UK Guide 2026 : East Anglia
Ranked Individuals
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:
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”.
Provided by Chambers
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.
Provided by Chambers
They are knowledgeable, personable, experienced and have good judgement.
They marry first-rate legal knowledge with great case strategy.
They give realistic advice to clients and are shrewd in tactics when progressing a case.
The team at Sternberg Reed are highly capable - they get across facts quickly, are easily contactable and communicative even at irregular hours and make clients feel valued from the first phone call.
Provided by Chambers
He is so bright, efficient and has stellar experience.
For general crime matters, Richard is absolutely fantastic. He is really easy to work with and he provides realistic, strategic advice.
Richard was very straightforward when informing me the possibility of the case and its potential outcomes.
A user-friendly lawyer who understands what is at stake, delivers clear and pragmatic advice which is grounded in flawless technical expertise and has an eye for the strategic points.
Ben Thomas assists clients in a range of criminal matters, from theft and financial crime through to highly serious charges including murder.
He is excellent and gives no-nonsense advice.
He is one of the brightest solicitors I know. His legal knowledge and ability to marshal complex facts in big cases is second to none.
Crime
Crime
Provided by Sternberg Reed LLP
Richard Cooper
View profile of Richard CooperBen Thomas
View profile of Ben Thomas
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