Our criminal law team includes specialist police station advisers. Our reputation is based on over 75 years of providing the highest quality advice and representation to our clients: protecting their rights and interests, holding the police to account, and striving to get the best result.
Charges relating to domestic abuse or harassment can bring with them a particular kind of stigma, whether they concern allegations of physical violence against an adult or a child.
The Crown Prosecution Service describe domestic abuse cases as amongst the highest priority work dealt within the criminal justice system. The legal landscape is constantly evolving, with new offences such as non-fatal strangulation and suffocation, controlling and coercive behaviour and ‘revenge porn’ being increasingly charged, alongside assault, harassment and stalking.
Our internationally recognised team is highly experienced in representing clients accused of offences within family relationships. Our involvement is focussed on dealing with matters discreetly, sensitively and quickly. We have a track record of avoiding the need for an arrest and guiding you towards the best possible outcome so that wherever possible charges are avoided.
It is commonly believed that it is up to the complainant to bring a charge of domestic abuse and that a complainant can change his or her mind about whether the charges proceed. The reality is that charges of domestic abuse are taken as seriously as any other form of assault and the police may proceed with the charges even where the complainant attempts to withdraw.
We understand the complexities surrounding allegations made in personal relationships and the emotional turmoil they bring. We ensure we obtain as much information as possible about the investigation in advance. We will explain the process to you and advise you on the best options available to you.
We will help you to give the best account of yourself, and ensure that the stress and emotion that usually accompany these allegations do not prevent you from achieving the correct outcome.
We provide advice, assistance and representation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, so you can call on us whenever the need arises.
We harness the skills and expertise of colleagues in our Family team to identify and challenge those cases where there may be an ulterior motive for an allegation. We work closely with our Reputation Management team to prevent unwarranted publication of personal or damaging material that is often associated with these allegations.
What directories have said
"Sandra Paul is very compassionate and sensitive in her approach, and her client care is second to none."
Chambers UK 2025
'The practice has a wider range of support and skill sets available and is very adaptable as the nature of an engagement changes. They are able to field a multidisciplinary team to ensure they deploy the right strength and depth of expertise as an engagement requires.'
Legal 500
KN are exceptional in almost all categories! They are streaks ahead of everyone else and provide a very high level of service. If I were in trouble that’s where I would go. I like the fact they are genuinely committed to providing excellence even on less lucrative cases or on cases of less seriousness. They completely get how serious every case is for a client. They unfailing do the very best for their clients."
Legal 500 UK
A dynamic team that shows good attention to detail."
Chambers UK
The general 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
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
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 - A Client’s Guide to the UK Legal Profession
Louise Hodges
Partner and Head of Department
James Alleyne
Partner
Caroline Day
Partner
Nicola Finnerty
Partner
Jonathan Grimes
Partner
Matthew Hardcastle
Partner
Jill Lorimer
Partner
Alun Milford (Français)
Partner
Alun Milford
Partner
Rebecca Niblock
Partner
Ed Smyth
Partner
Sophie Wood
Partner
Greg Foxsmith
Legal Director
Will Hayes
Legal Director
Gemma Tombs
Legal Director
Katherine Tyler
Legal Director (Barrister)
Julia Bateman
Senior Practice Development Lawyer
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
Michael Caplan KC
Consultant
Emily Elliott
Associate
Fiona Haddadeen
Associate
Laura Kruczynska
Associate (CILEx Lawyer)
Leena Lakhani
Associate (Barrister)
Tom Surr
Associate
Simran Tatla
Associate
Alice Trotter
Associate
Georgina Woodward
Associate
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
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
In dealing with the firm, every aspect was outstanding and of the highest quality."
Chambers UK
