Natalie is a Partner and Head of the Crown Court Department. She was called to the bar in 2006 and qualified as a solicitor in 2008. She is a tenacious advocate representing clients charged with the most serious criminal offences. She has appeared in the Court of Appeal on a number of occasions as well as being led on many cases including murders, complex frauds and large scale drug conspiracies. In recent years she has undertaken work defending those charged in the Military Courts and is familar with their procedures and processes. Natalie has a large client base, representing defendants charged with all manner of offences, ranging from multi handed murders to driving offences. Natalie is often instructed at the pre charge stage and is consistently successful in making representations to avoid charges being brought. Natalie is incredibly hard working and passionate in what she does. She goes above and beyond in terms of her preparation and to ensure everything that can be done, is. This coupled with her friendly but robust approach, means she is committed to secure the right outcome in every case
England - London • Crime, fraud and licensing
Edward Fail Bradshaw & Waterson
Edward Fail Bradshaw & Waterson‘s crime practice is praised by clients for its ’unfailing dedication‘ to clients, as well as the team’s ’excellent representation at all levels of criminal defence.‘ Paul Harris and Natalie Berman jointly lead the team, with Harris working on serious health and safety offences as well as violent crimes including murder. Berman, described as ’diligent and meticulous‘, is highly experienced in military police court proceedings as well as in large scale drug conspiracies. Edward Preston and Kirsty Bishop are also key contacts within the team.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- ‘Edward Fail is a firm that has a clear, strong reputation for high profile, complex and challenging criminal defence. They have a strong team system, in which solicitors support each other and clients can expect continuity of representation. They can be relied upon for excellent representation at all levels of criminal defence, but can be most confident with the most complex and difficult.’
- ‘Kirsty Bishop is a partner and solicitor respected in the field. I have referred matters to her, knowing that she will respond immediately, offering the client reassurance. She will give the same attention to detail and commitment whether private or legal aid - and this makes Edward Fail and Kirsty Bishop different from other similar firms.’
- ‘The level of contact they offered was fantastic - there was constant support and gave us confidence that the case was being handled with care.’
- ‘Natalie Berman was diligent and meticulous, helping us explore every avenue.’
- ‘Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson are unique for their unfailing dedication to their clients. This is demonstrated by their hugely impressive speed of response, dedication to getting to the absolute detail of their cases, big and small, combined with an incredible knowledge of law, practice and procedure.’
- ‘Edward Fail have always been the firm that sets the example. They are always committed, always on top of their work, and always better than their competition. Briefs are prepared properly, thoroughly and skilfully. It is always much easier when they are the instructing solicitors.’
- ‘Edward Preston is the stand-out defence solicitor in London and has been for many years. His commitment to the highest standard of service remains undimmed. He has an encyclopedic knowledge of the law, allied with a preternatural sense of strategy.’
- 'The firm is well known in London with extensive working relationship with other legal personnel and law enforcement bodies.'
Work highlights
- Represented a defendant charged with 5 offences relating to the fraudulent setting up of a company issuing fake covid certificates to confirm people were fit to fly.
- Advised on a complex allegation of evasion of VAT by manipulation of figures on foods and services through a major company supplying wedding services.
- Represented a defendant for murder who successfully ran the narrow defence of loss of self-control, resulting in an acquittal for murder and conviction for manslaughter.
Lawyers
Leading individuals
Practice head
The lawyer(s) leading their teams.
Paul Harris, Natalie Berman