What good supervision looks like in criminal defence In a busy criminal defence practice, supervision can easily become another item on the compliance list. Done well, it gives practitioners the confidence, judgement and support they need to provide consistently...
Blog
Jury Trial Restrictions: Reform Must Protect Fairness as Well as Efficiency
The pressure on the Crown Court is undeniable. But proposals to restrict jury trials would reshape criminal justice in England and Wales, and lasting reform must command the confidence of defendants, practitioners and the public. A question for criminal justice The...
Rethinking Homicide Law: Why the Law Commission’s Review Matters for Criminal Defence
Every criminal defence solicitor understands that homicide cases are different. They are among the most serious and complex cases to come before the courts, demanding careful judgement, meticulous preparation and an appreciation that every decision can have profound...
When AI Becomes the Evidence: The Next Challenge for Criminal Defence Solicitors
Artificial intelligence is becoming an increasingly familiar part of the criminal justice landscape. Much of the discussion has focused on how legal professionals might use AI to improve efficiency, but another question is rapidly emerging. What happens when AI is no...
Early Release and Public Confidence: Why Clear Advice Matters More Than Ever
Early release is a complex and contentious issue. For the public, it can raise immediate concerns about safety, confidence and fairness. For victims, particularly in cases involving domestic abuse, serious violence or sexual offending, the prospect of an offender...
Specialising within criminal defence: Is the generalist model running out of road?
For most of a career in criminal defence, the generalist has been the default. You take the duty rota call, whatever it brings - a shoplifting matter on Monday, an ABH on Tuesday, a multi-handed conspiracy by Friday. That breadth has always been part of the job's...
Why Criminal Lawyers Won’t Be Replaced by AI – And Why That’s Good News for the Next Generation
As artificial intelligence continues to transform industries around the world, many young professionals are understandably asking an important question: Will AI take my job? The legal sector is often highlighted as one of the professions facing significant change....
How Criminal Lawyers Build Trust in the First 15 Minutes
In criminal law, technical knowledge matters - but trust is what truly defines an effective solicitor-client relationship. Clients rarely come to a criminal solicitor during a calm or stable period in their lives. They may be under arrest, facing allegations that...
Mental Health Awareness Week 2026: Why Criminal Defence Lawyers Must Protect Their Mental Health
Mental Health Awareness Week is an important reminder that mental wellbeing is not a luxury — it is essential. For criminal defence lawyers, the conversation is especially important. Few professions carry the same emotional weight, relentless pressure, and...
The 5 Cases That Shaped My Career: Robert Gregory
Speaking to Robert Gregory, CLSA Committee Member and Consultant Solicitor at Bishop & Light in East Sussex, we learn which 5 cases have shaped his career in a number of ways. From the most challenging, through to the most memorable... What is the earliest case...