Crime
UK Guide 2025 : East Anglia
Band 1
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(01708) 766155About
Provided by Sternberg Reed LLP
Our criminal defence team have decades of specialist experience providing clear and practical advice and representing many thousands of clients accused of offences including:
- Serious fraud, conspiracy & money laundering
- Murder, manslaughter and assault
- Rape and sexual assault
- Drugs offences
- Burglary and theft
- Extradition
- Terrorism
- Anti-social behaviour orders and injunctions
- Driving Offences
- Confiscation and restraint
Chambers and Legal 500 have praised our “dedicated criminal lawyers” who “approach their cases thoroughly”. A “very hands-on approach is taken, which ensures that the team delivers the best service to clients”. They have been commended for “getting things done for you yesterday”!
We have an excellent track record of success with representation of clients throughout England and Wales.
Examples of our work include:
R –v- SC – Chelmsford Crown Court (VHCC case) – “The Danielle Jones Murder Case” – the largest ever Essex Police investigation.
R –v- AP – Central Criminal Court – Operation Mapperton – Our client was a Magistrate and Local Councillor who was in charge of a Children’s Home in Essex where over 100 victims were alleged to have been sexually abused.
R –v- CC – Operation Eaglewood – £100million drugs ring (VHCC) – Woolwich Crown Court.
R –v- AB – Operation Marginal – Conspiracy to import £20million of Heroin (VHCC). The case involved a two-year investigation by the National Crime Squad and involved “super grass evidence”.
Chambers Review
Sternberg Reed runs a highly regarded criminal law practice from its base in Romford and also has offices in Barking and Grays. The team undertakes private instructions as well as legal aid cases, assisting clients accused of serious charges such as murder, sexual assault and child cruelty. The team also offers significant expertise in drug-related matters and fraud cases, with notable experience in cross-border work.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The firm is professional, kind and non-judgemental. I felt I was in safe hands and trusted their advice, which was always broken down into layman's terms so I could process what was happening."
"The lawyers at Sternberg Reed are thoroughly knowledgeable and have great client management skills."
"The firm is professional, kind and non-judgemental. I felt I was in safe hands and trusted their advice, which was always broken down into layman's terms so I could process what was happening."
"The lawyers at Sternberg Reed are thoroughly knowledgeable and have great client management skills."
Notable Practitioners
Richard Cooper represents clients across the full spectrum of serious criminal cases, including murder, assault and complex fraud matters.
"Richard's professional yet down-to-earth manner helped guide me through a turbulent time in my case. His advice was honest and I felt reassured I was in good hands."
"Richard's support is incredible. He is very professional, dynamic and strategic, simplifying all legal terminology and explaining clearly and with gravitas the likely course of action."
"Richard Cooper is a phenomenal solicitor – he is incredibly dedicated and brilliant."
"Richard is absolutely fabulous. He is very conscientious, has very good judgement and isn't afraid to tell a client bad news – he is sensible and realistic."
Ben Thomas is head of criminal law at Sternberg Reed. He assists clients in a range of criminal matters, including financial crime, murder and drugs-related offences. He also offers specialist expertise in representing clients who suffer from brain injuries.