Crime
UK Guide 2025 : Wales
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
+44 03330 150150About
Provided by Blackfords LLP
Blackfords LLP, Cardiff specialise in the defence of individuals and companies accused of large, multi-handed fraud and complex financial crime. Their lawyers are regularly instructed to defend clients accused of conspiring to commit serious criminal offences; including drugs, trafficking, modern slavery and violence. The team is renowned for its expertise in regulatory and environmental matters, with recent well-publicised successes in this area. The team is recognised amongst clients and colleagues for paying forensic attention to detail and for ferociously pursuing their clients' case.
Recent work at the investigation stage includes: advising a Rolls Royce employee in the ongoing SFO investigation into international corruption; advising individuals and corporate entities in connection with Corporate Manslaughter and other HSE investigations.
Recent serious crime work includes: representing multiple defendants against allegations of Trafficking and Modern Slavery, brought as a result of Operation Pottery, which received considerable media interest due to its status as the largest investigation of its kind in the UK to date; defending in multi-handed conspiracies to import and supply Class A drugs; and representing a client charged with multiple conspiracies to arrange ‘sham marriages’ between EU and non-EU citizens.
We have also developed a niche practice in Sports Law, with Philip Williams having represented jockeys, footballers and rugby players before professional bodies.
Chambers Review
Blackfords runs a highly regarded crime practice from its office in Cardiff. The team handles a wide range of criminal cases including sexual and violent offences, drugs supply and organised crime. The firm accepts both legal aid and private instructions.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Blackfords runs a very professional firm and has a solid reputation for first-class service."
"They are hardworking and prepare well for court."
"Blackfords has a really strong team and a great reputation."
"Blackfords runs a very professional firm and has a solid reputation for first-class service."
"They are hardworking and prepare well for court."
"Blackfords has a really strong team and a great reputation."
Notable Practitioners
Philip Williams is head of the firm's Cardiff office and an experienced criminal law practitioner. He handles the defence of a broad range of offences, including serious charges such as rape, child cruelty and organised crime.
"Philip goes the extra mile for his clients and has excellent strategic judgement."
"Philip is a master of his craft and thoroughly prepares his cases."
"He is exceptionally good with client care and knows how to speak with people. He is calming and gives very good advice."
Nicola Mitchard is a senior associate who assists clients with a range of criminal cases, including those concerning drugs, murder and sexual offences.
Ranked Lawyers at
Blackfords LLP
Wales
Members
Provided by Blackfords LLP
Annie Lawrence
Nicola Mitchard
Phil Williams
Head of Department
Scott Bowen
Industries
Provided by Blackfords LLP
Care Home & Foster Care Law
Environmental Law
Fraud & Financial Crime
Regulatory & Disciplinary Law
Road Transport Law
Serious Crime
Sports Law