Business Details
46 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Legal Defence Team in Brighton & Hove
Founded in 1980, we have established ourselves as a trusted legal defence firm serving Brighton & Hove, Sussex, and the Southeast. As a family-run practice, our reputation is built on delivering high-quality legal services with a personalized approach, ensuring clients receive expert advice and optimal outcomes. Our areas of expertise include Family and Matrimonial Law, Criminal Law, Motoring Law, and Wills and Probate. We prioritise client care, offering tailored support through challenging legal situations while maintaining a friendly and approachable service.Our solicitors collaborate with top-tier barristers, accountants, and IT specialists to present cases in the strongest possible light. We provide 24-hour criminal defence services and emergency support for domestic violence cases. Specialising in motoring law, we protect driving privileges through strategic defences. Our transparent fee structures ensure competitive pricing, with legal aid available for eligible criminal litigation matters.
Services
Criminal Defence
Family Law
Driving Offence
Regulatory Law
Wills and Probate
Details
- Year established: 1980
Highlights and features
- We have over 40 years of experience in criminal and family law representation
- Our team collaborates with top forensic experts and specialist barristers
- We provide 24-hour criminal defence and emergency legal services
- Our transparent fee structures ensure competitive pricing and value
- We specialise in protecting driving privileges through motoring law expertise
What people say
Professional, compassionate
Excellent service
Best solicitors in Brighton
Thorough work
Excellent results
Services
Criminal Defence
We provide comprehensive criminal defence services for clients facing minor or serious charges across Brighton & Hove and the Southeast. Our experienced solicitors offer immediate representation at police stations and court proceedings, working to protect clients' rights and achieve the best possible outcomes. With access to top forensic experts and investigators, we build robust defences tailored to each case's specific circumstances.
Family Law
Our family law team specialises in resolving relationship breakdowns and related legal matters with compassion and expertise. We handle divorce proceedings, financial settlements, child custody arrangements, and pre-nuptial agreements while prioritising amicable solutions through Resolution membership. When necessary, we provide strong courtroom representation to protect clients' interests in complex family law disputes.
Driving Offence
We defend clients against all types of driving offences including drink driving, dangerous driving, and licence disqualification cases. Our specialist solicitors work to minimise penalties and protect driving privileges through strategic legal arguments. With extensive experience in motoring law, we represent clients in court proceedings to challenge evidence and negotiate reduced sentences where possible.
Regulatory Law
We represent businesses and individuals facing regulatory prosecutions in areas including health & safety, food safety, and corporate manslaughter. Our approach focuses on minimising reputational damage while building strong defences against charges. We provide cost-effective legal solutions for clients across Sussex and the Southeast, combining litigation expertise with strategic mitigation planning.
Wills and Probate
Our solicitors provide expert guidance on will preparation, probate administration, and inheritance matters. We help clients create legally sound wills that reflect their wishes while advising on tax-efficient estate planning. For probate matters, we assist executors with estate administration, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and smooth asset distribution.
People
Oliver Mackrell
Director
Experienced solicitor with expertise in complex criminal cases, family law, and Wills & Probate. Regularly appears in court as trial advocate with high success rate. Provides legal commentary to BBC South Radio.
Brian Mackrell
Founder
Nearly 50 years' experience in legal practice. Now serves in advisory role for firm management. Established the company's reputation for quality legal services in Brighton & Hove.
Mike Whippy
Police Station Adviser
Specialises in criminal defence with focus on police station representation. Accredited since 1996 with expertise in serious criminal allegations including murder and sexual offences. Recognised for work with young offenders.
Stephen Harris
Solicitor
Highly experienced duty solicitor with decades of criminal defence expertise. Skilled court advocate who regularly represents clients in complex cases across the Southeast region.
Kate Eaves
Police Station Representative
Trained professional with strong client relationships. Provides empathetic support during police interviews and court proceedings. Known for calm approach and excellent case outcomes.
Questions
What should I do if arrested?
Contact us immediately for free representation. Do not discuss your case with police until speaking to our solicitors. We provide 24/7 emergency support for arrests.
How do you handle family law cases?
We prioritise amicable resolutions through mediation while preparing robust court cases when necessary. Our Resolution membership ensures constructive approaches to divorce, child custody, and financial settlements.
What are your motoring offence fees?
First hearings cost £400+VAT for straightforward cases. Exceptional hardship hearings cost £600+VAT. We offer competitive rates with transparent pricing structures for all driving offence cases.
Do you offer 24/7 legal services?
Yes, we provide 24-hour criminal defence services and emergency support for domestic violence cases. Our solicitors are available whenever clients need urgent legal assistance.
Can I get legal aid?
Legal aid is available for eligible criminal law matters and certain motoring offences. Contact our office to determine your eligibility and application process for funded cases.
How do you handle appeals?
Appeals must be filed within 14-28 days depending on court level. We can explore out-of-time appeals if deadlines are missed. Our team prepares strong grounds for appeal to challenge excessive sentences.
Reviews (4)
Libby Murphy
Oct 28, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Oliver mackrell is very professional and has helped massively to put me at ease and make me feel as comfortable as possible through my court process. Very understanding and represented me amazingly. I recommend highly!
Oliver mackrell is very professional and has helped massively to put me at ease and make me feel as comfortable as possible through my court process. Very understanding and represented me amazingly. I recommend highly!
Sohail SHahin
Oct 17, 2021
Report
Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Best firm of solicitors in the city, they have helped me beyond words can describe with complete respect and utmost honesty. I am forever grateful and would highly recommend their services to all!
Best firm of solicitors in the city, they have helped me beyond words can describe with complete respect and utmost honesty. I am forever grateful and would highly recommend their services to all!
Shems Brangier
Oct 02, 2021
Report
Oliver Mackrell was a beacon of hope to myself at a time when my options appeared horribly limited and the likelihood of a satisfactory resolution seemed nigh on impossible. Not only was he and his team able to defend me from an unjust accusation, his calm and empathetic demeanor offered emotional succor to myself and those I care about most. My family and I are eternally grateful for his professionalism, advice and service and I hereby recommend Mr Mackrell without reservation.
Gemma
Apr 27, 2021
Report
Oliver was professional through, non judgemental, made me feel at ease, explained the process in great detail, he pre emptied every Question that was raised at my hearing. He was driven & keen to fully understand every aspect of my case & detailed background, represented me in a fantastic manner, and got the least punishment that was possible, I cannot recommend him Highly enough.
