DWF‘s criminal defence team sits in the firm’s commercial insurance practice and specialises in motoring and regulatory criminal defence work. In particular, the practice regularly represents insured clients, on behalf of insurers, frequently advising on Road Traffic Act offences. The practice also has a strong track record in environmental offences as well as cases relating to the Health and Safety at Work Act. Senior associate Jessica Murphy leads the Bristol criminal defence team with the support of Manchester-based partner Lee Foulser. Simon Macfarlane is another key team member in Bristol and has experience covering a range of traffic offences as well as cases relating to corporate manslaughter and perverting the course of justice.
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
‘Simon Macfarlane, who dealt with our case, was exceptional. He was enthusiastic, meticulously thorough in his preparation and had a great depth of knowledge. He was confident and inspired confidence which gave a huge amount of comfort and relief.’
‘The team were very professional and it was clear a lot of work went into my case from the moment they were formally instructed. I consistently received information promptly that was easy to understand and did not feel pressured into making any decision, and was encouraged to take as much time as I needed to do so.'
Key clients
- NFU Mutual Insurance
- Ageas
Work highlights
- Advised and represented at court a farmer who was charged under the Health and Safety at Work Act for offences relating to an attack by a cow on a member of the public.
- Advised a driver charged with Causing Death by Careless Driving, where the defence was insane automatism.