Our People

Michael qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and has over 8 years experience as an assistant justices clerk in the Magistrates court service in large busy city courts like Blackpool, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester. He has developed in depth knowledge of licensing legislation and has advised the magistrates licensing committees on contested hearings for off licences, public houses, bars, nightclubs and casinos. He has been a clerk to the Betting and Gaming committee prior to the hand over to the local authority in 2005 and since has been a legal adviser to the Appeals committees at Manchester Magistrates Court. He was one of small number of legal advisers qualified to clerk licensing courts.

He has an in depth knowledge of local authority policy and procedure with regards to all types of licence applications. He has developed good working relationships with licensing authorities and the judiciary and is ideally placed to understand the particulars that local authorities and Courts will rely upon when determining an application or appeal.

David has practised in the Magistrates Court since 1993 and holds Crown Court Advocacy Rights. He has consistently been top rated by Chambers and Partners Guide to the Legal Profession since 2005, who have described him as a “thorough and effective advocate – the sort of person you go to when you want a guarantee that the job will be done properly”. Chambers 2007 quoted David as “a copper-bottomed guarantee of reliability”.

Phil has over 20 years experience in Magistrates’ Court procedure and has built up an enviable list of professional contacts in that time. He is highly regarded as an advocate with a reputation for getting things done in a friendly and efficient manner. He was one of the first solicitors to obtain the Higher Courts qualification entitling him to practice in all Magistrates and Crown Courts in England and Wales. He sits on the Manchester Law Society Crown and Magistrates Court Committee.

Adrian qualified as a solicitor in 1994 and was previously a Partner in his own practice before joining Cunninghams (now Cunninghams Draycott Browne)  in 2001 where he became a Partner and holds Higher Court Advocate status. Adrian’s wealth of advocacy experience has seen him representing clients in all manner of licensing issues. Adrian prides himself on providing a no nonsense approach to the most testing of legal/licensing issues whilst always providing prompt and authoritative advice and assistance.

Carl joined the practice in early 2008. He has many years advocacy experience having previously worked at national firm Pannones. Carl has vast experience of representing clients on a nationwide basis. He has an enviable reputation both within the profession and with the firm’s professional clients for his tenacity in unearthing and dealing with any technical/esoteric issues and for ‘always going the extra mile’.

Ffion qualified as a Solicitor in February 2006 and has continued to practice in all aspects of law. Her varied experience means she is capable of representing clients’ best interest at all times. She prides herself in being a highly skilled advocate and has achieved outstanding results for clients as a result. Ffion is also experienced in representing clients facing regulatory prosecutions and licensing issues.