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.
Chambers and Partners 2026
"They are real experts in representing defendants accused of the most serious offences. Their trial preparation work is second to none."
"SGK is exceptional in client care and their impressive results reflect their considerable attention to their clients."
Legal 500 2026
"Jointly led by Madeleine Corr and Raymond Shaw, Shaw Graham Kersh possesses a ‘superb team’ which covers the entire scope of criminal law. The practice has experience dealing with indecent material offences, drug trafficking matters, and murder cases. Corr is praised by clients for being ‘highly intelligent and tactically smart’ and is noted for her expertise in the area of women's justice, while her capabilities extend to terrorism and firearm cases. The ‘outstanding’ Shaw — noted for his financial and family law expertise — is adept at handling homicide conviction appeals."
"SGK are a boutique-style criminal firm offering all the benefits of a smaller, more focused firm. The quality of their operations and attention to the cases is incredibly high. Clients get a really attentive and legally astute service from start to finish with real partner involvement from some brilliant lawyers."
"A superb team, which punches hugely above its weight. Focused on getting the best results at a commercially sensible price for its private clients."
"This small firm is able to provide a super service to some HNW individuals who demand a high-quality service, including real expertise in the field"
Chambers and Partners 2025
"They are a really excellent firm. They are versatile and can work on a variety of cases including very serious work and provide a very good level of client care."
"Shaw Graham Kersh houses a strong bench of experienced criminal practitioners who act extensively for both private and publicly funded clients. They are adept at handling matters concerning complex criminal conspiracies, including people trafficking, gang-related violence and large-scale drug investigations. The team also demonstrates expertise in cases that involve young defendants as well as those with mental health issues."
Legal 500 2025
"Shaw Graham Kersh are a longstanding London defence firm offering a top-notch service in legal aid and private work. They have real talent across all of their lawyers."
"Shaw Graham Kersh are excellent lawyers and add real value to their preparation of cases."
Shaw Graham Kersh was established in 1999 by Raymond Shaw, Paul Graham and Daniel Kersh, operating from offices in Dean Street in London's 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 firm and Danny is a barrister at 187 Fleet Street.
The firm prides itself on 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 and 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 and have depth of experience and we all 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.
We are Hiring
We are a criminal defence practice based by Chancery Lane, recognised as Tier 2 in Legal 500, Band 2 in Chambers & Partners, and featured in the Times Best Law Firms 2026.
We're looking for a supervising solicitor to join our team. You'll work with both legally aided and private clients across all aspects of criminal law, managing your own caseload and assisting the partners with theirs.
What We're Offering
Salary: Depending on experience
Benefits:
The Role
You'll be responsible for:
What We're Looking For
Interested?
If this sounds like the right opportunity for you, please send your CV and covering letter to our Practice Manager, Terrie O'Connor - t.oconnor@sgkllp.com
Deadline
28 February 2026, with interviews to follow the week after, either in person or on MS Teams.