Our team

A  founding director of the  firm set up to deal with exclusively criminal defence work.

Has a wealth of experience in all areas of criminal law having been in charge of the criminal department at his former firm.

Over the last 20 years has built up a strong own client base.

Has been involved in highly complex murder, fraud and serious violence cases. He is well respected amongst the legal profession and has a good relationship with senior counsel especially at Counsels’ chambers used by the firm.

Noted for his attention to detail and preparation especially in complicated cases or those requiring a  systematic approach and appears daily in the Magistrates Court.

Specialist in all aspects of criminal and road traffic law, appearing at the police station, Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court

Duty solicitor at the Magistrates’ Court Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Noted for serious and complex crime

Ranked in the Legal 500 Guide as a “Recommended Lawyer”

Simon is one of the founder directors of the firm when a firm devoted exclusively to criminal defence work was set up.

He is an extremely experienced Magistrates’ Court advocate appearing daily in Court over the last 20 years.

A specialist in all aspects of criminal law  and undertakes work at the Police Station, Magistrates Court and the Crown Court.

Simon’s work is mainly based on his vast number of existing clients or new clients based on recommendation. Particularly noted for his tenacity and fighting to get the best result for clients

He is currently defending in cases of high value fraud and organised major drug conspiracies. and other such serious cases.

He has also been involved in a number of high profile cases in Essex and throughout the UK, including, Government Contractor Fraud and Football Violence, murder, manslaughter and allegations involving firearms.

He is noted for his common sense approach and resolving issues in a common sense manner.

Qualified Duty Solicitor at the Magistrates Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.

Noted for serious and complex crime

Ranked in the Legal 500 Guide as a “Recommended Lawyer”

“Top Ranked” Lawyer – Chambers UK 2024

‘Simon Samuels has a wonderful manner with clients which puts them very much at ease. He is able to distil quickly and effectively the important issues in a case, and to explain them clearly and simply.’ – Legal 500

‘Simon Samuels is a legend among Essex solicitors and clients.’ – Legal 500

‘Simon Samuels has an unrivalled following and reputation throughout Essex. Widely admired as a strategist and fine tactician.’ – Legal 500

‘Simon Samuels engenders loyalty from his clients in the magistrates court due to diligence and hard work.’ – Legal 500

“He is a really good advocate” – Chambers UK

A director of the firm Ian heads the Crown Court department of the firm and has been with the firm since the beginning.

Having been appointed a Higher Court Advocate (Crime) in 2007 he regularly appears in the Crown Court conducting serious cases across the spectrum and in particular offences of violence.

Noted for his work in serious and complex crime, he regularly leads in cases including; major drug supply conspiracies, murder, sexual offences and trafficking and organised crime cases.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Member of the Legal Advisory Board at Anglia Ruskin University

Member of Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates

Specialist in all aspects of criminal and road traffic law

Ranked in the Legal 500 Guide as a “Recommended Lawyer”

“Top Ranked” Lawyer – Chambers UK 2024

‘Ian Clift is a dedicated and canny lawyer. He is tactically astute and gets the big decisions right, from arrest and interview, right the way throughout the life of a case.’ – Legal 500

‘Ian Clift is highly professional as well as empathetic.’ – Legal 500

‘Ian Clift is a fine advocate as well as a case management expert. Judges and other firms go to him for advice on case management and professional issues.’ – Legal 500

‘Ian Clift is a very senior solicitor who manages a very high case load, yet always prepares each case fully. He is supportive to counsel and always available to discuss any hearing or case.’ – Legal 500

“You cannot do better than Ian if you are involved in a criminal case – his judgement is just amazing and he has the ear of the court.

“Ian is brilliant with clients and brilliant on the ground.

“He is a very capable advocate and very astute.” – Chambers UK

A director of the firm having originally started her training with us.

Carly was appointed Higher Court Advocate (Crime) in 2014 and now regularly appears in both the Magistrates and Crown Court dealing with all aspects of criminal law.

Carly is also our Deputy Crown Court Manager.

Carly specialises in complex and serious crime.  She regularly leads in cases of murder, serious sexual offences and drugs supply cases.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.

“Carly Denniss   – the real star of the team. Quick legal mind. Bottomless enthusiasm. In a recent case where a man with mental health difficulties killed a child and ran over several others she demonstrated calm under intense media exposure. She got on with the legal work. She adapted client conferences to Covid restrictions superbly. She is the definition of “can do” “- Legal 500

“Carly was unflinching in taking on a difficult case and did everything she could to make sure that the defendant was properly and fearlessly represented.

“She could not be more assiduous – nothing is too much trouble.” – Chambers UK

Carly was appointed a director of the firm in 2024 and is Head of our Magistrates Trials Department.

Carly joined this Firm in 2012 and completed her training, Carly is  a Duty Solicitor.

Carly appears daily in the Magistrates Court and is one of our lead Magistrates Trial Advocates.

Carly is noted for her forthright and robust advocacy but remains patient and sympathetic to her clients.  As such she has built a local client base and has many direct personal referrals.

She conducts a large, fast paced case load and had dealt with a range of cases including murder, attempted murder and serious violence.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Amie was appointed a director in 2024 and is the Training Principle of the firm.

Amie was admitted as a Solicitor in 2020 having started with the firm as paralegal and is now a Duty Solicitor.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Amie has previously worked for the Serious Fraud Office.

“Amie is fantastic – she works hard and clients adore her.

She is going to be a star.  She understands what clients need and what Counsel needs and is just really good in every way” – Chambers UK

Ciara was appointed a director of the firm in 2024 and specialises in running serious complex cases.

Ciara conducts a large case load and has dealt with a wide range of cases including Murder, Fraud, Money Laundering and Drug Trafficking.

Ciara began working in the firm in 2016 and completed her training thereafter.

Ciara is a Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.

Ciara is also a Trial Advocate and has undertaken Vulnerable Witness Training.

Rachael was appointed an Associate Director in 2024.

A solicitor working in the Magistrates Court team and involved in preparation of complicated cases and appears regularly in Court

Prior to working for JSP, she completed her Training Contract at, a London based firm specialising in high value Fraud and Proceeds of Crime cases.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme and is a Higher Court Advocate (Crime)

Sam was appointed an Associate Director in 2024.

Sam was admitted as a Solicitor in 2022.

Having graduated in Law in 2017 she then completed her Bar Course and a Masters in Legal Practice.

Sam joined us as a Trainee Solicitor in 2019.

Sam was then formally called to the Bar in 2020.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.

Fatimah joined the firm as a paralegal and completed her training contract with the firm.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Aqsa joined the firm in 2022 and was admitted as a Solicitor in 2024.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Chloe joined the firm in 2022 and was admitted as a Solicitor in 2024.

Duty Solicitor for the Magistrates’ Court and Police Station Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

Chloe assists in the preparation of Magistrates Court Trials and complex Crown Court cases.

Kim is a SQE Apprentice Solicitor  who joined the firm in 2023.

Kim is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Emily is a Trainee Solicitor who joined the firm in 2024 having previously worked at the Crown Prosecution Service.

Emily is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Natalia is a Trainee Solicitor who joined the firm in 2023.

Natalia is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Natalie joined the firm as a paralegal in 2024 and is now an SQE Apprentice Solicitor.

Natalie is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Alfie joined the firm as a paralegal in 2024 and is now an SQE Apprentice Solicitor.

Alfie is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Lynsey joined the firm as a paralegal in 2024 and is now an SQE Apprentice Solicitor.

Lynsey is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Tavia is a paralegal who joined the firm in 2023.

Tavia is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Alex is a paralegal who joined the firm in 2023.

Alex is an Accredited Police Station Representative.

Jodi is a paralegal who joined the firm in 2016.

Jodi is an Accredited Police Station Representative.