Blog
Preparing for changes to non-disclosure agreements from 1 October 2025
Andy Norris
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Sexual Offences (including Sexual Misconduct in the Workplace)
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Police Station Representation and Advice
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Youth Crime and the Law
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Harassment and Other Familial Allegations
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Court Proceedings
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Assault, Murder and Other Offences Involving Violence
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Criminal Records
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Criminal Law Blog
We are recognised as the leading criminal defence firm in the UK. We represent clients at police station interviews through to proceedings at the Magistrates’ and Crown Court. Our reputation is based on over 80 years of discreetly yet fearlessly providing the highest quality legal advice and representation to our clients.
We represent a wide range of clients, including young people, professionals and well-known individuals in government, sports, media, entertainment and financial industries, for whom a criminal investigation can have devastating reputational, personal, financial and professional consequences. We work closely with our reputation and media lawyers to provide a seamless comprehensive service.
Accused of a criminal offence
Contacting us as soon as you become aware of a police investigation increases the opportunity to resolve the matter quickly and discreetly. We will seek to avoid an arrest and protect you from the resulting potentially damaging consequences, such as oppressive bail conditions and restriction on your current or future travel.
We know that the police interview is often the most significant aspect of a criminal case. Getting the right advice at this stage is crucial. Our experienced police station advisers will carefully guide you through this challenging process.
For cases that go to court, we examine every detail to ensure the best possible outcome. Working alongside barristers and expert witnesses, we ensure that every legal or evidential point is carefully considered. This approach has seen our clients enjoy a high acquittal rate. Where a conviction cannot be avoided, we ensure that mitigation is advanced to maximise the chances of the most lenient sentence.
Kingsley Napley is ranked in Band 1 for Crime by both Chambers and Partners and Legal 500.
"The team at Kingsley Napley are incredibly professional, proficient and supportive throughout."
Chamber UK 2025
"The ‘first-rate’ team at Kingsley Napley LLP is ‘efficient, strategic, committed and able to handle the most complex of criminal cases as well as more general crime cases’. It advises corporations and individuals on sexual offences, violent crimes, drug offences, firearms offences, extradition and high-profile matters with an international element."
Legal 500 UK
"They very much embrace the need to look at the whole situation; they look at the media exposure - for people in the public eye and for a particular type of high net worth individual, that's very important and I've seen them handle that side of things very well. They're one of those few firms that would give clients a genuine round-the-clock service, seven days a week"
Chambers High Net Worth Guide
Examples of recent work
Examples of work and clients our criminal litigation lawyers have include representing:
- High profile individuals relating to historic sex offences and #MeToo allegations
- An individual facing #MeToo allegations and becoming a victim of blackmail
- A high profile individual facing potential criminal liability in the UK for US data breaches
- An individual prosecuted for causing death by dangerous driving
- An individual subject to police investigation relating to harassment causing psychological injuries
- An internationally-recognised artist investigated for domestic assault
- An individual charged with and investigated for conspiracy of rape
- A partner in an international law firm facing accusations of sexual misconduct in the workplace
- A youth charged with attempted murder while under the influence of drugs
- An individual convicted of rape in an appeal against conviction based on disclosure issues
WHAT CLIENTS AND DIRECTORIES HAVE SAID
Highly collaborative and team based in everything they do. Friendly and down to earth while also being world class. Uniquely able to bring together the brightest and the best but without being pompous or superior in their attitude. Great listeners, hard workers and tactically the best in the business."
Legal 500 UK 2021
A dynamic team that shows good attention to detail."
Chambers UK 2021
Kingsley Napley has real strength and expertise at all levels of the crime group. The team is hard-working, focused on getting results and yet maintains the human touch."
Legal 500 UK 2020
The crime department is the best I have ever worked with. They are unsurpassed in the way they work as a team on their cases - it's a very well-drilled, slick operation."
Chambers UK 2020
The very strong team acts for individuals and corporations in cases concerning driving offences, extradition, sexual offences, fraud and matters with international elements."
Legal 500 UK 2020
They are able to draw on expertise across the firm to provide a seamless service - if you are facing criminal allegations they can also handle the media, as well as any employment issues or regulatory proceedings that may arise."
Chambers UK 2020
They have a stellar reputation but they are also approachable and a pleasure to work with. They are very sensible and give good advice to both counsel and clients."
Chambers and Partners, 2019
Leading criminal team that demonstrates impressive strength in depth across a broad range of cases. Regularly acts on high-profile cases involving well-known public figures. Highly recommended for its handling of complex murder charges and historic sexual abuse investigations."
Chambers UK 2019, A Client's guide to the UK Legal Profession
They stand out because of their ability to stop a case before it gets started. Their commitment, preparation and tenacity set them apart. They are a strong firm. Their various departments work in harmony and deliver the same high-quality work."
Chambers UK 2018, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
They pick up some fantastic work, they have some fantastic clients and they have a skill of trying to get rid of matters before they go too far."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018
They are determined to do the best for their clients at all times and leave absolutely no stone unturned. It is a brilliant defence frm."
Chambers UK, A Client's Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"They have a very sophisticated high net worth practice and a real sensitivity to the kind of issues that high net worth individuals face."
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2018
Their reputation as being the pre-eminent solicitors in this market is deserved. They are justifiably instructed in infamous, heavyweight cases and I can't imagine that anyone is ever dissatisfied with the service they receive."
Chambers UK, 2017
The crime team is first-rate. They are dedicated, hard working and tireless in their preparations of cases."
Chambers UK, 2017
First-class firm in terms of client care, as well as its thorough and meticulous approach to case preparation, both at pre-charge stage and at trial."
Legal 500 UK, 2017
"It is an excellent firm - the level of preparation for cases is just fantastic."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"John Harding and David Sleight lead the ‘top-flight’ team at Kingsley Napley LLP...Sandra Paul also comes highly recommended ."
Legal 500
''...Kingsley Napley LLP’s ‘high-end practice’ is part of the firm’s criminal law team, and able to draw on this expertise to handle enforcement actions for its individual and growing corporate client base...''
Legal 500 UK
"Kingsley Napley is pre-eminent at what it does: high-end, complex criminal work for high-profile individuals."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession
"One of the most highly regarded criminal defence firms, noted for its high-profile mandates from media organisations and sports professionals."
Chambers UK, A Clients Guide to the UK Legal Profession
Further information
If you are accused of a criminal offence or you have any questions, please contact a member of our criminal litigation team or call us on 020 7814 1200 to speak with us in confidence.
Nicola Finnerty
Partner
Matthew Hardcastle
Partner
Rebecca Niblock
Partner
Ed Smyth
Partner
Greg Foxsmith
Legal Director
Gemma Tombs
Legal Director
Matthew Burn
Senior Associate
Anna Holmes
Senior Associate
Edward Jones
Senior Associate
Maeve Keenan
Senior Associate
Áine Kervick
Senior Associate
Rebecca Smart
Senior Associate
Sophie Tang
Senior Associate
Emily Elliott
Associate
Fiona Haddadeen
Associate
Laura Kruczynska
Associate (CILEx Lawyer)
Leena Lakhani
Associate (Barrister)
Simran Tatla
Associate
Alice Trotter
Associate
'Sandra Paul is absolutely exceptional and at the top of her game. Extremely knowledgeable, caring, goes the extra mile for every client. Edward Jones is highly intelligent, with great strategic and tactical skills.'
Legal 500 2025
They are very good at client care, going above and beyond to make sure everything is thought through. They provide a top class, all-round service to clients."
Chambers UK 2025
The KN team are one of the best known, oldest and highly regarded teams in this area of work. They get first rate work and deliver excellent results."
Legal 500 UK
The lawyers on the crime team are relentlessly good at what they do. They have a collaborative approach and are incredibly thorough and detailed in their work."
Chambers UK
Sandra Paul discusses the complexities and challenges of dealing with allegations of sexual misconduct in the workplace
Latest blogs & news
Preparing for changes to non-disclosure agreements from 1 October 2025
In June the Ministry of Justice announced new legislation under the Victims and Prisoners Act 2024 which affects NDAs and confidentiality clauses.* Related guidance, published at the beginning of June, sets out the impact of this legislation on the enforceability of such agreements.
OfS Condition E6: a first step towards a unified approach to harassment and sexual misconduct, but does it go far enough?
In July 2024 the Office for Students (OfS) published guidance on a new condition of registration dealing specifically with harassment and sexual misconduct. That condition, ‘E6’, comes into force on 1 August 2025. As such, universities and colleges have had a year to ensure they comply.
Adolescence: The ordinary family’s worst nightmare
As we await the release of the Netflix series Adolescence this evening by award winning writer Jack Thorne, I am interested to see how the series will deal with very real, yet often publicly unheard problems of how our criminal justice system, in particular the police, manage children who are alleged to have committed serious offences.
Sir Brian Leveson’s review of the courts
Whatever its cause, a backlog of over 73,000 Crown court cases is not acceptable. Delays for complainants, defendants and witnesses all impede justice. In the third quarter of 2024, the Crown court received over 31,683 new cases and disposed of 29,502. The passage of time will not solve the problem. Change is inevitable.
Tackling the regulation of sexually explicit deepfakes
Artificial intelligence, and its use on social media, is making it continuously harder to distinguish between real and fake information online. Although fact checking is often required when considering written or spoken words, with the advent of so-called “deepfakes”, we now also need to fact check some of the images or videos we see online.
I am the victim of sextortion - what should I do?
Sextortion is a form of blackmail where victims receive threats that intimate images of them will be shared or distributed unless they meet the blackmailer’s demands to pay money (or other financial demands). Law enforcement agencies have reported an epidemic of such cases with global figures “more than doubling” in 2023. This reported increase is reflected in the number of clients seeking our advice on how to deal with this particularly distressing form of criminality.
Disclosure under the microscope
Mr Jonathan Fisher KC’s ongoing Independent Review of Disclosure & Fraud Offences recently published its “Preliminary Findings & Direction of Travel” report for part one of the review, which relates to the criminal disclosure regime. The report can be found here.
New sentencing guidelines are now in force
On 1 April 2024, a number of new and amended sentencing guidelines came into effect, following publication of the results of a consultation by the Sentencing Council which ran during Autumn 2023.
First cyber-flashing conviction under the Online Safety Act 2023
In a landmark case, Nicholas Hawkes, from Basildon, Essex, has become the first person to be convicted and imprisoned in England and Wales for the criminal offence of cyber-flashing. This historic verdict marks a significant moment in the life of the Online Safety Act 2023 (OSA), which aims to combat digital harassment and safeguard online communities.
Policing the metaverse: the reality of virtual sexual offences
The police are undertaking the first reported investigation into a “virtual rape”, which is said to have taken place in the metaverse. This case brings to the forefront a number of questions around the adequacy of the UK’s current legislation surrounding sexual offences, and whether it can cater to behaviours taking place in the metaverse.
Expansion of the disregards and pardons scheme for historic same-sex sexual activity convictions
In a long-overdue announcement by the Home Office, women who were in the past unjustly convicted of same-sex consensual sexual activity will be able to apply for their convictions to be disregarded or pardoned for the first time. This is a significant step forward for queer rights in the UK.
Does anyone care about us?
Research reveals overwhelmingly negative experiences of the care system for victims and perpetrators of youth violence.
In March 2023, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) commissioned research on the lived experiences of those who have committed – or experienced – serious youth violence. The findings were published alongside HMICFRS’s report into the policing of these issues and as cross-disciplinary calls increase for a rethink of how serious youth violence is tackled. In a follow-up to his previous blog, Paul Egunjobi looks at the findings.
The impact and future of violence reduction units
On 8th March 2023, His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) published a report examining how well the police tackle serious youth violence. We look at the report and one of the issues it has highlighted: how Violence Reduction Units (VRUs) are used, and how effectively the police work with VRUs and other partner organisations.
In the wrong place at the wrong time
Long delays are an all-too familiar part of the criminal justice system. As highlighted in the recent case of BH v Norwich Youth Court, those delays can have a significant impact on young people, particularly when a defendant turns 18 during the long process. An imminent change in the law may improve the situation but there are wider issues to be solved, too. Partner Sandra Paul and paralegal Emma McGrath look at the issues.
Joint police and FCA action underlines law enforcement attention on cryptoasset activity
Amid increased focus on the regulation of cryptoassets in the UK, law enforcement agencies have carried out unprecedented raids targeting illegally-operated cryptocurrency ATMs.
Consent – a missed opportunity for an important discussion
Channel 4’s, Consent, appeared to be a show with something to say; a show that would draw attention to the complexity of sexual allegations involving school aged children as well as the emotional trauma for all caught in its wake.
The Online Safety Bill: What do the latest updates mean for companies and senior managers?
The Online Safety Bill hit the headlines last week, following its third and final reading in the House of Commons on 17 January 2023. Since its early stages the Bill has provoked an ongoing debate between social media safety groups, who call for the law to do more to protect children, and civil liberties campaigners, who argue that the proposed legislation impinges on the freedom of speech. The latest proposed amendment would make senior managers criminally liable for platforms’ persistent failure to protect children online. Magda Zima considers the potentially wide-ranging impact of this amendment on both companies and senior individuals.
A new police approach is needed to tackle overwhelming delays to digital forensics
A damning report published by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Constabulary and Fire & Rescue Services (HMICFRS) has found police forces to be “overwhelmed and ineffective” in relation to digital forensics. The HMICFRS found that there were more than 25,000 devices waiting to be examined – and this is without taking into account all the devices already in the system.
My child has a conviction for a sexual offence, what happens next? Notification requirements and ancillary orders for children convicted of a sexual offence
This blog follows the virtual launch of the Youth Justice Legal Centre Legal Guide on children facing sexual offences. During this event, Maeve Keenan discussed Kingsley Napley's contribution to the report, including recommendations on how to appropriately handle these complex cases and protect the child's welfare.
Help! The police are arresting my child …
It’s the knock on the door that parent fear, or is it just me? Thankfully, the Courts have provided some valuable guidance about this nightmare scenario.
There are many reasons the police may want to speak to your child, but few occasions where the reason might be urgent enough to justify an unannounced visit and an arrest.
