The Blackfords LLP criminal defence, serious crime and serious fraud has a very broad offering covering cases concerning sexual abuse, possession of firearms, murder, supply of class A substances, arson, perjury in military service inquiries, amongst other matters. The team is co-led by Gary Bloxsome and Trevor Francis. Bloxsome, a ‘giant of criminal litigation’, is known as 'a great judge of tactics' with 'a very loyal client following'. Francis, ’a true warrior who knows how to use all the items in his armoury’, specialises in complex fraud cases as well as sexual assault and murder. At the senior associate level, Jennifer Richardson is a key individual to note.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'A very experienced and capable team who are superb at dealing with all types of cases. They are extremely good at thinking outside the box and absolutely cover all bases.'
  • 'Trevor Francis is an absolutely fabulous solicitor who will fight the client's corner until the very last moment. A true warrior who knows how to use all the items in his armoury.'
  • 'Gary Bloxsome is a hugely established solicitor who gets proper results. Jennifer Richardson is hugely impressive and confident. Will do everything necessary and a bit more!'
  • 'A truly stellar outfit which services a diverse spectrum of client needs. The firm has a considered structure which ensures each lawyer's specialist skills are matched with the demands of a case. They are one of the best out there and assimilating the issues and finding the solutions for their clients.'
  • 'Gary Bloxsome is a giant of criminal litigation. His reputation is on par with the very best over the past 25 years.'
  • 'Realistic but tough defenders with massive experience and a track record of winning against the odds.'
  • 'Blackfords have been market leaders in general crime for the whole of my career. They are able to deal with any type of client and crime. They are able to do this due to the strength of their crime team, the expertise within it and the diversity of the team. Clients know that they will get clear, direct, readily understandable and accurate advice.'
  • 'Gary Bloxsome, Trevor Francis and Diane Payne are not just exceptional lawyers with a huge amount of experience but are also hugely experienced in running Blackfords to make sure clients have the best advice and access where required to expert witnesses and counsel.'

Work highlights

  • Acted for a high-profile boxing trainer after he was arrested for possession of a firearm found in his luggage when he was attempting to leave the jurisdiction and return to the US.
  • Represented the son of a very prominent member of Ukraine society, an ultra-high-net-worth individual, in relation to a charge of rape.
  • Acted for an individual who was charged with others with the murder of a 17-year-old, in a case originally discontinued in 2018 but reactivated following a further investigation in 2022 and the discovery of new evidence.

Lawyers

Hall of Fame
The lawyers at the very top of the profession, widely known and respected by peers and clients for their longstanding involvement in market-leading work.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Gary Bloxsome, Trevor Francis

Other key lawyers

Jennifer Richardson, Diana Payne, Rachel Wilson