Slater Heelis' crime and regulatory department covers all areas of criminal defence work, including sexual offences, driving offences, domestic violence allegations and youth crime, and is growing its expertise in regulatory issues. Rachel Fletcher, who specialises in private crime and regulatory cases, heads up the Manchester-based team. Associate Hannah Costley is a police station accredited representative and acts for clients in both police stations and the Magistrates’ Court.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘Rachel Fletcher would be a standout individual anywhere in my view. She is very hard working, approachable, has excellent client care and is a sound strategic lawyer.’
  • ‘An excellent client-focused criminal team, with a very personal service. The solicitors are proactive and engaged at all stages of proceedings, consistently available to discuss matters as and when they arise, and communicate well with lay clients.'

  • ‘The team is superb. All members are incredibly hard-working and knowledgeable. Nothing is too much trouble; a very high standard of service is a given. A very modern and technologically advanced team, whilst managing to maintain a personal touch.'

  • 'Rachel Mason is outstanding; she is incredibly hard-working, approachable, and will go the extra mile for her clients.'
  • ‘An all-female team with a real drive and determination. All members go above and beyond for clients. There is something very special about this team.’

  • ‘The criminal team at Slater Heelis take on some of the most complex criminal cases. The team have excellent client care skills from what I have observed, which puts clients at ease by the time they arrive at court for their hearing.'

  • ‘Hannah Costley is fearless in representing her clients and ensures that no stone is left unturned when preparing a case. Her case analysis and attention to detail in the preparation of cases is excellent.'

  • 'Rachel Fletcher takes on the most complex cases and achieves excellent results for clients, regularly securing acquittals. Her client care skills are second to none, and she has the ability to put clients at ease in the most serious cases. She is outstanding. She combines a personable approach with legal expertise.’

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Rachel Fletcher

Other key lawyers

Hannah Costley, Rachel Mason