JD Spicer Zeb

Business Details

49 Years

experience

Emergency

services

Your Trusted Criminal Law Solicitors in London

Established in 1977, JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors has grown into a national practice with offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester. Our firm has earned a reputation as one of the UK's leading criminal law firms, backed by national awards and high rankings on independent review platforms. We have been recognised by the Law Society with the Excellence in Client Service Award and achieved the highest rating from the Legal Aid Agency in Criminal Law. Our team combines decades of experience in handling complex cases, including serious fraud, terrorism, family law, immigration, and high-profile criminal defence.

We pride ourselves on providing accessible, client-focused legal representation, operating 24/7 with accredited police station representatives and multilingual support. Our track record demonstrates our commitment to achieving successful outcomes, whether through early case dismissal, out-of-court resolutions, or courtroom victories. We maintain strong relationships with leading barristers and legal professionals, ensuring our clients receive comprehensive and strategic legal counsel tailored to their specific needs.

Services

Criminal Law Drugs Offences Serious Fraud Terrorism Extradition Family Law Immigration Driving Offences Assaults Money Laundering

Details

Year established: 1977

Highlights and features

We offer 24/7 emergency legal support in person and over the phone.
Our team has over 100 years of combined experience in criminal law.
We have successfully dropped thousands of cases before court proceedings.
Recognised with Law Society Excellence in Client Service Award.
Rated highest by the Legal Aid Agency for criminal law quality standards.

Associations and certifications

Law Society
Solicitors Regulation Authority
Legal Aid Agency

What people say

Excellent representation 24/7 emergency phonelines 100s years combined experience National awards High rankings

Website

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Services

Criminal Law

Our criminal law practice specialises in defending clients facing serious charges including murder, fraud, and terrorism. We provide 24/7 police station representation and court advocacy, with a proven track record of securing case dismissals and reduced sentences. Our team handles complex cases from initial investigation through to trial and appeal, offering multilingual support and strategic legal counsel tailored to each client's specific circumstances.

Extradition

We specialise in defending extradition requests from EU and non-EU countries, including European Arrest Warrants and Interpol Red Notices. Our expertise covers human rights defences under Articles 3 and 8, plea bargaining, and challenging extradition grounds. With experience in high-profile cases, we represent clients at all court levels up to the European Court of Human Rights, providing strategic defence against international legal proceedings.

Family Law

Our family law team handles complex cases involving child arrangements, care proceedings, and international child abduction. We provide compassionate legal guidance for divorce settlements, financial relief, and domestic violence injunctions. With specialist experience in social services interventions and cross-border family disputes, we prioritise child welfare while protecting parental rights through negotiated settlements or court representation.

Immigration

We assist with UK visa applications, asylum claims, and deportation appeals, including complex cases requiring human rights arguments. Our services cover sponsorship licences, nationality applications, and immigration tribunal representation. With over 30 years' experience, we help individuals and businesses navigate changing immigration laws, focusing on achieving successful outcomes for both personal and commercial clients.

Driving Offences

We defend clients facing serious motoring offences including drink driving, totting up bans, and dangerous driving charges. Our specialists handle exceptional hardship applications and represent clients at police stations and courts nationwide. With a focus on preventing disqualifications and minimising penalties, we combine technical legal knowledge with strategic defence approaches for all road traffic offences.

People

Umar Zeb

Senior Partner - Head of Private Client Crime

With over 25 years' experience, Umar Zeb leads our private client crime team. He specialises in complex fraud and serious criminal cases, maintaining a strong track record in high-profile matters. His expertise includes representing clients in murder trials and multi-million pound fraud investigations.

Lisa Nicol

Managing Partner - Head of Crime & Serious Cases

Lisa Nicol oversees our crime and serious cases division with particular expertise in murder, terrorism, and sexual offence defence. She has successfully represented clients in numerous complex trials and appeals, maintaining a reputation for thorough case preparation and client advocacy.

James O'Donnell

Partner Crime - Serious Cases/Appeals

James O'Donnell specialises in serious crime defence and appellate work. With extensive experience in murder trials and complex fraud cases, he has secured notable acquittals in high-profile prosecutions. He represents clients at all court levels including the Court of Appeal.

Sanjay Cholera

Partner Crime Advocacy

Sanjay Cholera focuses on crime advocacy with particular expertise in representing clients at trial. He has developed a strong reputation for defending serious criminal allegations, combining courtroom skill with strategic case preparation to achieve successful outcomes for clients.

Peter Mulhearn

Consultant Crime Solicitor

Peter Mulhearn provides consultancy services in complex criminal cases. With decades of experience in serious crime defence, he offers strategic guidance on case preparation and trial strategy, particularly in fraud and white-collar crime matters.

Questions

What areas of law do you specialise in?

We specialise in criminal law, extradition, family law, immigration, serious fraud, terrorism, and motoring offences. Our expertise extends to high-profile cases and complex legal challenges across England and Wales.

Do you offer 24/7 legal support?

Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency legal support with dedicated phonelines and accredited police station representatives available 365 days a year for immediate assistance.

Can you handle cases outside London?

We operate nationwide with offices in Birmingham and Manchester, and represent clients in police stations and courts throughout England and Wales, including prison visits and detention centres.

How do you fund legal representation?

We offer legal aid where available and provide transparent private fee structures. Clients facing charges can discuss funding options including fixed fees and cost estimates with our team.

What makes your firm different?

Our firm combines decades of experience with a client-focused approach, 24/7 availability, and a proven track record in complex cases. We maintain strong relationships with leading barristers and legal professionals for comprehensive case handling.

How do you handle extradition cases?

We defend extradition requests from EU and non-EU countries, specialising in human rights defences and appeals. Our team has experience in high-profile cases at all court levels including the European Court of Human Rights.

Reviews (7)

Write a Review

Raahat Mohammed

Dec 26, 2021 Report

The best firm in the city. Highly recommended by all the boys in Aston/Lozells. Look no further call them today!.

Aliyah Bibi

Dec 26, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Quality,Responsiveness,Value
Excellent Firm. Highly Recommended - Brilliant staff and excellent client care!

Raghav Jay

Dec 06, 2021 Report

Great firm only becomes if you have a great human being in your team. Dawhud ,your expertise & intelligence are recomendable. More than a true professionalism is humanity. I must say I felt that here with Dawhud who not only helped me here however stood up like a brother. Motivated me when I was completely disharted and depressed because of no results from previous solicitors who were just money minded. He helped me in getting my assets returned back in a month period of time as he promised . You are not like others who even been paid and get annoyed once you chase them for progress of case

Mohammed Rehman

Aug 24, 2021 Report

Wow!. Professional, Effective, Relative. Was made to have such a better understanding of the law, the different parts of the law concerning my particular issue. Assistance really pushed me in the right direction. Assigned a case handler to my case who was able to be empathetic and professional and applied themselves with undivided attention is how it felt. Very personal. Thumbs up . Would and have recommended and not been let down.

Hamza Malik

Aug 04, 2021 Report

Positive:Professionalism,Responsiveness
Highly recommend - the firm keeps all the brothers local out of prison. Available 24/7 any time of the week, top notch service never fail to impress.
Love

Tahir Mohammed

Aug 04, 2021 Report

A very well organised and professional firm with such competent staff, from the director to the paralegal, that was involved with my case, dealt with it so professionally. I was kept up to date with every step of the process from instructions all the way to the end. I would highly recommend them to anyone looking for exceptional legal services. I will be definitely be using them again.

Sufyan Gujar

Jul 25, 2021 Report

This firm deserves an award for their time and dedication they give to each individual case. I was a defendant in a case where there was four other co-accused who had different legal teams. The case went to trial at the Birmingham Crown Court and lucky enough i was the only one advised and represented by senior solicitors at JD Spicer Zeb. I was looking at a maximum term of 5 years for the offences i was accused of and rightfully so i was found not guilty and acquitted of all charges. This was all due to solicitors at JD Spicer Zeb carrying out extensive preparation in my case and proving my