McMillans Solicitors

I just wanted to say thank you for everything you have done during this difficult period in my life. You have been supportive, non-judgemental and always made time to answer all my questions and offer sage advice. This experience has certainly changed me and my outlook and fortunately the outcome has allowed me to move forward positively my life with minimal damage.

The stress of the last few years is finally beginning to subside. I would like to thank you and your team for the hard work you have put in and the consideration you have given me. I do not believe I could have wished for better representation. Please pass on my thanks to all those who have been involved, especially to Michael Skelley who did a sterling job on the day in front of a Judge who gave every appearance of being somewhat hostile. Certainly very much less than sympathetic, shall we say! The outcome was without doubt the best that I could have hoped for under the circumstances and that was entirely due to the outstanding representation I have received from you and your team. Indeed, I am mildly surprised that there was no Community Payback order included in the sentence which I had been fully expecting. With all best wishes.

After having that initial 'knock on the door' first thing in the morning and finding the police standing there on our doorstep with a search warrant, ready to confiscate all our devices because I was accused of making and distributing images, it was as if my life was about to completely fall apart. The shock and horror was overwhelming while I was interviewed at the station and the duty solicitor assigned to me was most unhelpful, providing me with unsound advice. The best move I ever made was to switch to McMillans solicitors straight after that. From the first phone call to Joe, it was obvious that I had made the right decision. Joe was very approachable and immediately came across as someone who had a great deal of experience in dealing with cases like mine. Just through that first free phone call, I could see that I was being given excellent advice and provided with concrete ideas as to how we can work through this and achieve the best outcome possible for me. Joe was extremely knowledgeable and so easy to talk to. I felt I was in good hands from the start. In the months that followed I felt so grateful that Joe would always be there and willing to take my calls and answer my numerous questions. Never once would I not get through or get put on hold or told to phone later. Joe was always there for me and that was very much appreciated when going through such a highly stressful and traumatic experience. At the time of trial, I was represented by the excellent, eloquent, formidable, admirable, meticulous and highly respected Jenni Dempster QC. Thanks to Joe and Jenni's thorough hard work, I was able to avoid prison and walked out of court with my wife, ready to start the first day of the rest of my life. If you ever find yourself unfortunate enough to be in the same position as me, please do not look any further than McMillans. They will be frank and honest with you from the start, give you excellent advice that you must follow and I can promise you that the fixed fee will be worth every penny. Thank you Joe and Jenni for giving me my life back.

I can thoroughly recommend Joe Happe and his team at McMillans Solicitors. From my first contact I was treated sensitively and with understanding. My situation regarding the law was clearly explained and the possible and probable outcomes laid out.�Their approach was not judgemental - It was supportive, and I had the clear feeling that they were doing all that was possible in the circumstances. Following the initial face to face consultation the communication by phone and texts were easily available and I felt in touch and well informed throughout the whole experience. It was very reassuring to have your questions and fears responded to quickly and with understanding.

Recently I found myself in need a specialist offences solicitor. I found Joe Happe from McMillians Solicitor to be expert in this field. He gave clear and concise legal advice. He understood my objectives from day one and became an advocate for those objectives. He provided other experts in their field to aid in my dealings with the Police and the Courts. I believe that without these experts, I would have been served a custodial sentence. Joe told me the fees for each stage from day one. These fees didn't change even though my case took almost 12 months to resolve.

Further to my recent Court appearance l am writing to thank you for all your help and assistance over the course of the difficult past few months concerning my case which resulted in what we consider to be the best possible outcome. From the moment that l first contacted Joe l have been incredibly impressed by the care and professionalism of your firm and the excellent guidance that you have given to me and my partner as you have gone about your daily business. Someone has always been there to answer a query and put our minds at ease at the most darkest of times. I would like you to pass on my thanks to Nicholas Hall who represented me in my first hearing he made my first experience of such a stressful situation generally bearable. However, my eternal debt will always remain with Joanna and my barrister Jane Oldfield for the way that they represented me at the Crown Court. Words cannot describe my admiration for them, my partner and l will always be empowered by these wonderful people who did such an amazing job in my defence, truly awesome and a life changing experience. Thank you again for everything and allowing the both of us and our extended family to be able to move forward with our lives in a positive fashion

In late 2017, I found myself in a highly stressful and daunting situation. My previous partners daughter re-opened a case from 2013 of false allegations of abuse. From the day I approached McMillans they were highly supportive , attentive and understanding of my case. In court I was represented by Michael Skelley. Joanna and Michael made a brilliant team and picked up on every important detail, therefore handling the witnesses with deep thought and consideration to each character. At the end of the trial I received a unanimous not guilty verdict. I am forever grateful to Joanna and Michael for supporting myself and my family. We can now continue with our lives, with this terrible situation behind, all thanks to McMillans.

The support we received from Joe and his office was a lifeline during the most traumatic period of our lives. Certain allegations carry a stigma that prevent you seeking support from family or friends but thankfully during this time Joe gave us access, not only to the legal implications, but also helped us regain the level headedness that we had lost. We considered attending the station with the duty solicitor but the seriousness of the allegations meant we needed much more than advice at the station, and Joe provided this for a fixed fee which included as many calls/emails/liaising with the police/visits to the station as we needed. Knowing you are not clocking up a terrifying bill helps to relieve one pressure during this time. We had direct access to Joe seven days a week and didn�t have to go through a secretary, Joe was available whenever we needed him and on the few occasions he wasn�t he would always send a courtesy email to say when he�d be free. He was always patient and understanding. We hope no one has to go through what we did but if you do then we highly recommend trusting Joe Happe for his professional expertise and human touch during a very hostile and scary time.