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Kingsley Napley LLP

Crime

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)

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Kingsley Napley LLP

Rankings

About

Provided by Kingsley Napley LLP

We are at the cutting edge of white collar and criminal defence cases, having been involved in many of the most significant cases over the past 50 years. Our experience in this field is second to none. Covering:

  • Criminal defence and police investigations
  • White collar and financial crime
  • Corporate crime
  • Investigations
  • FCA advice
  • Proceeds of Crime and Money Laundering
  • International Crime and Extradition
  • Corporate Manslaughter Health & Safety

Our criminal lawyers are highly sophisticated, astute and supportive. We are particularly well known for our skill in providing strategic advice and for our ability to keep high profile cases out of the public eye.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - London (Firms)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For
Kingsley Napley is a leading criminal law practice that demonstrates impressive strength in depth across a broad range of cases. The firm is highly recommended for its handling of complex murder charges and historic sexual abuse investigations, and is also regularly instructed on domestic assault cases. The team has notable strength in cases with multi-jurisdictional aspects and also regularly acts on high-profile matters involving well-known public figures.
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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Everyone on the team was of high professionalism, knowledge and responsiveness.

    Crime respondentUK

  • The solicitors instilled confidence in the client. They were clearly highly experienced in criminal matters, had a grasp of all the details of the case and provided clear, transparent advice.

    Crime respondentUK

  • They bring a market leading, heavyweight reputation. They have proven to us that they have a wide breadth of internal expertise.

    Crime respondentUK

  • The team are especially good at being empathetic towards their clients and taking the time to engage with their wider personal context.

    Crime respondentUK

  • They have a very strong associate team who are diligent, pragmatic, available, very sharp and on the ball.

    Crime respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Sandra Paul
    Sandra Paul

    Sandra Paul

    Sandra Paul is an outstanding criminal law specialist who is skilled at handling cases involving high-profile individuals, including historic sex offence allegations in the entertainment world. She also frequently represents young people at all stages of criminal proceedings.

    • Sandra was simply outstanding. Her professionalism and knowledge was most impressive.

      Crime respondentUK

    • Sandra is an absolutely brilliant lawyer and her experience shines through.

      Crime respondentUK

    • She is excellent. She has strong client care skills and works tirelessly for her clients.

      Crime respondentUK

    • Sandra did an outstanding job of guiding me through my case during a very challenging period.

      Crime respondentUK
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  • David Sleight
    David Sleight

    David Sleight

    David Sleight is an experienced criminal defence practitioner who handles a broad array of cases ranging from traffic offences to allegations of bodily and sexual harm.

    • David is extremely clever, a great strategist and several steps ahead of everyone at all times.

      Crime respondentUK
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  • Edmund Smyth
    Edmund Smyth

    Edmund Smyth

    Edmund Smyth regularly handles challenging cases concerning assault, rape and other serious criminal allegations. He has experience advising high net worth individuals along with other high-profile clients.

    • He is very, very good.

      Crime respondentUK
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  • Matthew Hardcastle
    Matthew Hardcastle

    Matthew Hardcastle

    Matthew Hardcastle specialises in police station representation and other pre-charge work. He has experience advising high-profile clients such as ultra high net worth individuals and leading professionals.

    • Matthew is an unbelievably astute and competent solicitor. He is calm, measured, thoughtful with a very warm and supportive manner.

      Crime respondentUK

    • Matthew is an expert in criminal law and procedure.

      Crime respondentUK

    • A serious, confident, highly experienced criminal litigator with excellent client communication skills.

      Crime respondentUK
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  • Maeve Keenan
    Maeve Keenan

    Maeve Keenan

    Maeve Keenan is particularly skilled in representing young defendants accused of serious crimes, including sexual offences.

    • Maeve is extremely dedicated, hard-working and very approachable. She prepares cases impeccably.

      Crime respondentUK

    • Maeve Keenan was incredibly professional, highly competent, responsive and her follow through to a successful outcome was simply outstanding.

      Crime respondentUK

    • She displayed exceptional confidence, expertise and leadership.

      Crime respondentUK
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Ranked Individuals at Kingsley Napley LLP (5)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Kingsley Napley LLP

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