The criminal litigation team at Carson Kaye offers ‘a first-class service from start to finish’. The team is co-led by John Kaye, John Carson, Ben Darabi, and Tana Adelmann. Kaye, described as ’tactically astute with a creative legal aptitude to secure the very best outcomes’, is well-regarded for his work on complex murder cases. Carson is experienced in high-profile terrorism and extraditions. Adelmann - ‘sharp, efficient, proactive and reactive' - has a impressive record of work for individuals in very politically and reputationally sensitive matters. At the associate level, Piers Desser, Sophie Clarke and Milly Blunt support the practice on the most high-profile and sensitive matters.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Carson Kaye offer a first class service from start to finish. Their client care is unrivalled, and their persistence and determination in achieving the best result for their clients is to be applauded.’

  • ‘All members of the Carson Kaye team are excellent. In particular, Sophie Clarke and Milly Blunt are outstanding. I have worked with both lawyers on a number of cases. They are hard-working, dedicated and leave no stone unturned.’

  • 'Tana Adelmann has a sharp intellect. With her, both clients and counsel always have a positive interaction. She is sharp, efficient, proactive and reactive. Her skill-set is substantial.'

  • ‘Skillful, excellent and hard-working solicitors - it's those individuals which make the difference between winning and losing a case.’

  • ‘Tana Adelmann has great judgement, is genuine, lovely to work with, very hard-working and really prepares her cases. I couldn't ask for more. ’

  • ‘John Carson and John Kaye complement each other beautifully. John Kaye is a tactical master, John Carson is a touchstone with the clients. The firm as a whole goes from strength to strength.’

  • ‘John Kaye is a go-to solicitor in murder cases.'

  • ‘John Kaye and John Carson are exceptional and comfortably two of the best in the business. They both understand the intricacies of working in criminal law and bring both skill and experience. John Kaye is tactically astute and with a creative legal aptitude to secure the very best outcomes.'

Work highlights

  • Advising a client facing trial at the Old Bailey for murder and attempted murder after a targeted gun attack in Erith, Bexley.
  • Defending client at Woolwich Crown Court against terrorism and racial hatred allegations, involving music production and distribution.
  • Advising two (of 12) claimants before the IPT, challenging the lawfulness of warrant obtained at the start of the investigation.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Leading associates with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

John Kaye, John Carson, Ben Darabi, Tana Adelmann

Other key lawyers

Piers Desser, Sophie Clarke, Milly Blunt