Business Details
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Partner for Legal Solutions
Blackfords is a leading law firm based in London with offices across the UK, dedicated to providing the highest standards of legal care and service. Our independent, expert lawyers in London, Cardiff, Woking, and Croydon offer unparalleled expertise in handling high-profile cases and complex legal challenges. We pride ourselves on delivering robust solutions through straight-talking, discreet advice tailored to the unique needs of individuals, corporations, and directors.With a focus on dispute resolution, criminal defence, regulatory law, and education law, our team of leaders in their fields combines decades of experience with a client-centric approach. Recognised by Legal 500 and The Times Best Law Firms, we are committed to innovation, discretion, and achieving results that protect our clients' reputations and futures.
Services
Dispute Resolution
Criminal Defence
Education Law
Motoring Law
Regulatory Law
Family & Children Law
Health & Safety Solicitors
Business Crime
Corporate Manslaughter
Data Protection
Highlights and features
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal support for urgent cases.
- Our lawyers are leaders in handling high-profile and cross-border investigations.
- We offer tailored strategies for complex fraud, regulatory, and criminal defence matters.
- Our team includes specialists ranked in Legal 500 and Chambers UK Guide.
- We maintain discretion and prioritise client reputation management in all cases.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority
What people say
'Leaders in their field'
'Discreet and robust representation'
'Proven track record'
'Client-focused approach'
'Award-winning team'
Services
Dispute Resolution
We handle high-stakes business, financial, and white-collar crime disputes for individuals and corporations. Our expertise includes cross-border investigations, fraud cases, and defending clients against regulatory bodies like the SFO and HMRC. We focus on preventing investigations from escalating to litigation and mounting proactive defences when necessary.
Criminal Defence
Our criminal defence team represents clients facing serious charges including violence, sexual offences, cyber-crime, and fraud. We provide strategic representation from police station to Crown Court, with specialists in handling investigations by agencies like the National Crime Agency and Metropolitan Police. Our approach prioritises early intervention and robust defence strategies.
Education Law
We advise students and families on disciplinary investigations at schools, colleges, and universities, including allegations of misconduct, academic breaches, and fitness-to-practise proceedings. Our team supports clients through hearings and appeals while protecting their academic and professional futures, particularly in regulated professions.
Regulatory Law
We defend professionals facing misconduct allegations across sectors including healthcare, law enforcement, and finance. Our services cover investigations by bodies like the GMC, NMC, and SRA, with a focus on safeguarding careers and reputations through discreet, strategic legal representation in disciplinary hearings and tribunals.
Motoring Law
We specialise in defending clients against serious motoring offences including disqualification, drink driving, and penalty point accumulation. Our solicitors provide representation in Magistrates Courts and advice on mitigating penalties, with a focus on preserving clients' ability to work and maintain their livelihoods.
People
Trevor Francis
Managing Partner
Trevor Francis is a highly regarded solicitor-advocate with extensive experience in serious crime and fraud cases. He leads Blackfords' strategic direction and has a proven track record in defending high-profile clients in complex regulatory and criminal matters.
Gary Bloxsome
Partner
Gary Bloxsome is a leading expert in regulatory law and professional discipline, representing clients in healthcare, policing, and legal sectors. He is noted for his strategic approach to misconduct investigations and disciplinary proceedings.
Gary Rubin
Partner
Gary Rubin specialises in health and safety law, advising businesses and individuals on compliance and defending prosecutions. Recognised in Legal 500, he provides pragmatic solutions in corporate manslaughter and enforcement actions.
Hannah Giles
Partner
Hannah Giles is a criminal defence specialist with a focus on serious assault and appeal cases. She has successfully overturned convictions in the Court of Appeal and represents high-net-worth individuals in complex legal disputes.
Diana Payne
Partner
Diana Payne is a leading motoring law solicitor with expertise in defending driving disqualifications and penalty points. Her strategic approach helps clients retain their licences, which are critical to their personal and professional lives.
Questions
What areas of law does Blackfords specialise in?
Blackfords specialises in dispute resolution, criminal defence, regulatory law, education law, motoring offences, and health & safety law.
Do you handle international legal cases?
Yes, we routinely act in cross-border investigations and cases involving multi-jurisdictional legal challenges.
Can you represent me in a serious fraud investigation?
Our award-winning team has extensive experience defending clients in serious fraud cases brought by the SFO, HMRC, and other regulatory bodies.
What should I do if accused of a motoring offence?
Contact us immediately for strategic advice on mitigating penalties, challenging disqualifications, or preparing a defence in court.
How do you protect client reputations?
We prioritise discreet representation and proactive reputation management throughout all legal proceedings.
Are your lawyers available for emergencies?
Yes, we offer 24/7 emergency legal support for urgent cases requiring immediate intervention.
Reviews (3)
Mohammad Lal
Dec 23, 2020
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Absolutely shocking level of service provided by Blackfords. I was told by my allocated Solicitor to start preparing my own statement as she doesn't get paid enough to go through all the relevant paper work. Absolutely stocking and furthermore very unprofessional in approach. I actually used to use this firm before it changed to Blackfords and the directors were great, not sure what's gone wrong. I certainly wouldn't use them again especially for child protection cases involving social services. So guys please beware otherwise you'll land yourself in a place you don't want to be in.
David
Dec 13, 2020
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Useless they go more in favour of the police than help you out and are very rude and abrupt
Vicky Dean
May 28, 2019
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Would not recommend anyone to use this solicitor firm. Used them for a criminal case and also family case. They do not work with you but rather against you. For my criminal case i was advised by my solicitor to give my side of the story in a police interview which resulted in me being charged. After being charged i had to attend court which my solicitor who attended with me told me that the evidence was compelling and that most likely i was to be found guilty was it was my best interest to enter a guilty plea. I then changed the solicitor to a different firm after which i was found not guilty.
