliers soon after.
Isobel has assisted with both Magistrates and Crown Court cases, as well as gaining experience in DBS and PNC matters. She has also nearly completed her pre-charge accreditation, an area which Olliers specialise in.
She is particularly interested in the Magistrates Court and hopes to join this team once she has completed her training contract.
Job Titles:
- Marketing Assistant
- Specialist Criminal Defence and Regulatory Lawyers
Jack joined the firm in 2022 as part of the marketing department and comes from a background of product and professional services marketing.
In his role, Jack works closely with the Marketing & Business Development Director Ruth Peters on the firm's online and digital presence, brand awareness as well as various PR and communications responsibilities in accordance with our business development strategy. This involves building on our reputation as the national, ‘go to' law firm for clients under investigation.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Police Station Representative
James joined Olliers in September 2020.
James studied Law with Business at the University of Liverpool and then the LLM Legal Practice (Solicitors) at BPP University.
James previously worked at DWF and Slater Gordon. James has a particular interest in the investigation stage of criminal cases. He has a growing caseload of cases involving pre charge engagement and regularly makes representations against charge on behalf of clients under investigation. James' 2019 Masters project was entitled ‘Proposals for increasing pre-charge engagement between the prosecution and the defence'.
James has a particular interest in complex regulatory matters but also enjoys the cut and thrust of general crime. He has gained significant in regulatory and criminal defence law.
James has experience of preparing Crown Court and Magistrates cases and is involved in the preparation of cases for trial.
James is a Police Station Representative and regularly attends police stations to advise clients and represent them during police interview.
James has experience of working on cases at the investigative pre-charge stage of proceedings and preparing representations against charge.
James has also worked with our Insolvency team working on matters involving assisting disputes with Insolvency Practitioners, Commercial Disputes and Bankruptcy disputes.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Consultant Criminal Defence Solicitor
- Solicitor for 20 Years. the Best in the Business
Jane Novas-Morell is a solicitor with over 25 years experience in the field of criminal law. She joined the firm as a consultant in 2018, having previously been a director at another well known criminal law firm for almost 17 years.
Jane is known for her very approachable manner, whilst vigorously representing clients' interests. She is also an excellent Court Advocate. Many of the clients that instruct Jane have been represented by her for many, many years.
Although Jane has higher court rights to appear before the Crown Court, her area of specialisation is police station & Magistrates' Court representation, although if a client's case proceeds to the Crown Court she undertakes the preparation on that case with the instructed barrister, so will see the case right through from initial arrest to its conclusion.
Jane has advised and represented clients charged with a range of offences, including murder, large scale fraud, drug trafficking and serious sexual offences.
Jane undertakes work on a privately funded basis and through the legal aid scheme.
Recent cases:
2021 - R v K - representing young man in Bolton charged with causing the death of a local mayor by dangerous driving
2021 - R v A - Representing 18-year-old, one of 13 alleged gang members, in relation to murder of 15-year-old member of another gang in Manchester
2021 - R v N - Representing 14-year-old boy charged another youth, with murder of 15-year-old boy in Bolton
2019 -Minshull Street Crown Court - represented an airline pilot charged with piloting a passenger plane whilst over the legal limit for alcohol - pilot received a suspended sentence of imprisonment.
2019 - represented two females at the police station, who had been arrested in relation to perverting the course of justice during the course of a murder investigation - acquitted after trial.
2019 - represented male suspect at police station for murdering his wife - released without charge
2019 - Bolton Magistrates Court - acted for a defendant accused of handling tobacco worth over half £ 1/2 million , successfully argued the amount down to £60,000 at Newton hearing, resulting in a non-custodial disposal.
Jane Novas has been of great service to me so far and I felt safe knowing that she was my solicitor for my ongoing case.
I would rate this company excellent especially Jane Novas Morrell she did some work for my son she is very good at what she does.Thankyou very much for the brilliant service the company and jane provided.
Job Titles:
- Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives
Janet is an integral part of Olliers having been with the firm for more than 39 years.
Janet is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives and has been qualified for over 20 years.
Clients frequently comment upon Janet's helpful nature and how she is always prepared to go ‘the extra mile' to assist. Janet understands the worries that clients face and has an empathetic and sensitive nature in dealing with their queries and concerns. Janet is also able to assist with referrals for areas of work Olliers do not specialise in due to her extensive connections from many years within the profession.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate Specialising in Criminal Defence & Pre - Charge
Kate began working in criminal defence in 2008 and quickly attained accreditation as a police station representative. She qualified as a Solicitor in 2010 specialising in Criminal defence. Kate then progressed further and gained duty status in 2011 allowing her to represent clients at Court and the police station under the Duty Solicitor scheme. In 2017 she was awarded Higher Rights of Audience enabling her to represent clients before the Crown Court.
In addition to Criminal law, Kate has practised Childcare law and Regulatory work including Health and Safety prosecutions. On a regular basis, representing clients before the Magistrates Court, the Youth Court, the Crown Court, and in Family proceedings. She also has experience of defending individuals facing regulatory matters brought by the General Medical Council and the General Osteopathic Council.
Since qualification, Kate has specialised in defending clients charged with serious cases with particular emphasis on defending sexual allegations. She is a skilled trial advocate ensuring cases are prepared meticulously.
She regularly attends Court and the police station providing robust and clear advice based upon current legislation and case law.
Kate has considerable experience covering the full spectrum of criminal offences from low level matters to the most serious offences. She is now specialising in Pre Charge Engagement and has successfully completed the Olliers Training Academy in this discipline. She is keen to identify lines of enquiry at an early stage to steer police away from charge. She appreciates that clients will often have little knowledge of the criminal justice system and takes time to explain matters carefully and to ensure her clients are kept up to date every step of the way. As a Duty Solicitor, Kate attends those in need of the scheme at the Magistrates Court and the Police Station. She also attends Court and the Police Station on a private basis and engages the police in Pre Charge Engagement. She is instructed on both a private and legal aid basis.
Job Titles:
- Partner Specialising in Criminal Defence
Laura joined Olliers in 2005 and qualified as a solicitor in 2008. She is an outstanding Magistrates' Court advocate and appears in courts across the country on a regular basis representing the best interests of her clients. She also specialises in pre-charge and police interview representation and prides herself on achieving the best possible outcome for her clients.
Since joining the firm, Laura has worked on a number of serious criminal cases which, of note, include high profile human trafficking cases, murders and many conspiracies to supply drugs. Laura now specialises in the defence of those under investigation, particularly for offences of a sexual nature.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Solicitor
- Police Station Representative
Lily joined the firm as a trainee solicitor in September 2019 and qualified as a solicitor in September 2021.
Lily previously trained at the English National Ballet School before completing a degree at Middlesex University. She then undertook a Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL) and the Legal Practice Course (LPC) at the University of Law.
Before joining the firm, Lily undertook voluntary work with the Greater Manchester Law Centre and worked as a paralegal.
Lily is a Police Station Representative and regularly attends police stations to advise clients and represent them during police interview.
Lily regularly attends both the Magistrates' Court and crown court and is involved in the preparation of cases for trial and has gained significant experience in the full spectrum of criminal defence work and regulatory law.
Lily has developed a specialism for cases at the investigative pre-charge stage of proceedings particularly those involving allegations of a sexual nature and those involving indecent images.
Maria is the executive assistant to the firm's Managing Director, Matthew Claughton. She is responsible for organising Matthew's daily commitments, business development initiatives and client liaison. Maria also deals with new enquiries, ongoing investigations as well as working alongside the firm's most senior lawyers on complex cases. Maria has specific responsibility for co-ordinating the marketing and business development role of the Managing Director in accordance with current Business Development Strategy, which involves, building on our reputation as the national, ‘go-to' law firm for clients under investigation.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- Solicitor
Martha Whitehead qualified as a solicitor in 1992 and joined Olliers Solicitors initially in 2001. She left the firm for a number of years but has now re-joined Olliers as a Senior Associate.
She has over 30 years of experience as a specialist crime practitioner including regularly advising clients at the police station. She has the ability and expertise to assess cases in detail from the outset and enjoys the challenge of assisting and advising people in this stressful initial stage of a case.
Pre-Charge
Martha undertakes a pro-active and front footed approach during the investigative stage of a case for those clients who have been released under investigation or police bail following an interview under caution. She focuses on pre-charge engagement and drafting robust representations against charge to prevent prosecutions in appropriate cases with significant success.
Sexual Allegations
In allegations of sexual offending Martha has experience of working with clients from the pre-charge investigative stage through to the Youth Court/Magistrates' Court and Crown Court. In this area her extensive work with counsel, maturity and understanding of other areas of law particularly inform her practice.
Representing Neurodivergent Clients
Martha has many years of experience of representing neurodivergent clients. Her sensitive and emphatic manner lends itself to working with clients who require additional support.
Criminal Proceedings
As a Magistrates' Court advocate she has regularly represented client from first appearance to trial. In this work she takes interest in the particular needs of clients such as their youth or mental health.
In the higher courts Martha has worked upon large scale MTIC/carousel fraud, money laundering and drugs operations. The defence of these cases spread over several years requires a consistent approach to detail, the ability to analyse large volumes of data, to work with a variety of other professionals and present clear advice to clients. Martha combines these skills with talent and proficiency.
Her work in recent years has included representation of clients charged with terrorism, sexual offences, drugs, murder and serious violence. This has involved issues such as mental health, modern slavery and child witnesses working with a range of professional experts.
Recent cases
2023 - Following advice at the police station, caution case referred to youth offending scheme after prosecution for possession of a bladed article.
2023 - Neurodiverse client - Allegation of statutory rape of 13 year old. No further action outcome following advice in advance and at voluntary interview in correspondence with police.
2023 - Rape allegation, instructions and advice before attending police station and voluntary interview. Statement prepared, no further action.
2023 - Rape, no further action following advice before and at voluntary interview.
2023 - Sexual assault allegation. Case transferred to Olliers after first interview. No further action following pre-charge engagement and representations. Investigations undertaken, representation and identification parades and further interview.
2022 - Neurodiverse client - Malicious communications. Represented at court following breakdown of relationship with former solicitors. Community penalty imposed.
Articles written by Martha
Anonymity for those under police investigation
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- Specialist Criminal Defence Solicitor - London
Matthew has a lengthy track record of defending fraud and sexual offences and has a reputation for a proactive but sensitive approach in dealing with police investigations. Here Matthew describes our proactive approach to defending allegations of sexual offences. He will always consider making representations against charge, achieving a swift and successful conclusion for his client avoiding the cost and publicity of court proceedings.
Job Titles:
- Partner - Head of Serious Crime
Matthew Corn qualified as a barrister in 1995. He transferred to become a solicitor in 2002 and joined us in April 2014.
His background is as a Serious Crime Specialist and he is a supervisor for VHCC cases for both fraud and non fraud. His litigator caseload invariably involves cases prosecuted following National Crime Agency (NCA) investigations as well as HM Revenue and Customs and also the Counter Terrorism unit. He also deals with a number of complex proceeds of crime confiscation matters and has appeared in high profile cases involving fraud, drugs importation conspiracies, murder and terrorism.
Job Titles:
- Head of DBS
- Our Business Support
Nathalie is an integral part of Olliers having been with the firm for more than 15 years. Nathalie is a key member of the Business Development Team, specifically in relation to DBS and PNC matters, and is able to guide clients in relation to the processes of the criminal justice system, timescales and advises how Olliers pro-active strategic approach can be implemented to benefit a case and potentially avoid a prosecution.
Nathalie manages the DBS and PNC departments and deals with the following types of cases:
Disclosure & Barring Service cases: Minded to Bar/Intention to include on Barred List referrals
Appealing information disclosed on DBS certificates
Applications for record deletion (deletion of arrest record and biometrics)
Clients frequently comment upon Nathalie's helpful nature and how she is always prepared to go ‘the extra mile' to assist with their enquiries. Nathalie understands the worries that clients face and has an empathetic and sensitive nature in dealing with their queries and concerns.
Recent Cases
2022 - IK - successful application for record deletion in relation to a number of allegations; money laundering, fraud, possession of criminal property, supply class B, possession of a bladed article
2022 - SA - successful removal of a caution in relation to child neglect
2022 - JP - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred list in relation to an historic caution for sexual activity with a child
2022 - SB - successful appeal following a client's initial unsuccessful application for record deletion in relation to an allegation of rape
2022 - MG - successful application to have information removed from an Enhanced DBS Certificate pertaining to child neglect and assault
2022 - RJC - successful application for record deletion in relation to an allegation of domestic violence
2022 - DB - successfully applied to have police records deleted in relation to an allegation of computer misuse and theft from employer
2022 - CD - successful application for DBS review - client now removed from Adults Barred List
2022 - JB - successfully avoided inclusion on the Vulnerable Adults and Children's Barred List in relation to a conviction of sexual assault of a minor
2022 - SB - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred List for allegations of child neglect
2022 - LH - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's and Adult's Barred List for incorrect administration of medication and safeguarding issues
2022 - RH - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's' Barred list in relation to a conviction for child neglect
2022- TMR - successfully applied to have youth caution for shoplifting removed from the police national computer
2022 - EB - successfully applied to have youth caution for possession of offensive weapon removed from the police national computer
2022 - JJ - successfully avoided inclusion on the DBS Minded to Bar list for historic convictions including sexual assault against a minor; burglary and criminal damage
2022 - JW - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred list for allegations of making threatening comments towards children in care
2022 - RW - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's barred list for allegations of child neglect
2022 - NK - successfully applied to have historic allegation of voyeurism removed from the police national computer
2022 - IH - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's and Adult's Barred List for engaging in sexual activity with a colleague in a service users bedroom
2022 - BH - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred list for historic allegations of engaging in sexual activity with children
2022 - LG - successfully applied to have allegations of sexually touching a minor removed from the police national computer
2022 - NW - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred List for oversexualised behaviour towards female colleagues
2022 - SO - successfully applied to have allegations of common assault against ex-partner removed from police national computer
2022 - TC - successfully avoided inclusion in the Adults Barred list following an accusation of poor managerial skills
2022 - JF - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred list following an accusation of historical sexual abuse
2022 - NR - successful application to remove record of arrest
2022 - MR - successfully avoided inclusion on both the Vulnerable Adults and Children's barred lists following an accusation of poor managerial skills
2022 - SS - successfully avoided inclusion on the Children's Barred list following allegations of child abuse
2022 - IW - successfully avoided inclusion on the Adults Barred list for historical allegations of child neglect
2021 - JA - successfully avoided inclusion on the vulnerable adults barred list for a carer following three matters of safeguarding concerns within the workplace
2021 - MA - successfully avoided inclusion on the children's barred list for a mosque leader following two reported incidents of assault within the workplace
2021 - CO - successfully avoided inclusion on both the vulnerable adults and children's barred list for a carer following three reported incidents within the workplace
2021 - CC - successful removal of PNC records in relation to false arrest for possession of indecent images
2021 - RM - successfully avoided inclusion on both the vulnerable adults and children's barred list for a carer following seven allegations of abuse within the workplace
2021 - JM - successfully avoided inclusion on the vulnerable adults barred list for a carer following four matters of safeguarding concerns within the workplace
2021 - IK - successful application for removal of PNC records in relation to conspiracy to supply controlled drugs and conspiracy to conceal criminal property
Nicola started her career with Olliers over 20 years ago, during which she qualified as a solicitor in 2003 specialising in police interview representation and Magistrates' Court Advocacy. Nicola left the firm to pursue a career with the Crown Prosecution Service as a Senior Crown Prosecutor later being promoted to a Divisional Crown Prosecutor (temporary).
Nicola was a hate crime lead dealing with race/religion/homophobic/transphobic /disability hate crime. She was also a domestic violence lead and was specially trained to deal with rape and serious sexual assault (RASSO) cases.
Nicola was a lead within the Youth Court and a Magistrates' Court Advocate. She covered many of the most serious cases including murder, death by dangerous driving, multiple handed covert drugs operations, fraud, rape, sexual offences and indecent image cases.
Nicola was responsible for providing pre-charge advice to the police for many years from its inception.
Nicola re-joined Olliers as a Senior Associate and brings with her a wealth of knowledge, experience and the advantage of having worked as both a defence and prosecuting lawyer.
Nicola's extensive experience includes case review of the most serious allegations such as murder, death by dangerous driving, fraud and multi-handed cases. She also has areas of specialism including Rape & Serious Sexual Assault (including indecent images), Hate Crime, Domestic Violence and more recently Appeals & Miscarriages of Justice.
At Olliers Nicola will be specialising in representing clients at the pre-charge investigative stage particularly in relation to allegations of a sexual nature, domestic allegations and cases involving indecent images.
Recent Cases
2023 - No further action - DV Rape, controlling coercive behaviour and assault
2023 - No further action - DV assault, multiple assaults amounting to section 18 grievous bodily harm with intent, strangulation
Job Titles:
- Paralegal and Police Station Accredited Representative
Rebecca has been with Olliers for more than ten years and enjoys a wide ranging role as an Accredited Police Station Representative and paralegal in our Magistrates' Court department.
Job Titles:
- Business Development Director
- Director
- Fellow
- Marketing & Business Development Director
Fellow Director Ruth Peters is also heavily involved in the pre-charge investigations team acting for professionals with no prior involvement in the criminal justice system
Job Titles:
- Criminal Defence Solicitor
Simone qualified at Olliers Solicitors before leaving in 2004 to work at a number of high profile criminal law firms in London. She has recently re-joined Olliers Solicitors as a consultant solicitor.
Throughout an 20-year career in criminal law, Simone has dealt with a wide variety of complex and lengthy cases, at pre-charge stage, in interview and during the court process. She has advised and represented clients charged with a range of offences, including murder, large scale fraud, drug trafficking, terrorism and serious sexual offences.
With professionalism and an understanding borne out of a genuine passion for the job, she is able to quickly establish a good rapport with all of her clients. She is able to develop an acute understanding of clients' divergent priorities and individual concerns. Simone's personable approach encourages them to trust that she will do her utmost to provide support during a particularly difficult time of their lives with complete discretion.
Simone also has extensive experience of representing those charged with motoring offences and works closely with our specialist motoring division Olliers Motor Law with a particular emphasis on driving with excess alcohol offences.
Simone generally only undertakes work on a privately funded basis.
Interviews under caution
Simone regularly attends police interviews under caution, particularly voluntary interviews, which take place by arrangement with the police. She will always look to obtain early disclosure of allegations against her client so that detailed preparation for the interview can take place. This will ensure that the most effective strategies are deployed at the police station. When clients are released under investigation Simone will then consider how best to ensure successful outcome to the investigation (see below).
Representation during criminal investigations
Simone is known for her pro-active approach during the ongoing investigation stage of a case. An interview under caution is an extremely important stage of the process but it is often after the police interview that the real work begins. Simone will always look to bring an investigation to a conclusion without the need for a prosecution. She is known for her strategic approach liaising with investigators throughout. She utilises a combination of formal and informal representations to police and prosecutors ensuring that the chances of a prosecution substantially reduced.
Legal Aid is not available during this stage of a case.
Professional memberships
Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association
Women in Criminal Law, the LCCSA
Association of Women Solicitors
Sub Committee member of the Female Fraud Forum.
Testimonials
"I was very impressed by the support I received from the Olliers team in what was a testing and distressing experience. Their legal and procedural knowledge, experiences as well as proactive approach have led to a swift and effective resolution of my case after an initial police interview. I can only recommend the services of Olliers."
"From the moment we got in touch with Olliers Solicitors we were very impressed with how professional and helpful they were. My Son has Autism, ADHD and Simone was very supportive and her communication for his understanding was excellent. Simone was very professional, always replying to emails quickly and giving us advice and reassurance. I would have no hesitation in recommending Olliers and Simone again as we was very happy with the service they provided." - Client's father December 2020
"Simone is a hardworking experienced solicitor, with good judgment and excellent client care" - Colin Wells- 25 Bedford Row Chambers
"Simone has been exceptional in dealing with my complex criminal case. She demonstrated her outstanding abilities and knowledge finding innovative ways to avoid my conviction.
She achieved the best possible outcome, all charges were dismissed and a trial was avoided, and during the entire process she kept me always updated, was always very professional and also very supporting from an emotional standpoint. Further she effectively coordinated work with my family Solicitor. I am a very demanding customer and I feel there is nothing Simone could have done better" - Client 2018
"I have found Ms Isaacs to be extremely professional and caring towards her clients. This results in excellent representation of their legal matters. She is a pleasure to work with and her conscientious approach is evident throughout." - Dr David Ho, Consultant Forensic Psychiatrist
Job Titles:
- Commercial Director
- Solicitor
Stacey is a highly experienced solicitor who has worked at Olliers for over 20 years.
She is responsible for all aspects of financial and operational compliance and is the firm's COLP and COFA. She ensures the entire firm adheres to Olliers' Service Pledge overseeing all aspects of our processes and procedures leading to optimum levels of client care.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Partner Specialising in Criminal Defence & Regulatory
Toby is a highly experienced solicitor having worked for Olliers for over 20 years. He works as a litigator as well as an advocate in the Magistrates' Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. Due to his experience he also advises clients, who were initially represented by other firms, as to whether they could successfully appeal the result of their cases.
He is a member of The Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers, ARDL.
Toby has worked on a wide variety of serious cases ranging from historical sex offences to conspiracy to supply drugs. These include a number of unusual cases including a recent FBI/NCA investigation into global drug dealing on the Silk Road website accessible only via the ‘darknet'. Toby prides himself on his meticulous preparation of cases and has been described as a ‘safe pair of hands' striving to represent his clients to the best of his ability.
Toby specialises in dealing with 2 specific types of work, namely Pre-Charge work and Cyber Crime. Pre-charge work involves liaising with the Police and CPS at the investigation stage of an allegation to make the process more balanced and to make representations either that the allegations should not be charged or to suggest an out of court disposal may be more appropriate than a prosecution. Cyber Crime is a wide umbrella and involves any computer related crime including ‘hacking' (allegations of computer misuse) and allegations involving indecent images.
Toby is also highly experienced in dealing with regulatory offences representing clients in areas including Trade Marks, Fire Safety, Copyright and Design Breaches, General Product Safety Regulations (GPSR), Health & Safety and Environmental Damage.
In 2021 Toby was quoted in the Guardian reflecting on the 10 year anniversary of the 2011 riots.
Job Titles:
- Solicitor
- Member of the Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers
- Partner Specialising in Criminal Defence
Zita Spencer has been part of the team at Olliers since 2003 and has swiftly gained a formidable reputation as a first class, dynamic solicitor who has defended in some of the most high profile cases of recent years.
She is committed to cases from start to finish; throughout the investigation process providing advice prior to interview, during the pre-charge investigative stage and through to trial in the Crown Court.
Zita is known for her pro-active approach during the ongoing investigation stage of a case. She will always look to bring an investigation to a conclusion without the need for a prosecution. She is known for her strategic approach liaising with investigators throughout. She applies a combination of formal and informal representations to police and prosecutors ensuring that the chances of a prosecution are kept to a minimum. Zita has significant experience in dealing with cases at this stage particularly cases involving sexual allegations and indecent images.
Zita has significant experience of allegations of sexual allegations including historical sexual abuse, human trafficking, rape, grooming, sexual communications, indecent images, SHPO, notifications requirements. She has a fantastic track record in terms of acquittals at trial and works alongside leading sexual offence specialist barristers.
Zita has considerable experience of acting for core participants in public inquiries. She has also represented interested parties in inquests, particularly where there is an inquest following criminal proceedings.
Zita is a member of the Association of Regulatory & Disciplinary Lawyers.
‘Olliers Solicitors have been by our side for 2 and half years. In very difficult circumstances, they have advised us, acted for us, reassured us. We worked mainly with Zita Spencer and also Matthew Claughton. Zita in particular became almost part of the family. She understood our concerns, always addressed them, always responded promptly and was proactive is helping us navigate our circumstances. Her empathy and commitment to our case helped us to feel secure in the process. We felt like her only client: it was clear she cared about our situation. Zita and Matt's assertiveness on our behalf gave us confidence. With regards to the advice and assistance we received, it could not have been better. It was accurate, professional, considered, balanced. Financially, they listened to our needs and agreed a payment plan accordingly when possible. In every way, I could not recommend them more. We are deeply grateful for their assistance.'
Counsel: ‘Zita is an outstanding solicitor committed to her clients. I have worked with Zita on serious cases for many years and she is quite exceptional. She quickly masters the detail of a case and provides sound advice. Her preparation is second to none and she has a manner which puts clients at their ease. She provides all this with wit and insight. She is an excellent lawyer and an absolute asset to any case she is on.'
‘In closing it was nice meeting you although the situation could have been better and again I thank you for your valued assistance. Best wishes'