Blackfords LLP

Diana Payne

Partner, Solicitor-Advocate (Higher Court criminal proceedings) Heads up one of the busiest general crime departments in the country.   Diana specialises in serious crime and those matters whereby it is of the utmost importance that the correct outcome be achieved. As a consequence, Diana’s client base consists regularly of professionals. Extensively experienced in matters including: - Murder, manslaughter, serious violence Sexually related matters including historical allegations High value fraud All drugs related matters Robbery, blackmail, kidnapping and misconduct Diana has a niche practice in motoring law and understands that the outcome needs not to impact prejudicially upon a client’s livelihood. A particular expertise in representing young people who find themselves in conflict with the criminal justice system. Diana is fortunate to be in a minority of lawyers who have represented clients before the House of Lords (now the Supreme Court). Notable cases: R v Mills & Poole (House of Lords) 1997.

Nicola Chamberlain

Head of Family

Trevor Francis

Managing Partner, Solicitor-Advocate. Trevor specialises in regulatory investigations and enquiries, crisis management and reputation protection for ultra high net worth clients, serious fraud, money laundering and high value confiscation and restraint issues and Coroner Inquests. Current instructions include corporate manslaughter and other health and safety matters, electoral law issues, defamation actions, Trading Standard investigations and proceedings, Insider trading, high value white collar fraud, bribery and corruption and high value international civil fraud and asset recovery.