589 Criminal defence - All reviews 17 satisfied clients this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (197)Legal aid (370)Assault (15)
Compare the best Criminal defence - All solicitors and lawyers in East London, ranked by verified client reviews: 165 law firms, updated 29 October 2026.
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Criminal defence covers the range of work done to protect someone facing criminal charges, from arrest and police station interviews to court appearances in magistrates’ and Crown Courts. A solicitor in this area handles early advice, bail applications, and plea decisions, and represents clients at trial, sentencing and any appeals. They review evidence, coordinate with the Crown Prosecution Service, gather alibis and witnesses, and prepare defences such as lack of state of mind or reasonable doubt. The aim is to secure the best possible outcome within the law.
589 Criminal defence - All reviews 17 satisfied clients this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (197)Legal aid (370)Assault (15)
231 Criminal defence - All reviews 21 top marks for expertise this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (133)Prison law (49)Assault (8)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
Sophie Smith
Professional Head of Croydon Office



Works with Nick De Freitas and 4 more
Above average for client satisfaction this year
“I cannot thank Patricia Walker enough for the service, time and effort she gave me and my family. Nothing was to much for Patricia and everything she does is always for her clients. Would just like to say Thank you for everything you did for me.”
87 Criminal defence - All reviews 19 satisfied clients this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (67)Assault (4)Legal aid (4)
246 Criminal defence - All reviews 6 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (134)Sexual allegations including Rape and Sexual Assaults (10)Professional Conduct (6)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
Richard Nelson
Senior Partner



Works with Jacqui Callan and 4 more
“From the moment I spoke to Lily about my arrest, she listened intently and allowed me to discuss the situation out in full before she made some suggestions, before we talked about fees. I wanted someone who knew the law inside out and she immediately recommended Jacqui. Looking at her bio and her experience, I knew I was in safe hands. From our first formal meeting, through to the 2nd interview stage she was there supporting me and guiding me through my case. Her assistant (Lily) was equally supportive and responsive to emails and calls. Before the 2nd interview with the police, Jacqui explained what was going to happen and what questions might arise from the information provided by the police. Her guidance and expert view put my mind at ease, and her friendly personality when I met her at the police station helped ease my tension. By the end of the police interview, she assured me that it would be highly unlikely that something would come of this. Few months on, she was spot on and I cannot thank Jacqui and Lily enough for supporting me through the hardest time of my life. Thank you both.”
178 Criminal defence - All reviews 3 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (57)Legal aid (50)Sexual allegations including Rape and Sexual Assaults (13)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
James Bainbridge
Head of Department



Works with Kevin Waddingham and 4 more
“During every step of their service, Abbie from Cartwright King kept good communication and steered me in the right direction by giving sound advice. I would use them again.”
24 Criminal defence - All reviews 3 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (8)
44 Criminal defence - All reviews 1 review this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (9)Business Crime (9)Assault (7)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
Adrienne Wright
Partner - Head of Crime



Works with Julian Overton and 4 more
“Professional and prompt service from Talal and Adrienne dealing with a difficult matter, highly recommended.”
7 Criminal defence - All reviews
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (4)
Your solicitor
Sana Ghani
Solicitor Advocate
“I came all the way from Edinburgh to seek advice from Khalid who was recommended by my friend. I am glad to say he is a good person and helped me free.”
332 Criminal defence - All reviews 13 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (231)Assault (17)Legal aid (7)
13 Criminal defence - All reviews
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (4)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
Michelle Breindel
Partner- Head of Crime and Motoring
Works with Emma Grewock
“Michelle Breindel defended me when I was in big trouble. Michelle was efficient , knowledgable and courteous. I was facing a adjournment to crown court and even an immediate prison sentence. But I only received a suspended sentence and the matter was dealt with that day. I would recommend Michelle to anybody who finds theirselves in trouble with the criminal justice system . Thanks Jason Roberts ”
33 Criminal defence - All reviews 2 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (16)Fraud (3)
11 Criminal defence - All reviews
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (6)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
Bilal Warraich
Director
“Very good solicitor practice profesional promptly and clear advice. It pleasure to deal with.,honest,friendly people. ”
60 Criminal defence - All reviews 6 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (12)Legal aid (41)
Leads the Criminal defence - All team
Nadeem Thanvi
Partner



Works with Simon Saul Natas and 4 more
“After an incredibly long and difficult 32 months, I was fully acquitted by a unanimous jury verdict. Throughout the entire process, Simon Natas showed outstanding professionalism, dedication, and support. From day one, they handled the case with integrity, care, and attention to detail, always ensuring we felt informed and supported during one of the most stressful periods of our lives. Their leadership, alongside the exceptional barristers they instructed, gave us complete confidence that our case was being fought properly and thoroughly. To receive a unanimous not guilty verdict from all 12 jurors after such a short deliberation speaks volumes, and I will always be grateful for everything they did to help us achieve justice. I cannot recommend Simon Natas highly enough. Thank you again for your hard work, kindness, and unwavering support.”
3 Criminal defence - All reviews
What Criminal defence - All clients highlight
49 Criminal defence - All reviews 2 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (42)Professional Conduct (4)
8 Criminal defence - All reviews
Rankings are worked out mainly from client reviews: the ratings clients give and how recent the reviews are, with reviews about Criminal defence - All counting most. We also take into account how much of a firm's work is in Criminal defence - All.
Twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday, so new reviews are reflected quickly. This list was last updated on 29 October 2026.
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We have ranked 165 law firms for Criminal defence - All in East London, listed in order on this page.