Business Details
28 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defence Lawyers in Livingston
Keegan Smith is a multi-award-winning criminal defence firm based in Livingston, Scotland, serving clients across Lothians, Central Scotland, and Edinburgh. Established in 1998 by Iain H B Smith and Jim Keegan QC, our firm combines decades of legal expertise with a trauma-informed, client-centred approach. We specialise in criminal law, road traffic cases, and human rights issues, representing clients in all Scottish courts, including the High Court of Justiciary, Sheriff Court, and Justice of the Peace Court. Our team, comprising partners Iain H B Smith and Darryl Lovie, both with over 25 years of experience, is committed to protecting clients' rights through rigorous case preparation, innovative advocacy, and compassionate representation. Recognised as Herald Scottish Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2021 and Scottish Legal Awards Criminal Law Firm of the Year 2022, we maintain memberships with the Law Society of Scotland and the West Lothian Bar Association.Our trauma-informed practice, developed through Iain's leadership in adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) initiatives, ensures sensitive support during challenging legal proceedings. We offer 24/7 emergency legal assistance, free initial consultations, and legal aid services, operating from our office in Cairngorm House, Almondvale Boulevard. Our reputation for excellence, built over 25 years, is evidenced by numerous client testimonials praising our professionalism, communication, and successful case outcomes. We prioritise transparency, client education, and ethical practice, advocating for fair treatment within the criminal justice system while maintaining accessibility through flexible appointment options.
Services
Criminal Law
Road Traffic Cases
Police Station Call Outs
Human Rights Issues
Legal Aid
Details
- Year established: 1998
Highlights and features
- Award-winning criminal defence specialists since 1998
- 24/7 emergency legal assistance available
- Trauma-informed practice addressing adverse childhood experiences
- Recognised experts in Scottish criminal courts
- Free initial consultation with experienced solicitors
Associations and certifications
- Scottish Legal Aid Board
- Law Society of Scotland
- West Lothian Bar Association
What people say
Very professional
Highly recommended
Excellent thank you
Gold stars
Amazing solicitors firm
Services
Criminal Law
Our criminal law specialists provide expert representation in all Scottish courts, handling cases from minor offences to high-profile trials. With decades of combined experience, we focus on protecting clients' rights through meticulous case preparation and robust advocacy. Our trauma-informed approach ensures sensitive handling of cases involving adverse childhood experiences, while our 24/7 availability guarantees immediate legal support when needed.
Road Traffic Cases
We specialise in defending road traffic cases including drink driving, speeding, and uninsured driving. Our solicitors challenge police evidence and identify technical defences to protect clients' licences. With comprehensive knowledge of recent case law and access to expert investigators, we aim to prevent penalties that could impact livelihoods through disqualification or fines.
Police Station Call Outs
Available 24/7, our solicitors provide immediate assistance during police station interviews. We ensure clients understand their rights during detention and offer private telephone consultations or in-person attendance. Our trauma-informed approach helps clients navigate stressful situations while protecting their legal interests during police investigations.
Human Rights Issues
We advocate for clients' human rights in criminal proceedings, challenging unlawful treatment and ensuring fair judicial processes. Our practice incorporates trauma-informed principles to address cases involving vulnerable individuals, working to prevent discriminatory practices and uphold constitutional protections during legal proceedings across Scotland.
Legal Aid
Registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board, we provide legally aided services for eligible clients. Our team guides applicants through the legal aid process, ensuring access to quality representation regardless of financial circumstances. We handle both criminal defence and road traffic cases under legal aid provisions while maintaining the same high standard of service as private clients.
People
Iain H B Smith
Partner
LLB-qualified solicitor with over 30 years' experience in criminal law, specialising in high-profile trials and trauma-informed legal practice. Recognised as Scottish Lawyer of the Year 2020, he co-founded Keegan Smith in 1998 and leads initiatives addressing adverse childhood experiences in the justice system.
Darryl Lovie
Partner
Experienced criminal defence solicitor with 25+ years in Scottish courts, known for formidable trial advocacy and cross-examination skills. Specialises in complex criminal cases and police station representation, maintaining a strong track record in achieving favourable outcomes for clients across West Lothian and Scotland.
Questions
What areas do you cover for criminal defence cases?
We provide legal representation across Livingston, Edinburgh, Lothians, Central Scotland, and all Scottish courts including High Court of Justiciary proceedings.
Do you offer emergency legal assistance?
Yes, our 24/7 helpline provides immediate access to solicitors for police station call-outs and urgent legal advice throughout Scotland.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
We offer legally aided services registered with the Scottish Legal Aid Board. Eligibility depends on case type and financial circumstances.
What types of road traffic cases do you handle?
We defend all road traffic offences including drink driving, speeding, uninsured driving, mobile phone use, and disqualification cases across Scottish courts.
How do you approach trauma-informed legal practice?
Our trauma-informed approach recognises adverse childhood experiences, ensuring sensitive handling of vulnerable clients while advocating for respectful treatment in court proceedings.
What are your office hours?
Our office operates Monday-Friday 9am-6pm (5pm Friday), with 24/7 legal emergency support available via our helpline.
Reviews (5)
Alan Garven
Sep 25, 2021
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Very helpful good at what they do and really knowledgeable and very very helpful would not hesitate to use them again but hope I don't need to amazing firm.
Dominika K.
Dec 14, 2020
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Thank you so much for a helping hand!!! Would highly recommend to anyone needing a lawyer. You guys are brilliant!
Stephen Vs
Jun 30, 2020
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Positive:Professionalism
Keegan Smith are an outstanding award winning firm. Always go the extra mile. Have a winning track-record. Absolutely best in class. The very best criminal defense firm in Scotland.
Keegan Smith are an outstanding award winning firm. Always go the extra mile. Have a winning track-record. Absolutely best in class. The very best criminal defense firm in Scotland.
Lisa Grant
May 22, 2020
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These lawyers have worked miracles for me and my family and I have they're honest and reliable they also won't sugarcoat what they think tje outcome is going to be. I highly recommend this law firm
Sylvia Paterson
Jan 06, 2018
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Both Daryl and Ian have always done me proud I wouldn't want any other lawyer thanks guys you's are the best!!!
