Craig Mackenzie

Practice Areas

Craig MacKenzie is a Partner at Forbes Solicitors and the Head of the High-Profile & Private Crime Division. Recognised as one of the leading solicitors for high-net-worth (HNW) individuals and businesses facing investigation, Craig specialises in representing clients in complex, high-stakes cases involving allegations of Murder, Terrorism, and Fraud, frequently with international dimensions. His client base includes prominent professionals, celebrities, and senior executives, all of whom require discreet and highly skilled representation.

Craig leads a specialist team that understands the unique pressures faced by HNW clients, particularly when close media scrutiny is involved. He is experienced in managing the complexities that arise when legal proceedings attract public and media attention, ensuring reputational protection is at the forefront of his strategy.

Known for his innovative approach, Craig is also a pioneer in leveraging cutting-edge technology, including AI, to enhance legal strategy and case management. His expertise in integrating technology into criminal defence positions him at the forefront of modern legal practice, setting new standards for efficiency and precision in the field.

With a national presence and a reputation for delivering exceptional results, Craig regularly appears as a legal expert on radio and television. His deep expertise and forward-thinking approach have made him the go-to solicitor for those seeking the very best in criminal defence.

Career

Craig MacKenzie is a leading figure in criminal defence and currently serves as a Partner at Forbes Solicitors, where he heads the firm’s prestigious High-Profile & Private Crime Division. In this role, Craig oversees a specialist team dedicated to defending high-net-worth individuals, prominent figures, and businesses facing complex legal challenges. Known for his innovative approach to legal strategy, Craig has been at the forefront of integrating cutting-edge technology, including AI, into criminal defence, enhancing case management and forensic analysis to secure the best possible outcomes for his clients.

Craig’s leadership is defined by his commitment to excellence and discretion, guiding his team in handling some of the most serious and high-profile criminal cases in the UK, often under intense media scrutiny. His strategic vision and focus on delivering unparalleled service have earned him a national reputation as one of the top criminal defence solicitors for HNW clients.

Professional Memberships

• Vice President, Preston Law Society

• Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme

• The Law Society of England and Wales

Publications

• The Trial Advocates Playbook – A Podcast available on all major platforms.

• Frequent contributor to publications on topics such as AI in Criminal Defence, False Memories in Legal Proceedings, and Regulatory Crime.

• Guest writer for industry magazines and journals including The Grocer, The Daily Express, MyLondon, and Law News.

Personal

• Outside of the courtroom, Craig is passionate about innovation in legal practice, continuously exploring how emerging technologies, including AI, can transform criminal defence. He is also an avid supporter of professional development, mentoring young lawyers and contributing to discussions on the future of the Criminal Justice System. Craig enjoys spending time with his family and is an active member of his local community.

Clients

• Craig represents a diverse client base, including HNW individuals, business leaders, professionals such as doctors and solicitors, celebrities, senior executives and public figures. His discretion and expertise in managing sensitive, high-profile cases make him the go-to solicitor for clients requiring elite legal representation.

Work Highlights

• Terrorism Offences: Instructed in a high-profile terrorism case at The Old Bailey. Successfully achieved a favourable outcome for the client following a Trial of Issue, despite intense media scrutiny. Currently instructed in a Terrorism case involving a university student.

• Murder: Represented the main defendant in a gang-related murder trial at Preston Crown Court, securing a robust defence in one of the most serious charges under criminal law. Currently instructed in a high-profile, multi-handed murder case in Hull.

• Landmark Fraud Case: Acted for an accountant charged with multiple frauds and employer-related investment offences in a case widely covered by the press. This was the first of its kind prosecuted by The Pensions Regulator (TPR). A complex and high-profile case resulting in significant outcomes.

• Conspiracy to Supply Class A Drugs: Successfully defended a client accused of being a leading figure in an organised crime group supplying drugs on a commercial scale. Following an eight-week trial at Manchester Crown Court, Craig’s client was found not guilty.

• Money Laundering: Defended a client facing substantial money laundering allegations. After a lengthy trial at Kingston Upon Thames Crown Court, the client was acquitted of all charges.

• Attempted Murder Reduced to ABH: Represented a vulnerable client accused of attempted murder. Despite admissions in police interviews, Craig persuaded the Prosecution to reduce the charge to ABH, avoiding a more severe conviction.

• Data Protection & Cybercrime: Led a multidisciplinary defence team in a high-profile prosecution under the Computer Misuse Act and Data Protection laws. Successfully negotiated with the ICO to avoid prison time for the client, who received a suspended sentence instead.

• Health & Safety Prosecution: Represented a HNW business owner accused of importing and selling dangerous products. Craig secured a full acquittal in Essex Magistrates Court, safeguarding the client’s reputation and business.

• School Teacher Acquitted of Assault: Defended a schoolteacher accused of assaulting a pupil. Craig’s meticulous defence led to an acquittal, preserving the client’s career and reputation.

• Doctor Acquitted of Domestic Abuse: Successfully defended a doctor facing allegations of domestic abuse. Following two separate trials, the client was acquitted of all charges, protecting his career, reputation and liberty.

• Premier League Footballer – No Charges: Represented a Premier League footballer accused of conspiring to defraud HMRC. After multiple police interviews over 18 months, Craig successfully avoided prosecution for his client.

• Director of Premier League Football Club: Represented this high-profile client, pre-charge representation resulting in no formal prosecution.

• Nightclub Director Avoids Prison: Defended a nightclub owner and director in a health and safety case following a fatal fall at the venue. Craig argued that the breaches identified were not causative of the death, resulting in the client avoiding prison.

• Rape: University student accused of rape in halls of residence. Following a week’s trial at Liverpool Crown Court, Craig’s client was acquitted.

Industry Sector Expertise

• Criminal Defence: Representing clients in serious criminal matters, including fraud, murder and terrorism cases.

• Regulatory Defence: Defending businesses and individuals subject to investigation by regulatory bodies such as the CPS, the Environment Agency, Trading Standards, and SFO. He has White-Collar Crime expertise in complex financial crimes, including Corporate Fraud, Bribery, and Money Laundering.

Expert in these Jurisdictions

• United Kingdom: Specialising in cases across England and Wales.

• International: Experience in cross-border criminal defence, particularly in cases involving international elements and collaboration with foreign legal experts.

Languages Spoken

• English (Fluent)

Experience

Craig has almost two decades of experience in criminal defence, acting as both an advocate and litigator. He specialises in managing complex, high-profile cases involving serious criminal charges such as murder, terrorism and fraud. Craig’s expertise spans regulatory crime, financial crime, and white-collar defence, with a focus on cases involving high-net-worth individuals and businesses. Having conducted over 700 trials, he combines courtroom advocacy with strategic litigation, collaborating with leading barristers to deliver exceptional results. His forensic science background provides an additional layer of expertise, particularly in cases where expert evidence is key.