Kofi
I have been a frontline social worker since 2009 with unblemished track record. However, in August 2020, l found myself facing a Fitness To Practice Investigation by Social Work England (SWE). This was following my involvement in a domestic incident I had with my family earlier in April 2020. This was during the COVID-19 period. The carefully concocted and malicious allegations against me were investigated by the Police but later dropped in March 2021. Yet, SWE did not end it there. In fact, not only did I find myself facing their wrath, but as a person of colour, I felt they were bent on destroying my reputation/carrier so they can add me to their statistics. At this stage, I had been separated from my family, lost my job and became homeless. All of these happened so quickly and so fast that it felt like a bad dream. I was so overwhelmed that I could barely think of what to do with my life.
And to make matters worst, SWE stopped communicating directly with me and instead had their legal team, Capstics, on my neck. Well, this is no-brainer, I have neither the knowledge nor the confidence to defend myself against a well established cooperate law firm. Put differently, l knew l was facing a kangaroo court at this stage if l also did not lawyer-up.
It is true that contesting the legalities invoked in a case like this is a daunting and expensive process. But the alternative was to do nothing and allow SWE and their legal team to use the concocted evidence at their disposal to achieve their goal- to destroy my reputation/carrier. I have practised with unblemished record and I was absolutely determined to clear my name.
So, as usual, I spent many hours trawling through several solicitor websites. Of course there is a lot of information out there on the internet. But the difficulty, however, was finding the appropriate solicitors who are well vested in this type of case.
Thankfully, a very good friend (a law student) recommended Clifford Johnston & Co and I got in touch with Jared McNally in December 2022. Jared gave me hope from the very first day we spoke on the phone. Not only did he use his expertise and professionalism to guide me through the process, he was also equally dedicated and approachable. Jared even went to the extra mile and responded to emails/text messages at the weekend, out of office hours, and even when he was away on his annual leave.
To cut a long story short, the case did not even proceed to the FTP hearing. Earlier this month (August 2023), 8 months after Jared's involvement, the case has been DISCONTINUED. After 3.5years of stereotyping, humiliation, bullying, intimidation and sleepless nights, l am now a free man and practising a career that l love and enjoy.
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Informative and very helpful
Within my circumstances of needed a solicitor they were very helpful and gave me as much information as I needed. Kept me in the loop with the process and were very friendly.
Would highly recommend.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 19 March, 2024
We're delighted to hear about your positive experience with our team, Danielle. Keeping our clients informed and providing helpful support is always our priority. Thank you for recommending us.
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Exceptional Firm, Exceptional Solicitor, and Exceptional service.
I honestly can't recommend Clifford Johnston and Co solicitors more, and I think my feedback here won’t do justice how much respect, gratitude and appreciation I have for this firm and particularly Jared McNally.
From my first meeting with Jared I felt completely at ease, and it was clear to see he was exceptionally knowledgeable in regards to his advice and the information he provided.
I have now been a client of Jared for the past two years, and I can’t praise his persistence and guidance throughout my case enough. I honestly feel if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have achieved the outcome that I did.
It’s difficult to express in a review just how much I have appreciated his service, his excellent communication skills, his perseverance and his thoroughness throughout the case, whilst also having complete faith and belief in me and my abilities as his client. Jared has gave me the confidence I needed throughout the case as well as providing very open and honest feedback, at every single stage of the process.
Jared was also able to recommend a fantastic and highly experienced barrister, and ensured excellent communication between the three parties throughout.
I actually cant thank Jared enough for what he has done for me over the past two years and the amazing result I received, which I never thought would be possible, he has honestly help change my life.
If I could give more than 5 stars to Clifford Johnston & co solicitors, I really would.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 04 March, 2024
Dear Hayley, Thank you for your heartfelt feedback! We're thrilled to hear about your positive experience with Jared and our team. Your kind words mean a lot to us, and we're glad we could assist you effectively throughout your case. Best regards, Clifford Johnston & Co
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Outstanding Affordable Support & Legal Guidance, with Perfect Outcome
I engaged with Jared when I found myself falsely accused of unfathomable historic offences. Jared, from day one, was most engaged and would answer emails and calls out of hours or at weekends and often within under an hour or two. This was remarkable and just the support I needed with the crisis I was facing. Jared also kept the police appraised and chased up their investigations too throughout, taking a proactive approach to matters from day one.
Suitably calm, Jared took all the details from me to prepare Pre Charge Representations and in doing so answered all of my questions, explained things, taking time to help and support me through my police investigation.
Jared also went above and beyond taking statements from family members and processing supplementary character references too, and with the help of the recommended barrister, my defence was put to police before charge. Though Jared was willing to do things remotely I chose to see him in person in Manchester and he was very accommodating of this.
The outcome after several months of being subject to police investigations was an outcome of NO FURTHER ACTION.
I couldn’t ask for better from Jared. Fully approachable honest friendly and understanding, Jared was the most engaged and proactive solicitor I’ve come across (and I have worked with several in my career).
I’d openly recommend Jared and Clifford Johnston & Co Solicitors to anyone facing serious criminal charges. I travelled far to use them and would not hesitate to do so again.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 09 February, 2024
Dear Ray, Thank you for sharing your experience. We're thrilled to hear that Jared provided such dedicated support throughout your challenging situation, resulting in a positive outcome. Your recommendation means a lot to us. Best regards, Clifford Johnston & Co
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Fitness to Practice representation
Jared was accessible and responded promptly with clear, professional advice. He was clear about what he needed from me and constructed an extremely well argued, and ultimately successful, defence.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 05 February, 2024
Dear Martin, Thank you for your feedback! We're pleased to hear that Jared and the team provided clear, professional advice and constructed a successful defense. Your satisfaction is our priority. Best regards, Clifford Johnston & Co
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Excellent representation and result.
Jared represented me for serious criminal allegations of /coercion and assaulting a child which I always denied. Jared was sympathetic and always straight speaking. His communication has always been excellent and swift when needed. The case was dropped at its earliest stage saving me a lot of stress. I would highly recommend Jared and his firm.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 01 February, 2024
Thank you for your review! We're glad to hear that Jared provided sympathetic, straightforward representation throughout your case. We're thrilled the outcome relieved you of stress. Your recommendation means a lot to us. Best regards, Clifford Johnston & Co
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Amazing experience, Jared is very knowledgeable
Had a very good experience with Jared, he was always a phone call or email away and replied even when not working. He understood my case well informed me of my options very well. I originally tried many other Solictor’s such as no win no fee, however the difference in knowledge is unbelievable and you can tell Jared takes his job seriously and has the clients best interests. I would not hesitate to use Jared services in the future.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 29 January, 2024
Dear Haseeb, Thank you for your kind words! We're thrilled to hear that Jared provided excellent service and was readily available to assist you. We're glad you found his knowledge and dedication valuable. If you ever need assistance in the future, Jared will be here to help. Best regards, Clifford Johnston & Co
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I got my life back!
I went to Jared with a social work england case which had been going on for quite a while. I had dug my head in the sand and it had escalated. With Jared’s help I went from being suspended to on conditions to the final hearing outcome of no further action. I won my case.
I couldn’t have done this without Jared’s help (my barristers were Simón gurney and Paul Williams) both very effective at putting my defence together and supporting me throughout the process, I am beyond happy with the outcome, I have my life back, from what was a horrendous ordeal. I can now move on from all of this. I highly recommend Jared for any regulatory cases, he/they are knowledgeable, fair and transparent and I felt well connected throughout every stage of the process. I cannot fault them whatsoever. From one very happy customer.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 03 January, 2024
Dear Siobhan, Thank you for sharing your positive experience! We're thrilled to hear that Jared, Simón, and Paul helped you successfully navigate your case, resulting in a favorable outcome. We appreciate your recommendation and are here for any future needs. Best regards, Clifford Johnston & Co
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A professional & brilliant team!
Jared and Liz provided an exceptional service for me. They went above and beyond to ensure I got the best outcome from my case. They spent a lot time listening to my story and providing me with the understanding and support I needed. On the day in court, they represented me both professionally and with determination, seeking the best outcome; which they achieved. I thank them both for their help as this has not only helped me but my family to put the case behind us and go back to normal.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
A representative from Clifford Johnston & Co responded to this review on 13 November, 2023
Thank you for your heartfelt review, Lee. We're pleased that Jared and Liz provided exceptional service, going above and beyond to ensure the best outcome for your case. It's rewarding to know that their support has helped you and your family put the case behind and return to normal. If you ever require assistance in the future, please don't hesitate to reach out.
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Absolutely Fantastic
This was by far the most caring, efficient and professional encounter I have had with any service in my life.
I found myself in a difficult situation that spanned over 18months. Jared was exceptionally responsive, handled every situation with the utmost professionalism and was on top of every aspect of the case.
His calm and reassuring communication style gave my full confidence and it is clear he knows his specialism inside out. This resulted in a successful result and I will be forever grateful for how it was handled from start to finish.
I could not recommend Jared and this firm enough.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
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Thank you
I was referred to the Teaching Regulatory Authority in 2020 to face allegations of bringing the profession into disrepute. Some 3years later it concluded with no case to answer. The stress of those 3 years was almost unbearable. Without Jared’s guidance I am not even sure I would still be here! For cases such as mine you definitely need an experienced and specialist solicitor and barrister to represent you to obtain the best possible outcome. Jared was always able to answer all you of my questions and put me at ease with the legal process, having not had to instruct a solicitor or barrister before. In terms of clarity, expectations, action plan and fees Jared was professional which was important in my decision to instruct him. Jared then recommended Mr Gurney to act as my barrister and to represent me at the hearing. If you are going to personally pay for representation, you may as well go for Premier league, Jared assured me that Mr Gurney was this. From the get-go he was patient and amenable His explanation of the TRA and its proceedings was clear but very stressful for me, he made me feel comfortable and at ease with the whole process. I was left in no doubt whatsoever ever that Jared would prepare my case with skill and care, and that Simon would present it in a persuasive and compelling way to the panel at the Hearing. The process of preparing my case involved meetings, emails and telephone calls with both Jared and Mr Gurney this was all costed in from the beginning. I at all times felt that Jared was at the end of the phone to me if needed. His attention to detail was excellent and he kept me informed at every stage of the process, answering my queries and concerns without delay. It all felt like a team effort. Onto Mr Gurney. Thankfully I have never had to be represented like this before so it is difficult to compare like for like. However, I can say he was unbelievably good. I certainly would not have wanted the TRA presenting barrister. Simon represented me at the hearing which lasted 5 days. He was exceptional, gunning for me for the duration, his arsenal at his disposal was second to none briefing and debriefing at every sitting. Mr Gurney’s cross examination of the TRA witnesses was direct and succinct extracting key evidence in our favour . He had prepared my case thoroughly and had not missed a thing. His summary left me confident of the outcome. I faced several allegations. Not one was found proved. I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is being investigated or prosecuted by the TRA. Jared– Sincere Thank you.
Solicitor named in this review: Jared Kevin McNally
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