Olliers

Consultant Criminal Defence Solicitor

Simone qualified at Olliers Solicitors before leaving in 2004 to work at a number of high profile criminal law firms in London. She has recently re-joined Olliers Solicitors as a consultant solicitor.

Throughout an 25-year career in criminal law, Simone has dealt with a wide variety of complex and lengthy cases, at pre-charge stage, in interview and during the court process. She has advised and represented clients charged with a range of offences, including murder, large-scale fraud, drug trafficking, terrorism and serious sexual offences.

With professionalism and an understanding borne out of a genuine passion for the job, she is able to quickly establish a good rapport with all of her clients. She is able to develop an acute understanding of clients’ divergent priorities and individual concerns. Simone’s personable approach encourages them to trust that she will do her utmost to provide support during a particularly difficult time of their lives with complete discretion. Simone has extensive experience in representing neurodivergent clients during the criminal justice process particularly those with autism and ADHD. Simone generally only undertakes work on a privately funded basis. Interviews under caution Simone regularly attends police interviews under caution, particularly voluntary interviews, which take place by arrangement with the police. She will always look to obtain early disclosure of allegations against her client so that detailed preparation for the interview can take place. This will ensure that the most effective strategies are deployed at the police station. When clients are released under investigation Simone will then consider how best to ensure successful outcome to the investigation (see below). Representation during criminal investigations Simone is known for her pro-active approach during the ongoing investigation stage of a case. An interview under caution is an extremely important stage of the process but it is often after the police interview that the real work begins. Simone will always look to bring an investigation to a conclusion without the need for a prosecution. She is known for her strategic approach liaising with investigators throughout. She utilises a combination of formal and informal representations to police and prosecutors ensuring that the chances of a prosecution substantially reduced.

Simone does not act on a legally aided basis during this stage of a case. Professional memberships

Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association Women in Criminal Law, the LCCSA Association of Women Solicitors Sub Committee member of the Female Fraud Forum.

Law Society; Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association Women in Criminal Law, the LCCSA Association of Women Solicitors Sub Committee member of the Female Fraud Forum.

Warwick University 2:1 Manchester metropolitan university  - LPC