email: info@sgkllp.com call: 020 7734 9700
At the firm, we are committed to providing our clients with representation of the highest quality irrespective of background or history.
We undertake serious and complex criminal cases including murder, manslaughter, assault, drugs supply, fraud and money laundering, restraint and confiscation proceedings, civil freezing orders, corruption and bribery cases, sex offences, terrorism, internet crime, and Encrochat investigations. Our criminal expertise extends to military law, advising in respect of Armed Forces investigations and proceedings.
We have additional expertise in defending extradition proceedings, handling investigations/proceedings brought by the FCA, CMA and Local Authorities and in respect of professional disciplinary proceedings.
At Shaw Graham Kersh LLP we understand that however major or minor the alleged offence, for the individual involved, the experience can be traumatic. Our approach combines top level pragmatic expertise with sensitivity and total discretion.
We undertake both private and publicly funded work.
Shaw Graham Kersh was established in 1999 by Raymond Shaw, Paul Graham and Daniel Kersh operating from offices in Dean Street in Soho. From the outset the firm was a dedicated criminal defence firm, conducting predominantly legal aid work, with Philip Hill quickly joining the partnership. The firm chose to remain a small, close, personal operation, swiftly building a reputation for ‘punching above its weight’. In 2007 the firm moved to offices in Great Marlborough Street.
In 2023 the firm reconstituted as Shaw Graham Kersh LLP, moving to new offices at 9 Holborn in the heart of legal London. The new firm is now run by Raymond Shaw and fellow partner Madeleine Corr. Paul and Philip now operate as consultants to the new firm and Danny is now a barrister at 189 Fleet Street.
The firm prides itself in offering a consistently high level of service and client care, and a positive environment for lawyers that allows them to develop their skills and practices. Most of the lawyers at the firm have been with the firm for more than 10 years, with a number involved for 20 or more years.
‘More human than lawyer’ is a comment we have heard over the years and have taken as a compliment. The firm has consistently received accolades for client care. Staffed by solicitors who care about their clients, the firm offers a quality of representation and commitment that has resulted in public accolades including most recently inclusion in the Times Best Law Firms. Established as a publicly funded firm, the lawyers at SGK have a deep-seated commitment to all clients, irrespective of their background. This commitment has led to loyal clients and a consistent stream of referrals from former clients and fellow professionals, usually lawyers conducting non-criminal work.
Whilst private practice has grown, the firm has been determined to retain its legal aid work. This hybrid approach gives the firm a distinctive quality and a cutting-edge advantage. Where some firms have few cases going to trial, or conduct a very narrow case mix, through our publicly funded work we maintain an awareness of every new development in criminal law. This includes awareness of CPS and police tactics across the full range of offences. Our lawyers are also trained, and have experience in, the legal trenches of trial work. When we make representations pre-charge, or advise at the police station, our experience of trials provides us with a deep understanding of how our advice may impact proceedings should the case go to court. Today, the firm continues to act for people of all backgrounds, from CEOs to gang members, IFAs to children.
Our lawyers tend to stay at the firm for a long time – we know one another’s strengths; we have depth of experience and work well as a team.
We accept instructions on a private basis. The firm also conducts work funded through the Legal Aid system, although not all legal aid cases are accepted and not all solicitors in the firm conduct such work. Please contact us to discuss private case costs and eligibility for legal aid.