Simons Muirhead Burton, Crime | Chambers UK Profile

About

Provided by Simons Muirhead Burton

Simons Muirhead Burton is a leading criminal defence firm. The firm acts for clients at all stages of the investigatory and charging process from the earliest pre-charge stage, including pre- and post- arrest/interview. The solicitors personally attend clients day and night from the moment of any arrest or involvement with the authorities, adopting a proactive approach in dealing with investigators: initially to secure release and subsequently to effect a proper, even-handed investigation.

They have substantial experience in high stakes criminal matters including domestic investigations conducted by the CPS, SFO, FCA, and HMRC and international investigations by the FBI, SEC, IRS, and US Department of Justice. Noted for their expertise in making early representations to persuade the authorities not to prosecute, the firm is renowned for its versatility and breadth of practice. SMB act for sports stars, recording artists, members of the professions, journalists and newspaper editors, company directors and media personalities. The firm’s criminal department is regularly retained by high profile and high net worth individuals, or companies on their behalf, whose reputation is at risk, acting swiftly to protect reputations and privacy and working closely with their top tier reputation management team.s

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - London (Firms)

Band 2

What the Team is Known For

Simons Muirhead Burton has an established criminal defence group that maintains a broad client roster, including media entities and high-profile individuals. It has a strong expertise in sexual offences, including those committed against children, and cybercrime matters, with further ability to advise on serious charges related to drugs and firearms possession. The team is recommended for its experience in complex appellate and advisory work and is well-versed in acting in cases brought before the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

"They provide an excellent standard of service and look at every angle in a case to make sure nothing is overlooked. They bring obvious legal expertise but at the same time they remain approachable."

Crime respondent
UK

"A surehanded team with the ability to think through a full set of implications of alternative strategies. They have a great mix of skills and work as a team and they complement each other well."

Crime respondent
UK

"They have a compassionate and personal approach providing reassurance and effective guidance."

Crime respondent
UK

"A surehanded team with the ability to think through a full set of implications of alternative strategies. They have a great mix of skills and work as a team and they complement each other well."

Crime respondent
UK

"They have a compassionate and personal approach providing reassurance and effective guidance."

Crime respondent
UK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Anthony Burton

Head of Crime

Senior Statespeople

Anthony Burton enjoys a strong reputation for his work on a wide range of general and serious crime cases, including complex investigations into historic murder and sexual assault allegations. He also has specialist expertise in the use of the death penalty in jurisdictions around the world.

"Anthony is the most dedicated and focused solicitor I have ever encountered. I would not hesitate to recommend him for his passion, diligence and expertise."

"Anthony Burton is an extraordinary figure; he's very impressive and someone you always want to work with."

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Phil Smith

Head of Crime

Band 1

Phil Smith is head of the crime department at Simons Muirhead Burton. He has vast experience in criminal defence, including serious sexual offence and murder charges, and regularly represents high-profile and high net worth individuals.

"Phil Smith is a sure and steady hand, and his judgement is impeccable. Moreover, he is able to take in competing points of view and blend them into a compelling legal strategy."

"He is extremely intelligent and incisive in his approach to cases."

"A brilliant solicitor with great judgement, Phil understands what matters in a case and drills down into those parts."

"Phil is a great criminal lawyer who guided me and held my hand throughout my case. At all times he treated me and my family with kindness and care and he was always available to talk to and advise me."

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Henrietta Ronson

Up and Coming

Henrietta Ronson is a senior associate with considerable experience assisting on complex criminal matters, including the defence of serious sexual offence and drugs charges.

"Henrietta Ronson is super bright, yet approachable. The combination of her legal brain and an ability to see the human aspect in a case inspires a lot of confidence."

"Henrietta has great judgement and her written work is very good."

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