Crime: The South

THE FIRM This firm has a stellar presence in the region, with offices in Brighton, Hove and Eastbourne. It also has an unparalleled capacity to provide representation in the most complex cases, some of which have even been taken to the ECJ. Apart from dealing with the usual list of offences such as murder, burglary, drugs and sexual offences, the group also has a niche practice in Internet crime.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Andrew Bishop is frequently engaged as junior counsel in trials, demonstrating his tremendous capacity as a criminal lawyer.

THE FIRM This firm has offices in Tunbridge Wells and Tonbridge, and splits its criminal practice into fraud and general crime. On the latter front, the group is well versed in defending clients facing charges of any severity.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Dennis Clarke is "one of the smartest all-round lawyers and excellent on technical points."

THE FIRM Based in Haywards Heath, this firm is strong on all criminal matters and represents clients in police stations, Magistrates' Courts and Crown Courts. It also has a team of highly experienced motoring offences specialists.

KEY INDIVIDUALS David Osborne heads the criminal litigation department and is an acclaimed higher courts advocate. Rod Hayler is also a successful advocate and has been involved in a number of high-profile murders and terrorism cases.

THE FIRM Knights has a niche practice in countryside and country sports matters, which it undertakes for its private clients; it is an unrivalled choice for individuals facing charges related to hunting, animal welfare, the environment or firearms licensing. 

KEY INDIVIDUALS Head of department Timothy Ryan spent ten years at the Bar prior to becoming a solicitor. Jeffery Hide is a talented lawyer who always goes the extra mile for his clients.

THE FIRM This Eastbourne-based firm has a broad practice of legal aid and privately funded work. The array of cases the outfit has been involved in includes a child cruelty matter, multiple sex offences, a large importation with ancillary money laundering charges and a successful representation of a paparazzo accused of assaulting Heather Mills.

KEY INDIVIDUALS Rodney Warren is the senior partner with a wealth of experience.