‘The team has strength in depth. From the partners through to the senior associates through to the newer associates stands this firm head and shoulders above others in its class. They have a unique attitude to bringing in and training young lawyers.’

‘Rob Rode – hard to find words to explain his prowess in this field. Always in all the big cases for good reason. Thoroughly respected by all his colleagues. Clients respect his honesty, and he always provides sound advice.’

‘James McAulay is a mental health expert who has now found a national niche dealing with sex offence cases. He teaches the National Crime Agency and lectures to other forces on this topic. He is well respected by police and prosecution alike. ’

‘Led by Rob Rode, ABR have a strong reputation in Leeds and beyond.’

‘Rob is a strong personality who brings his exceptional skill to each case.’

‘Rob Rode is an excellent leader of this team.’

‘Andy Stewardson knows confiscation law very well.’

‘The strength of this firm comes from the partners. Both are equally skilled but in different areas which complement each other so well. In addition they have superb associates that really support this firm and allow the firm to compete for work at national and international levels.’

‘Colin Byrne has been outstanding in his case preparation and strategy for a number of years now and continues to be at the top of his game. Kevin Blount is a smooth operator, handling big or small cases with equal attention.’

‘Howard & Byrne have exceptional breadth and depth of legal expertise. They are highly responsive and always have a can do attitude. They stand head and shoulders above other criminal law firms in the region.’

‘Colin Byrne is hugely capable and instils a sense of trust in clients and other professionals alike. He is bold and charismatic. Kevin Blount is not afraid of any challenge. He gives sound and sensible advice and representation.’

‘The firm’s approach to all clients, irrespective of means (publicly funded/private)is the same in terms of quality of representation and access to justice, which I have seen at first hand. The team has a national and international reputation in serious crime.’

‘Colin Byrne is an intellectual lawyer with a thorough and analytical approach to evidence who genuinely cares about fairness and justice irrespective of who he acts for. I would also like to mention Kevin Blount, who is also an exceptional solicitor.’

‘Colin Byrne is well known and respected as someone who fights cases robustly and effectively.’

‘Unique consideration of client’s psychological presentation through gaining expert assessments to aid the case.’

‘Results driven and with expertise across the board. GT Stewart have a great reputation throughout the region.’

‘Patricia Walker’s vast experience translates to a first class service for her clients. Focusing on the largest and most complex cases, Patricia will ensure her defendant’s cases are fully understood, and as a result, persuasively argued before the Court.’

‘Philip Mahoney’s excellent advocacy time and again ensures the best possible results for his clients. A well known, and well respected figure, frequently appearing in the Crown Courts across the region.’

‘Michelle Stewart, solicitor, is compassionate, driven and committed to doing the best by all her clients. Phil Mahoney is a details man. No stone is left unturned.’

‘I was very impressed by the level of involvement and engagement both with the Higher Court Advocate who acted a junior but also the senior partner.’

‘The 2 people I worked with were Patricia Walker and Philip Maloney. Besides being very personable, they are both extremely experienced and very capable.’

‘I have not had an opportunity to recommend the firm but would certainly do so when appropriate.’

‘Peter Minnikin is incredibly hard-working with excellent technical knowledge. Peter provides sensible and pragmatic advice and has quickly become a trusted and much valued adviser. Peter is very easy to work with and has delivered excellent outcomes for us. ’

‘McCormicks is incredibly responsive and flexible. The partner, associates, and business management teams with whom I worked were quick to respond to any inquiry.’

‘The McCormicks team was wonderful in helping my family and I stay informed and comfortable in a very confusing, stressful, and frightening situation.’

‘Peter Minnikin was superb at ensuring that we understood our situation, the various strategies and approaches for defence, and informed our decisions, while always making sure that it was OUR decision. He was informative, witty, always prepared, and, most importantly, calm throughout.’

‘McCormicks have an excellent criminal team. They are first class and one of the very few criminal solicitors’ firms whom I would recommend to anyone. They care about their clients and provide fantastic communication, client care, explanations of the criminal process, and give honest and realistic advice.’

‘They bend over backwards to ensure their service is of the highest level and that is what sets them apart from other criminal firms. They are on hand to help all of the time and nothing is too much trouble. The whole firm is run in an incredibly efficient manner.’

‘Peter Minnikin knows the law inside out and will fight his corner appropriately and with an eye on case strategy and tactics. He gives the very best service to every single client he represents, and his excellent interpersonal skills mean that he can get on with clients from any background and on any intellectual level.’

‘Brian Nuttney is a great lawyer who really cares about his clients and their cases. He is very hard-working and goes the extra mile for those he represents.’

‘Switalksis still do things the ‘right’ way. They attend court to support counsel and their lay clients. They act quickly upon requests from counsel. They display the highest professional standards and genuinely care about their clients’ cases.‘

‘I would have no hesitation in recommending them if a family member or friend needed representation in criminal proceedings which is, arguably, the best measure of a firm’s qualities.’

‘Top tier lawyers with capability way above and beyond the average high street brief.’

‘Jason Newall from the Sheffield branch is an exceptional lawyer. Super efficient and tactically astute in every case.’

‘The team is on the front foot with their clients, leading communication with counsel to ensure their clients interests are advanced and protected throughout the investigation and proceedings.’

‘I found Jason Newall to be an excellent litigator; he acts very quickly and thoroughly on behalf of clients, leaving no stone unturned.’

‘Kathryn Pitters has a great attention to detail. She displays excellent client care and is very approachable.’

‘A strong, well-rounded team with the legal knowledge and client handling skills required to succeed in the competitive white collar fields across which they practice.’

‘Jason Newall combines an air of accessibility and easy charm that belies an incisive legal mind and finely honed problem-solving skill set. An able team leader, leading an able team.’

‘This is a very organised, responsive and client-focussed team. Their commitment to their clients is unparalleled in terms of attention to detail, conferences, rigorous advice and reassurance.’