Navigation
Criminal Justice - A 24 Hour Service
Our specialist team is on standby, offering our services when and where they are needed most. With one of the largest Criminal Justice Departments in the North East, Smith & Graham guarantees Police Station, Magistrates' Court and Crown Court representation 24 hours a day 365 days of the year.
The members of our department are committed to providing a comprehensive and professional service and routinely travel throughout a wide geographical area to assist clients. We represent clients on private prosecutions and prosecutions brought under Health & Safety and Trading Standards legislation. Our dedicated department prides itself on its reputation for high standards of advocacy.
The department has expertise in and has recently handled cases of the upmost complexity involving white-collar fraud and corporate manslaughter - which is a new and particularly difficult area of criminal law. We have access to and use some of the most highly regarded barristers' chambers in the country; including leading London chambers and provincial chambers.
Partners
Barry Gray
“I was born and raised in Bangor, Northern Ireland and graduated from Queen's University Belfast BSc in Economics. I went on to complete my Law Society Examinations Parts I and II.
I joined Smith & Graham as a trainee solicitor. Following qualification as a solicitor I was invited into partnership in 1981. At that time the practice had recently established a Criminal Justice Department of which I was appointed Head. Under my direction the department has expanded to become one of the largest criminal law departments in the region. I am now senior partner of the firm and now head a team of lawyers operating in all areas of law. I have experience in most areas of the law but I am best known for my work in the courts. I have a wealth of judicial experience gathered from my work in the Magistrates and the Crown Courts and the many tribunals I have appeared before. I am also a member of the Duty Solicitor panel.
In addition to my professional work I have overall responsibility for the strategic planning of the firm. I am chair of the Hartlepool Borough Council's Standards Committee and also that of the Cleveland Fire Authority.
My leisure interests include golf, rugby, football and boating”
Martin Scarborough
I was born and raised in Carlisle and graduated from Leeds University.
I joined smith & Graham and was invited into partnership in 2003. I specialise in all aspects of criminal justice, I am a member of the duty solicitor panel and I also have extensive experience in the magistrate's court. I have recently obtained my higher rights of advocacy and now practice in the Crown Court of the North East of England.I am a member of the Round Table and an avid Carlisle United fan with a keen interest in all sports.
Andrew Blair
I was born and raised in the Teesside area and graduated in law at Leicester University before completing the Certificate of Legal Practice at The College of Law, Chester. I qualified as a solicitor with Smith & Graham in 1999. I undertake general criminal and road traffic work in both the Magistrates and Crown Courts and am also a member of the duty solicitor team.
Associates
Alison Banks
I graduated from Northumbira University in 1991.
I joined Smith & Graham in 2007 with a wealth of experience dealing with criminal litigation. I have extensive experience in Magistrates’ Court advocacy, am an accredited police station representative and a court and 24 hour duty solicitor. I am also a member of the law Society’s Disciplinary Committee.
My interests include horseracing.
Dave Smith
I was born and raised in Hartlepool and graduated from Durham University in 2002 before going on to complete the Legal Practice Course at the College of Law in York a year later.
During my training contract with Smith & Graham, I showed an aptitude to Criminal Law and remained with the firm's Criminal Justice Team following qualification in 2006.
I specialise in Magistrates' Court advocacy, I am an accredited police station representative and a qualified duty solicitor.
I pride myself on being an effective trial advocate and strive to maintain a proactive role at all times both at court and in the police station. I also have particular expertise in dealing with applications made under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my young son, I have a keen interest in ska music and I am an avid fan of Manchester City Football Club.
Police Station Accredited Representatives
Laura Miller
Michael Cook
