Shaw Graham Kersh

Based in Central London, Shaw Graham Kersh is a leading criminal defence firm providing high-quality representation across the full spectrum of criminal law. Established in 1999, the firm combines extensive expertise with sensitivity and discretion, recognising the often traumatic experience faced by individuals involved in the criminal justice system. Shaw Graham Kersh undertakes both private and publicly funded work and has been consistently recommended in The Legal 500.

The firm’s client base is diverse, encompassing individuals encountering the criminal justice system for the first time, as well as those with prior experience, including professional clients and individuals involved in organised crime. Many clients are referred by counsel, law firms, and accountants in recognition of the firm’s expertise, commitment to client care, and focus on achieving optimal outcomes.

Shaw Graham Kersh handles all areas of criminal law, with particular expertise in serious offences such as terrorism, murder, large-scale drug trafficking, and fraud. Its well-established fraud and economic crime department has represented clients in cases including mortgage and VAT fraud, carousel/MTIC fraud, carbon credit and boiler room fraud, film tax fraud, money laundering, pension fraud, revenue and tax fraud, and election fraud. These matters are often investigated by specialist authorities such as the Serious Fraud Office, HM Revenue & Customs, the Financial Conduct Authority, and other regulatory bodies. The firm also has substantial experience in complex restraint and confiscation proceedings.

The firm defends professionals in regulatory proceedings with potential criminal liability and maintains extensive expertise in homicide cases, including those investigated by Operation Trident, the National Crime Agency, Scotland Yard’s Specialist Crime Directorate, and Organised Crime Command. Shaw Graham Kersh also handles sensitive cases involving child and infant deaths, psychiatric homicides, large-scale drug conspiracies, County Lines operations, EncroChat investigations, historic sexual assault, and human trafficking. The firm’s extradition department has been involved in precedent-setting cases, and it collaborates closely with family law firms on international child abduction and domestic violence matters.

Continuity of service is a key principle at Shaw Graham Kersh, with clients often represented by the same solicitor from the police investigation stage through to trial. In addition to serious criminal cases, the firm represents clients in lower-level matters, including driving offences, minor assaults, and magistrates’ court proceedings. The firm is also linked to a US legal agency for assistance on matters of US law.

Memberships
London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association

Staffing
UK Partners: 2
Other UK Fee-Earners: 10