1 Defences review
What Defences clients highlight
- Friendly staff
- Clear explanations
- Fast service
- Efficient process
- Speaks
-
Compare the best Defences solicitors and lawyers in EC1A, ranked by verified client reviews: 80 law firms, updated 29 October 2026.
Describe your problem and we’ll show the firms best placed to help. Describe your problem in your own words. We’ll ask a few questions, then show you the firms best placed to help. Nothing is sent to anyone until you decide.
Question 1/5
(Optional)
Reviewing your answers
Your legal matter has been updated and more tailored solicitors are now showing.
These are the best-rated firms for your problem, ranked by their clients. Untick any you’d rather not hear from. Free, with no obligation.
You're viewing your current answers. Editing them will update the questions and results shown below.
Defences covers the work of protecting someone facing criminal charges, from initial arrest to trial and appeal. A solicitor in this area advises on evidence, rights and possible defences, negotiates with prosecutors, and represents the client in court. They handle disclosure requests, bail applications, alibi and mental health considerations, and advise on plea options and sentencing consequences if convicted.
1 Defences review
What Defences clients highlight
40 Defences reviews 1 review this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (37)
Your solicitor
Philip Kouvaritakis
Associate Solicitor
“Philip’s support for our son during a distressing time was exceptional. His advice was clear, knowledgeable and shared without jargon. He was empathetic, listened without judgement and demonstrated flexibility around our availability. In court he was excellently prepared, confident and clearly well-known and liked among court staff in Reading Magistrates Court. The outcome secured for our son was the best we could have hoped for. His sound advice also led to him negotiatiating an out of court settlement for a more serious offence. We would instruct Philip again without hesitation.”
75 Defences reviews 3 reviews this year
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (66)Sexual allegations including Rape and Sexual Assaults (3)
Leads the Defences team
Nick Titchener
Managing Partner



Works with Dawn McKnight and 4 more
“Paul Dillon provided clear and rational advice throughout and took the sensible approach hwen reviewing charges and evidence (don't get wrapped up with trivia). Choice of Barrister was to mind as good as it get.”
8 Defences reviews
173 Defences reviews
Reviewed for Criminal defence - All (159)Assault (8)Criminal Damage (4)
Leads the Defences team
Raymond Shaw
Senior Partner



Works with Madeleine Corr and 4 more
“Very simple - malicious accusation resulting in arrest and bail terms, which gave me a lot of unneeded stress, however Raymond was very supportive, logical, and set out a clear plan of 'attack' so that the charges were fully dropped. Hopefully I will never be in this position again, but if I am, I will be returning to Raymond for guidance etc. The fees are high, but not as high as retaining the wrong solicitor and ending up with charges against you!”
63 Defences reviews
1 Defences review
Leads the Defences team
Jeremy Asher
Solicitor
12 Defences reviews
Reviewed for Extradition (8)Criminal defence - All (3)
Leads the Defences team
Anna Matelska
Principal & Managing Director
Works with Eliza Dumitrescu
“Mrs Anna, as my official defender in front of the Crown Court in London, helped me to avoid the severe penalty of at least 4 years in prison, which is given for in a similar cases in which I got involved. Thanks to Mrs. Anna I am free. I am glad to recommend Mrs. Anna Matelska as an attorney-at law to anyone who needs a good lawyer in an English court.”
1 Defences review
2 Defences reviews
3 Defences reviews
1 Defences review
1 Defences review
10 Defences reviews
2 Defences reviews
4 Defences reviews
Rankings are worked out mainly from client reviews: the ratings clients give and how recent the reviews are, with reviews about Defences counting most. We also take into account how much of a firm's work is in Defences.
Twice a week, every Thursday and Sunday, so new reviews are reflected quickly. This list was last updated on 29 October 2026.
Yes. Comparing firms, reading reviews and sending your case summary to the firms you choose is free.
Only the law firms you choose to send your case summary to. Nothing is shared until you press send, and your details are never shown on this page.
Only law firms that have signed up to receive case summaries through us can be sent one. You can still contact any other firm directly from its profile.
We have ranked 80 law firms for Defences in EC1A, listed in order on this page.