BCL Solicitors LLP offers high-profile and high-net worth clients advice on a range of criminal matters, with recent work including advising Kevin Spacey regarding allegations of sexual assault. The team is headed by the ‘exceptional’ Ellen Peart, who has recently seen an increase in her work defending FCA regulated individuals facing significant criminal charges. Other key team members include Mark Haslam, who is particularly adept at motoring cases, and David Hardstaff, who specialises in criminal litigation and is described as ‘very hard-working’. Daniel Jackson is a key contact for sports and business professionals and was promoted to partner in October 2022 alongside Hardstaff. Associates Bethan Cowlam and Rishi Joshi are also key contacts.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘BCL are comfortably the best firm I have worked with. Each member of the team is diligent, thorough and clever. Being briefed by BCL is a collaborative experience where ideas about tactics and presentation are discussed, resulting in a much more effective trial strategy. They are the team I would recommend.’

  • ‘BCL have an extremely good reputation in terms of both client care and legal aptitude. That reputation is well deserved, and I have seen repeated examples of how their attention to detail, ability to think creatively and determination to get good results have served their clients well.’

  • ‘Ellen Peart is an exceptional lawyer. Anybody represented by her can rest assured that they will feel both comforted and intimidated by her ability. She achieves that perfect balance which all good criminal representatives should strive for. Daniel Jackson has justifiably progressed quickly in his career. He has an efficient legal mind and his clients reap the rewards. Bethan Cowlam is a lawyer to watch in the future.’

  • ‘A top-rate firm that is constantly working on new ways to help their clients. The people I work with are always well-informed on developments in the law which can benefit their clients.’

  • ‘Ellen Peart - huge experience and sensitivity, wins the confidence of clients, always available to consider ideas and legal problems. David Hardstaff - very hard-working, leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of the client's interests, imaginative approach to the evidence, technologically very knowledgeable.’

  • 'David Hardstaff - super-smart, exceptional client handling, big picture vision, a young strategist with a massive future ahead of him.'

  • 'David Hardstaff - A pleasure to work with. He is bright, thorough and has an understated manner that belies his tenacious determination to succeed on behalf of his client. I cannot recommend him highly enough.'

Key clients

  • Dawn Ward
  • Oliver McBurnie
  • Kevin Spacey

Work highlights

  • Represented actor Kevin Spacey at trial in relation to sexual assault charges.
  • Successfully represented the TV celebrity Dawn Ward resulting in her acquittal on all counts following trial.
  • Successfully represented footballer Oliver McBurnie in relation to allegations of ABH resulting in his being found not guilty.

Lawyers

Leading associates
Rising stars with regular involvement in their team's key work, and recognition from peers or clients as being ones to watch.
BCL Solicitors LLP
David Hardstaff is a partner in BCL’s serious and general crime department, specialising in criminal litigation, professional discipline, controlled drug licensing, and proceeds of crime. He has particular experience in representing individuals accused of sexual offences, drugs offences and offences involving violence. He is an experienced police station representative and advocate, representing clients in a wide range of proceedings at the Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court and Court of Appeal. Regularly acting for professionals and high-profile individuals, he has a reassuring appreciation of the pressures and strains that clients face when subject to investigation. He also advises witnesses, corporates and broadcasters involved in criminal proceedings on matters such as reputation management and public relations. In addition to his busy criminal practice, David advises companies and institutions in the cannabis industry. He is experienced in the Home Office controlled drug licensing system and in advising businesses (from start-ups to multinationals) in relation to proceeds of crime considerations.
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Ellen Peart

Other key lawyers

Mark Haslam, David Hardstaff, Daniel Jackson, Bethan Cowlan, Rishi Joshi