Edward Preston is a leading criminal law specialist with experience handling complex and high-profile cases relating to serious and violent offences, including burglary and murder. One source notes: "His attention to detail is second to none and he prepares all of his cases with an assiduity that is hard to find nowadays. Put simply, he is a class act."Chambers and Partners 2019
"They are one of the best - their hard work, diligence and understanding of the law is unrivalled in my view."Chambers and Partners 2019
The "exceptional" Paul Harris is a prominent defence solicitor specialising in serious criminal cases, including sexual offences and murder. "He has very good judgement and a good tactical sense - he is very hard-working, frank and honest with clients, and is also a very effective case worker who is very good at analysing cases and taking them to court."Chambers and Partners 2019
"Sources praise the firm as "simply one of the best in London for criminal defence," adding that "they display an increasingly rare attention to detail in the preparation of cases - it is no coincidence that their clients often get the best possible outcomes."Chambers and Partners 2019
"Paul Harris is held out as a leading serious crime practitioner who draws particular praise for his "incredible commitment" to legal aid work. One source states: "He inspires great confidence by combining a practical, user-friendly approach with a wealth of experience, sound judgement, technical expertise and tactical nous." Chambers and Partners 2017
'Natalie Berman works tirelessly to secure the best outcomes for her clients' Legal 500 2019
"Edward Preston attracts extensive praise for his handling of high-stakes criminal cases, offering first-class experience in gang-related and firearms charges. According to one commentator, "his thorough understanding of each case is combined with a full understanding of the law, an ability to imagine novel approaches and an unfailing will to secure the best result." Chambers and Partners 2017
"[What the team is known for] Highly regarded for its dedicated criminal law practice and commitment to legal aid work. Top-level expertise across the breadth of complex criminal cases, including historic sexual abuse investigations and gang-related crime. Also renowned for its experience in youth crime."Chambers and Partners 2017
"They have great strength in depth. It's a strong team able to cover a variety of styles based on impressive collective experience and expertise - there is truly a solicitor for every situation." Chambers and Partners 2017
"They are a shining light in terms of the legal aid community of solicitors. They are all incredibly impressive and are all outstanding in their own way." Chambers and Partners 2017
‘Natalie Berman is one of the shining lights in this profession. Nobody works harder or cares more than her.’ Legal 500 2023
"Shila Keshvari comes highly recommended for the "incredible results" she achieves in complex cases, as well as her "stacks of experience in all caseloads across the spectrum." One interviewee describes her as "one of the most client-friendly solicitors I've ever met." She is particularly noted for her experience of serious gang-related cases."Chambers and Partners 2017
Natalie Berman is outstanding. She combines huge knowledge of procedure and the law with common sense advice, empathy and an incredible work ethic.’ Legal 500 2023
‘Kirsty Bishop is phenomenally responsive and absolutely committed to doing everything she can for her clients.’Legal 500 2023
I am struck by the work of Paul Harris and Kirsty Bishop particularly. Paul has led high-profile cases this year demonstrating tenacity and an innovative legal approach. Kirsty’s reputation is in general crime and financial crime. She astounds with her incredible client care. Once she takes on a case the client can be thoroughly reassured by her that there will be 100% commitment to their case". Legal 500 2023
Paul Harris
Paul is the Senior Partner of Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson. He brings over thirty years of experience to his case load having joined the firm in 1990.
Paul brings decades of experience to his caseload, with particular expertise in offences of violence including Murder, large scale drug supply and complex fraud amongst all aspects of serious and organised crime. Paul can boast an impressive list of high-profile successes and is regularly instructed by celebrities in relation to criminal allegations. Paul is also instructed in a number of a high-profile inquests and inquiries.
Paul is renowned for his boundless energy and fearless commitment to his clients. His combination of old-fashioned values and modern working practices has resulted in him being sought after, and he receives recommendations from his longstanding clients in East London and the profession alike. He has been repeatedly recognised by Chambers & Partners Guide to the UK Legal Profession as an outstanding solicitor. Additionally, he has a reputation for representing suspects who are on bail or under investigation by bringing the investigation to a close without charge through engagement with the police and Crown Prosecution Service.
Paul is an expert in the field of inquests and inquiries and has acted in a number of these matters including the Hillsborough inquests and the Independent Inquiry into Child Sexual Abuse (ICCSA). He has in-depth knowledge of health and safety legislation which is often pertinent to inquests and inquiries. He has also successfully acted for companies at inquests.
Paul is highly regarded by his peers in legal journals and is a former President of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association (LCCSA). From 2011 to 2019, Paul was appointed by the Lord Chancellor as one of the two solicitor representatives to be a member of the Criminal Procedure Rules Committee, which drafts and approves the rules and procedure for the running of the criminal justice system. He has also been called to the House of Lords to give evidence on the serious impact that issues of admissibility of forensic evidence is having on the fairness of criminal trials.
In 2015, Paul was awarded a Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year award following his successful representation of the criminal defence profession against the government in relation to their proposals to cut legal aid.
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