York-based Howard & Byrne offers specialist regulatory defence and court-martial advice to clients. The team is jointly headed up by the ‘exceptional’ Colin Byrne, an expert in bribery and corruption matters with extensive international experience, and Kevin Blount, a member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association with particular expertise in confiscation matters and Church of England disciplinary and safeguarding investigations.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • ‘The firm provides amongst the highest level of partner input I have seen in any law firm, and the partners are of an exceptional quality, in particular Colin Byrne who is in my view one of the leading lawyers in the North of England.’

  • ‘Colin Byrne is not only a very technically skilled lawyer but is utterly dedicated to the pursuit of success in the cases in which he is instructed - he has an incisive and intuitive approach to the law; highly experienced; highly competent; very dedicated; very driven. He's truly an exceptional lawyer when measured against his peers.’

  • ‘Howard & Byrne has a level of expertise and client base well beyond its size. I regularly refer clients to them and just as regularly receive glowing reports from those clients. The whole team is strong, providing robust advice and advocacy as well as emotional intelligence and support.’

  • ‘Colin Byrne is a one-off. His determination to get the best possible outcome for clients is a force to be reckoned with. I referred him to a family member who described him as "so experienced, calm, thoughtful and helpful" - he was absolutely brilliant.'

  • 'Kevin Blount is a great lawyer. He has an incisive intellect and a calm and reassuring manner. I would recommend Kevin without hesitation to anyone.’
  • ‘Colin Byrne is a tenacious and creative lawyer who can identify issues/develop arguments others have not considered and will explore all avenues of enquiry to seek to achieve the best outcome for his clients. He is accessible at any time of the day or night and his speed of response and client care is in my view exceptional.’

  • ‘Big regional presence. Good reputation for excellent results.’

  • ‘The big name here is Colin Byrne, for good reason. He is a prominent and well-regarded practitioner. Committed and strategic.’

Lawyers

Leading partners
The strongest partners in their field, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Howard & Byrne
Partner with wide experience in criminal defence, specialist dealing in confiscation matters. Higher Rights advocate since 2009
Howard & Byrne
Partner, criminal defence specialist, higher rights advocate. Specialises in fraud, bribery and corruption cases, murder, miscarriage of justice.

Practice head

The lawyer(s) leading their teams.

Colin Byrne, Kevin Blount

Other key lawyers

Lee-Anne Robins-Hicks