Fielding specialists in criminal legal aid, sexual offence cases, conspiracies to defraud and international drug trafficking offences, as well as financial crime and fraud matters, Forbes Solicitors deals with all areas of criminal legal work. The department is headed up by Daniel King in Preston, who deals with extradition for terrorism offences and EncroChat drugs conspiracies; and Craig Liversidge in Salford, who covers all types of crown court work. Shane Parkin has vast experience in serious crime cases, such as murder, terrorism and drug conspiracy work, while Craig MacKenzie focuses on representing professionals, prominent individuals and businesses. Carrie Gilgun and Phil Blackburn frequently defend clients before the Crown Court.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm are a pleasure to deal with, going the extra mile to ensure that requests are dealt with promptly and efficiently.’
  • ‘Craig MacKenzie is a star performer. He has a lovely manner with clients - understated, reassuring, while commanding the respect of his professional colleagues and the court. He gets results through hard work and excellent judgement. He knows his law inside and out and is excellent with clients.’

  • ‘Daniel King has a notable ability to deal with significant and weighty cases, and a smooth and controlled approach in dealing with white-collar clients - excellent client care skills, with a forensic approach and a great team player.’

  • ‘Craig Liversidge is particularly impressive at organising paper heavy cases and understanding the real issues. He is hard-working, committed, knowledgeable, unflappable, dedicated.’

  • ‘Daniel King and Craig Liversidge are both experienced and committed to providing the very best representation for clients, going well beyond what one usually sees from solicitors in terms of client care and a willingness to do absolutely everything that could possibly be done in respect of trial preparation.’

  • ‘Daniel King is the most charming man on the planet. He charms his clients, he charms the prosecution, he charms counsel and he charms the judges. The end result is everyone wants to make him happy and give him what he wants. His success rate in complex financial crime matters is phenomenal.'

  • 'Craig Liversedge is the hardest working solicitor by a long way. His knowledge of criminal law often overwhelms every other lawyer sat round his table. His ability to get straight to the issue and provide a tactical road map that gets the job done is astonishing. Clients are right to class him as being the best, they are lucky if he is involved in their defence.’

  • ‘Phil Blackburn is an extremely experienced solicitor with great tactical acumen. He is a model of excellence, integrity and professionalism.’

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.
Daniel King
Hall of fameForbes Solicitors
Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Craig Liversidge
Forbes Solicitors
Next Generation Partners
Junior partners with significant recognition from clients and peers in the market and key roles on multiple matters.
Shane Parkin
Forbes Solicitors

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Daniel King, Craig Liversidge

Other key lawyers

Shane Parkin, Craig MacKenzie, Carrie Gilgun, Phil Blackburn