Top Ranked Criminal Defence Solicitor
”Acting quickly to protect your reputation, livelihood, and liberty.”
In the media
Craig mackenzie: a highly acclaimed Solicitor Advocate
Head of the High Profile & Private Crime Division at Forbes
Craig is a Partner at Forbes and heads up the High Profile & Private Crime Division. He is a Solicitor Advocate who specialises in criminal defence, regulatory, and business crime.
Highly Experienced
With a background as a Forensic Scientist, Craig brings a unique perspective to cases involving expert evidence. As a seasoned trial lawyer, Craig has personally conducted over 700 trials, and his clients benefit from this unique background and experience when he acts as a litigator, often collaborating with the best barristers in the country. His exceptional skills have led to numerous acquittals across a wide range of cases. Doctors, dentists, teachers, solicitors, senior police officers, clergy, premier league footballers, celebrities, politicians, and company directors have all benefited from his expert representation. Over the past twenty years, he has acted in some of the most serious, complex, and high-profile cases before the courts.
Reputation
Craig's exceptional reputation is reflected in his recognition as a 'Top Ranked' lawyer in Chambers and Partners and in the Legal 500. He is also one of the only criminal lawyers outside London recognised among the best for ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth individuals in the Spear’s 500, the definitive guide for elite private client advisers.
Craig regularly speaks at events, sharing his insights and knowledge on regulatory crime, health and safety, and cybercrime. Craig's expertise has made him a sought-after legal expert on radio and television, including appearances on the BBC.
Known for his fearlessness in pursuing justice, Craig remains calm and discreet, even in high-profile cases attracting media attention. He has built a reputation for succeeding in cases that initially appear unwinnable, and his style is reassuring to his clients during challenging times. Craig's national presence extends to defending cases in courts nationwide, including those with international elements where clients outside the UK often seek his counsel.
Legal 500 (2024)
Noted is 'outstanding performer' Craig MacKenzie.
"Craig MacKenzie is a standout lawyer. He is extremely bright, hardworking, and committed to his clients. His calm demeanour is effective, whether dealing with judges or stressed lay clients. His briefs are carefully prepared, and he follows the case through from start to finish."
Spears 500 (2024)
"As a solicitor advocate, MacKenzie can personally represent his clients at trial, and has done so on hundreds of occasions. His understanding of complex evidence and outstanding presentation skills have earned him a reputation as one of the leading criminal defence lawyers in the country.
MacKenzie is often consulted by the press in matters of criminal law, appearing on the BBC, and speaks at events and conferences as an expert. He is based in Preston and attends cases nationwide."
Chambers & Partners (2024)
"Craig is conscientious, hard-working and he has an excellent client manner."
Featured in
Partner at Forbes Solicitors
Head of the High Profile & Private Crime Division
Business Crime
Specialist White-Collar Defence
Craig advises companies in relation to regulatory investigations and proceedings. He often manages bespoke multi-disciplinary teams servicing the needs of corporate clients. In the most serious of cases Kings Counsel will often be required. Craig is extremely well connected and is able to secure his clients ‘the best of the best’
Dawn raids
Investigations, Media & Reputation
Proceedings
Extradition
Professional Discipline & Regulatory
Specialist
Serious Crime Defence
The state invests vast resources into investigating and prosecuting serious criminal cases. Craig Mackenzie and his team offer their clients a 'best in class service' and are able to deploy significant resources to such cases, ensuring the best chance of success.
Craig MacKenzie specialises in the representation of
Professionals & Celebrity
Craig has successfully defended a broad spectrum of clients, including,
- Doctors
- Dentists
- Solicitors
- Teachers
- Senior Police Officers
- Clergy
- Premier League Footballers and other sportsmen and sportswomen
- Politicians
- Celebrities