Department profile
Forbes

Crime

UK Guide 2026 : North West


Forbes

Rankings

About

Provided by Forbes

Forbes has one of the largest criminal practices in the North West and deals with cases on a nationwide basis. Our long-established department has a history of success in dealing with all areas of criminal work; particularly serious, complex and high-profile cases, including those with an international dimension.

We are specialists in large scale conspiracies to defraud and international drug trafficking offences. We have a large team of lawyers with extensive experience of every aspect of the field, including pro-active and pre-emptive advice and assistance in pre-charge investigations.

We have significant expertise in all aspects of sexual offences cases, including internet-based, complex, institutional and historic matters and extensive experience of cases involving people trafficking, successfully defending cases involving allegations of modern-day slavery. We also have significant experience of cases involving cyber-crime.

Our clients choose us for our understanding and sympathetic approach. We are proactive and determined to offer the best chance of success. Our experts can deal with cases from arrest at the police station through the court system and offer a professional and comprehensive criminal defence service.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - North West

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Forbes is a leading criminal law practice in Manchester and Lancashire that offers expertise across a broad range of cases. The team is well placed to act in serious crime matters including murder, gang-related violence, drugs supply and sexual offences. It also has knowledge of corruption issues and money laundering related to organised crime, with the experience required to handle matters involving complex international elements. The firm acts for private clients as well as offering legal aid services.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Forbes' team has great strength and depth, from their paralegals all the way to their partners. Their training sets them up to deliver really well across the board.

    Crime respondentUK
  • I think that they're tremendous. Their crown court team is extremely good and they hold their own against anybody in the North West.

    Crime respondentUK
  • They are a top-drawer firm. Their work is of a consistently high standard and they also provide detailed and analytical observations about the evidence and issues at hand.

    Crime respondentUK
  • Forbes are an excellent firm and they have a reputation as a leading criminal firm. They really do the work and they have a great commitment to their clients.

    Crime respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Craig Liversidge
    Band 1Craig Liversidge

    Craig Liversidge

    Craig Liversidge has experience dealing with all types of serious crime, and receives high praise for his handling of organised crime-related cases in particular.

    • Craig is very personable and he builds a great rapport with clients. He also has technical knowledge and acumen when dealing with cases.

      Crime respondentUK
    • Craig grasps the details and intricacies of a case and has the capacity to retain and assimilate information.

      Crime respondentUK
    • Craig is excellent. He is just very dedicated, committed and hard-working. He also thinks outside of the box and offers good advice.

      Crime respondentUK
    • He handles multi-handed work with ease. He is also really approachable and will gain the trust of his clients very quickly.

      Crime respondentUK
  • Band 2Craig Mackenzie
    Band 2Craig Mackenzie

    Craig Mackenzie

    Craig Mackenzie is a well-regarded criminal defence solicitor who deals with complex cases, including those involving allegations of fraud, murder and terrorism.

    • He provides a great service and is committed to his clients.

      Crime respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Forbes (2)

North West

Members

Provided by Forbes

  • David Beal

  • Richard Prew

  • David Scully

  • Craig MacKenzie

  • Paolo Passerini

  • Gareth Price

  • Daniel King

    Head of Department

  • Carrie Gilgun

  • Simon Gretton

  • Steven Dawson

  • Craig Liversidge

  • Samuel Martin

  • Graeme Parkinson

  • Shane Parkin

  • Mary Dickinson

  • Duncan Nightingale

  • Loretta Woollams

  • Nichola McTear

  • Andrew Nottingham

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