Rustem Guardian Solicitors

Rustem Guardian Solicitors is a specialist criminal defence firm recognised for handling complex and high-profile cases in London and internationally. Founded in 2005 by senior lawyer Timur Rustem, who brings more than 25 years of criminal defence experience, the firm has developed a reputation for expertise in serious crime, financial crime, and cases with significant international dimensions. Its practice covers murder, serious sexual offences, multi-handed county lines drug cases, fraud, asset freezing orders, confiscation proceedings, and appeals, with many matters attracting national and international press attention.

The firm is known for its work in murder trials, where senior lawyers appoint leading barristers, including King’s Counsel, to plan and deliver tactical defences. It has gained a strong reputation in defending individuals accused of serious sexual offences, including representation of high-profile international clients and media professionals. Its financial crime team advises domestically and internationally, often in cases brought by agencies such as the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC, the Financial Conduct Authority and the National Crime Agency, with experience in opposing account freezing orders and handling confiscation proceedings. The firm has also established itself in first-of-their-kind Encrochat cases and continues to act in large-scale investigations involving complex digital evidence.

Rustem Guardian has expanded its presence in Asia, with strong ties to the Chinese Consulate and the ability to advise clients through Chinese- and Thai-speaking solicitors. The firm’s Chinese department, led by Qing Kang, is widely recognised in the Chinese community in the UK and internationally. Clients include individuals and families from a wide range of communities, including Chinese, Albanian, Lithuanian, Thai, Spanish, Colombian, Brazilian, Turkish and Polish. Many cases are referred by previous clients, barristers, law firms, and foreign consulates.

The firm has achieved notable results, including acquittals in multi-defendant murder trials, favourable sentencing outcomes in complex drug and organised crime cases, and the defence of high-net-worth individuals in international money laundering matters. Its team regularly assembles bespoke legal defence teams, working with King’s Counsel, forensic experts and private investigators, and its lawyers are frequently invited to provide legal commentary in the media.

Languages

Chinese (Mandarin and Cantonese), Spanish, Turkish, Thai, Albanian

Staffing Figures

1 Number of UK partners
10 Number of other UK fee-earners