About our Department


We have the largest Defence Advocacy Department in the region, and are committed to providing specialist advice, assistance and representation to individuals, businesses and companies facing investigation or prosecution.

The department is headed by Bill Waddington and have received an annual mention in Chambers UK (a Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession) where Bill receives a special mention and is described as "resilient" (2006 Edition).

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Services we can provide


The department deals with all forms of Defence including white collar and regulatory work, road traffic, exceptional hardship and special reasons arguments, large and small scale criminal work.

In 2006, there were some 1.87 million speeding tickets issued in this country. Some 29,000 drivers were disqualified as a result of collecting 12 or more penalty points on their licence. In circumstances such as these, we believe we can help.

Regulatory work involves the representation of individuals and companies in Defences to Prosecutions by The Health & Safety Executive, Trading Standards, Environmental Health, Customs and Excise and many other Government agencies.

Much of the work of the department is recommended by existing, and former, clients and significantly, by fellow lawyers and other professionals.

Advice and representation is provided from the very early stages of an investigation through to the conclusion of any proceedings including trial.

Both Robin Smith and Carolyn Shelton have Higher Rights of Advocacy, meaning that they may appear in the Crown and higher Courts.

In addition to our Solicitors, the department is supported by a team of Accredited Police Station Representatives. They are; John Ridley, Steve Harman, Paul Barker, and Lynsey Smith. Their specialism is to be in attendance during the course of the formal investigation and to assist the lawyers with case preparation.

More serious cases tend to be heard in the Crown Court. The main contact for this is Teresa Mainprize.

Public funding (formerly called legal aid) is available to individuals who qualify for it. The department operates a 24 hour/7 days a week call out service, the number for which is 07659 137710.

If you need advice on any matter where you think you may fall under investigation, then please contact a member of the team.

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The Defence Advocacy team at Williamsons has the following specialists.

• Bill Waddington (Partner)

• Robin Smith (Partner)

• Carolyn Shelton, LLB (Partner)

• Ed Cunnah, LLB (Partner)

• Leanne Bucknall, LLB

• Bernard Murphy, BA

Police Station Representatives

• John Ridley

• Steve Harman

• Paul Barker

Crown Court Contact

• Teresa Mainprize
 

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