Howard & Byrne covers matters relating to fraud and high profile tax evasion, in addition to general crime issues including murder, sexual offences, and drug crimes. Colin Byrne and Kevin Blount co-lead the York-based team. Byrne is highly experienced at the international level, with expertise in extradition matters, alongside his bribery and corruption practice. Blount has a particular focus on confiscation matters, in addition to strength in safeguarding cases. Lee-Anne Robins-Hicks is a key name.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The strength of this firm comes from the partners. Both are equally skilled but in different areas which complement each other so well. In addition they have superb associates that really support this firm and allow the firm to compete for work at national and international levels.’
  • ‘Colin Byrne has been outstanding in his case preparation and strategy for a number of years now and continues to be at the top of his game. Kevin Blount is a smooth operator, handling big or small cases with equal attention.'

  • ‘Howard & Byrne have exceptional breadth and depth of legal expertise. They are highly responsive and always have a can do attitude. They stand head and shoulders above other criminal law firms in the region.’

  • ‘Colin Byrne is hugely capable and instils a sense of trust in clients and other professionals alike. He is bold and charismatic. Kevin Blount is not afraid of any challenge. He gives sound and sensible advice and representation.’

  • ‘The firm's approach to all clients, irrespective of means (publicly funded/private)is the same in terms of quality of representation and access to justice, which I have seen at first hand. The team has a national and international reputation in serious crime.’

  • ‘Colin Byrne is an intellectual lawyer with a thorough and analytical approach to evidence who genuinely cares about fairness and justice irrespective of who he acts for. I would also like to mention Kevin Blount, who is also an exceptional solicitor.’

  • ‘Colin Byrne is well known and respected as someone who fights cases robustly and effectively.’

  • ‘Unique consideration of client's psychological presentation through gaining expert assessments to aid the case.’

Lawyers

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.

Colin Byrne, Kevin Blount

Other key lawyers

Lee-Anne Robins-Hicks