Department profile
Hodge Jones & Allen

Crime: Legal Aid Specialists

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Hodge Jones & Allen

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About

Provided by Hodge Jones & Allen

Who we are: 

At Hodge Jones & Allen, you will be represented by award winning solicitors and leading practioners in their field. With specialist knowledge in niche fields, each solicitor acts decisively and proactively to defend your interests. We fight for our clients and at all times and we are empathetic and accessible..

​Our areas of expertise:

  • Serious Violence and Drug Offences
  • Fraud and Financial Crime
  • Confiscation, asset seizure and restraint.
  • Regulatory and disciplinary matters
  • Extradition
  • Sexual Offences
  • Protest and Human Rights
  • Driving matters
  • Terrorism
  • Private clients / High Net worth individuals  
  • Court Martials
  • Reputation Management
  • Private client
  • Appeals

Hodge Jones & Allen has successfully provided a criminal practice since 1977. Our combined experience covers decades working in the criminal courts to help people. Our team of solicitors has acted in many high profile and ground breaking cases, which include:

R v M
One of series of rape cases that collapsed due to disclosure failings

R v C
Murder of headmaster Phillip Lawrence by young gang

R v S (G)
This case extended the ambit of the Obscene Publications Act to cover communication between two individuals in an internet ‘chat-room’

R v LR
We acted in a number of cases from the London riots.

R v H
Series of cases regarding protests at airports

R v T
High Profile celebrity acquitted after trial

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime: Legal Aid Specialists - London (Firms)

Spotlight

Spotlight


What the Team is Known For

Hodge Jones & Allen has a well-respected criminal defence practice that is noted for its specialist handling of cases involving high-profile political protests and public order offences. The firm's expertise covers all areas of serious crime, including child sexual offences, drugs conspiracy and murder charges. The firm has a general legal aid practice and regularly acts for vulnerable defendants, including those with mental health issues and neurodivergence. The team also benefits from the firm's complementary strengths in extradition law and human rights matters.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Hodge Jones & Allen is a big name in the London crime market. They train people very well and have a great culture. The strength runs throughout the firm.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • In every case they had the competence, experience and ability to shine in all aspects of case preparation, management, client care and dealings with the Court.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • The lawyers I have dealt with have shown an ability to manage a heavy caseload without compromising quality. The wider team is unparalleled. They assist at every stage of the litigation process.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Senior StatespeopleSteven Bird
    Senior StatespeopleSteven Bird

    Steven Bird

    Steven Bird is highly esteemed for the strength and breadth of his extensive criminal law practice, and is also particularly well-known for his excellence in appeals work.

    • Steven is super experienced and very reliable.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • An excellent criminal solicitor.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • Band 2Raj Chada
    Band 2Raj Chada

    Raj Chada

    Raj Chada is a criminal defence lawyer who specialises in the representation of individuals arrested in the course of political protest.

    • A brilliant advocate - bright with an encyclopedic knowledge of the law in crime and human rights.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • His interaction with the client is exemplary. His strengths lie in his critical thinking, dedication, intellectual ability and continuous research of the subject.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • He is absolutely brilliant and is the expert in protest law and how it crosses over with crime. Deeply intelligent and committed.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • Band 4Caroline Liggins
    Band 4Caroline Liggins

    Caroline Liggins

    Caroline Liggins is an experienced trial advocate in the Youth Court and regularly defends young clients charged with crimes including sexual offences, murder and drugs and firearm possession.

    • Caroline is exceptionally busy, and yet keeps abreast of all her cases very well. She knows them in detail.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • Caroline is an excellent lawyer.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • Band 4Mike Schwarz
    Band 4Mike Schwarz

    Mike Schwarz

    Mike Schwarz focuses his practice on cases relating to undercover policing and political protest, bringing to bear his additional expertise in civil liberties and human rights.
    • I am impressed by his dedicated approach to client care.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Hodge Jones & Allen (4)

London (Firms)

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