Slee Blackwell Solicitors have Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation.
Slee Blackwell’s criminal defence team includes specialists accredited under the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation scheme, a recognised quality standard for criminal litigation practitioners. But what does this accreditation mean, and why does it matter when choosing a criminal defence solicitor?
What is Law Society Criminal Litigation Accreditation?
If you are being investigated or prosecuted for a criminal offence, choosing the right solicitor can be difficult. Criminal defence firms naturally promote their experience and expertise, but clients may have little independent information on which to assess those claims.
The Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation provides an independently established quality standard for lawyers practising in criminal law.
The Law Society describes its Criminal Litigation Accreditation as a “recognised quality standard for practitioners in criminal litigation”. It covers all types of criminal law work.
Accreditation is not simply awarded because someone practises criminal law.
To apply, a practitioner must be qualified and demonstrate “a high level of knowledge, skills and experience in the area of criminal litigation.” Applicants are also required to pass assessments and submit a detailed application.
The scheme therefore provides clients with an independently recognised indication of a criminal lawyer’s specialist expertise.
What does Criminal Litigation Accreditation mean for you?
When you instruct criminal defence lawyers, you are placing considerable trust in the firm representing you.
A criminal investigation or prosecution can potentially affect your liberty, livelihood, reputation and family life. You therefore need confidence that those advising you have genuine experience and specialist knowledge of criminal litigation.
The significance of Law Society accreditation is that you do not simply have to take our word for our expertise.
The Law Society says its individual accreditations are awarded to legal professionals meeting high standards of technical expertise and client service in specific areas of law. It actively encourages members of the public to look for its quality-mark logos when choosing legal professionals.
For clients of Slee Blackwell, our involvement in the scheme therefore provides additional independent reassurance when choosing to instruct us.
What does a Law Society accredited criminal practitioner have to demonstrate?
The Criminal Litigation Accreditation process involves formal assessment rather than self-certification.
The Law Society states that applicants need to pass two assessments and make a detailed application. Its scheme guidance also identifies the relevant Police Station Qualification and Magistrates Court Qualification requirements for practitioners seeking full accreditation for duty-panel purposes.
This is important because criminal cases can develop rapidly. Advice may be required at the police station, during an investigation, following charge and throughout court proceedings.
Choosing an appropriately qualified and experienced criminal defence solicitor from the outset can therefore be extremely important.
Why use an accredited criminal defence lawyer?
There are many practitioners offering criminal defence services. Law Society accreditation gives clients a recognised external benchmark when considering who to instruct.
For someone facing a criminal allegation, the accreditation provides reassurance that the expertise of the practitioner is not based solely upon claims made on a firm’s own website.
The Law Society expressly describes Criminal Litigation Accreditation as a recognised quality standard covering all types of criminal law work.
Specialist criminal defence representation from Slee Blackwell
We understand that being accused of a criminal offence can be an extremely worrying experience.
Our criminal defence lawyers provide clear, practical and robust advice, with the preparation of each case tailored to the particular allegations and evidence involved.
We can advise and represent clients at different stages of the criminal process, including those facing a police investigation, interview, charge or prosecution before the criminal courts.
Whatever the nature of the allegation, obtaining specialist legal advice at an early stage gives you the opportunity to understand your position and make informed decisions about how your case should be handled.
A national criminal defence service
We represent clients throughout the jurisdiction of England and Wales. Wherever you are based, our team is able to help you.
Arrange your free consultation with Slee Blackwell’s criminal defence team
If you are under investigation, have been asked to attend a police interview, have been arrested or charged with a criminal offence, or are facing proceedings in the Magistrates’ Court or Crown Court, contact our criminal defence team for confidential advice.
Our accredited criminal law specialists can advise you on your position and the steps that should be taken to protect your interests.
