Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Ashton-under-Lyne
Established in the 1940s, Yates Ardern has built a reputation as one of the UK's most respected legal practices. Our firm specialises in criminal law, appeals, and professional disciplinary investigations, offering expert representation from initial investigations through to Crown Court trials and Court of Appeal proceedings. We maintain dedicated departments for road traffic accidents, fraud, prison law, and regulatory matters, staffed by experienced solicitors and former prosecutors. Our 24-hour emergency response team ensures immediate support for urgent cases, while our proactive approach to investigations aims to resolve matters before court proceedings commence. With over 80 years of combined experience, we provide strategic legal advice tailored to individual client needs, prioritising client confidentiality and stress reduction throughout the legal process.Our team regularly represents professionals facing disciplinary hearings before bodies such as the GMC, SRA, and NMC, combining sector-specific knowledge with courtroom expertise. We offer both legal aid and private fee arrangements, including fixed-fee consultation services for pre-charge investigations. Our appeal department has a proven track record in challenging convictions and sentences, working closely with specialist barristers to develop robust grounds of appeal. We maintain transparent communication with clients throughout all case stages, from police station interviews to final court appearances.
Services
Criminal Law
Appeals
Investigations
Road Traffic
Fraud & Money Laundering
Highlights and features
- We offer 80+ years combined experience in criminal defence and appeals
- Our team includes former prosecutors and Higher Court Advocates
- 24/7 emergency response service for urgent legal matters
- Proactive approach to pre-charge investigations prevents prosecutions
- Specialist departments for professional disciplinary and regulatory cases
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
Proactive approach
Exceptional professional approach
Easy to take in advice
Care and attention
Highly experienced team
Services
Criminal Law Representation
Our criminal law specialists handle all stages of prosecution from police station interviews to Crown Court trials. We provide immediate representation for arrests, voluntary interviews, and pre-charge investigations. Our team challenges evidence, negotiates with prosecutors, and develops tailored defence strategies for offences ranging from minor charges to serious crimes like murder and fraud. We advise on bail applications and court procedures.
Appeals Process
We specialise in challenging convictions and sentences through the Court of Appeal. Our experienced appeal lawyers work with specialist barristers to prepare grounds of appeal, analyse trial evidence, and identify procedural errors. We handle both conviction and sentence appeals, including complex cases referred to the Criminal Case Review Commission for potential miscarriage of justice reviews.
Professional Disciplinary Cases
We represent professionals facing disciplinary proceedings before bodies like the SRA, GMC, and NMC. Our services include investigation response, hearing preparation, and sanction mitigation. We manage concurrent employer investigations and regulatory matters, providing strategic advice to protect careers and professional registrations across multiple sectors.
Road Traffic Offences
Our traffic law specialists handle motoring offences from minor infractions to serious charges like dangerous driving. We provide representation in magistrates' courts, challenge prosecution evidence, and advise on penalty mitigation. We assist with disqualification cases, special reasons arguments, and exceptional hardship claims to protect clients' driving privileges.
Pre-Charge Investigations
We offer proactive pre-charge legal support to prevent prosecutions. Our services include police interview representation, evidence gathering, witness statements, and submission of representations to prosecutors. We negotiate alternative disposals, challenge bail conditions, and manage regulatory investigations to resolve matters before court proceedings commence.
People
Tim Chapman
Director
Managing director of the investigation department with extensive experience in criminal defence and regulatory matters. Develops proactive strategies to resolve cases before prosecution.
Mark Harper
Director
Senior legal director specialising in complex criminal cases and professional disciplinary proceedings. Provides strategic oversight for high-profile and regulatory cases.
Ian Ridgway
Director
Experienced director handling serious criminal offences and appeal cases. Focuses on Crown Court trials and sentence mitigation strategies.
Robert Stewart
Solicitor
Specialist solicitor in road traffic offences and magistrates' court representation. Advises on bail applications and plea mitigation strategies.
Diane Edwards
Paralegal
Supports case preparation for criminal defence and regulatory matters. Assists with evidence gathering and client communication.
Questions
Do I really need a solicitor during a police interview?
Yes, even if you're innocent. Our experienced solicitors ensure fair questioning, explain legal processes, and prevent self-incrimination during interviews.
Will requesting a solicitor delay the investigation?
No. Delays typically occur due to police readiness, not solicitor involvement. We maintain a 24/7 rota to attend interviews immediately.
Can I handle regulatory investigations myself?
Professional disciplinary cases require specialist knowledge. Our team manages complex regulatory matters to protect your career and professional registration.
What happens after a Crown Court conviction?
We handle appeals through the Court of Appeal, examining trial errors and developing grounds for appeal with specialist barristers.
Do you offer fixed-fee legal services?
Yes, we provide fixed-fee initial consultations and tailored pricing options for pre-charge investigations and specific case types.
Reviews (4)
Anne Bate
Jul 16, 2020
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They are a fantastic firm of solicitors polite and friendly and very helpful and explain everything so you understand everything xx
Ronnie Theaker
Dec 22, 2019
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Terrible solicitors arranged for a solicitor to meet me at police station sent a different solicitor and could not be bothered to inform me before hand totally wasted my time avoid
Jason Thomas
Oct 19, 2018
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Yates Ardern Solicitors are an efficient team of solicitors. They are prompt, efficient and articulate. the receptionist is reachable and always willing to help. She provided a very professional service to the highest quality within a short pressured time frame. I will definitely be recommending Yates Ardern Solicitors!!!!
Marcus Dale
Oct 15, 2017
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Never go with this firm, ever. I went to trail today at the magistrates for a section 4 threatening to use violence or offensive language they said they would get me a barrister to represent me to give me more chance of a not guilty well i ended up with a Micky mouse barrister that looked no more than 25 and didn't have a clue so much so he was shaking and stuttering every two min, also tried to get me to throw my hands into something I didn't actually do! But then that's all solicitors I suppose...... remember one thing ppl
