Top Ranked Criminal Defence Solicitor
”Acting quickly to protect your reputation, livelihood, and liberty.”
![Craig MacKenzie, a Top Ranked Criminal Defence Solicitor](http://img1.wsimg.com/isteam/ip/651434dc-30c3-4118-ae97-725773b1a226/67432768-D47C-4F1E-A983-61ADB82349DD.png/:/rs=h:1000,cg:true,m)
Top Ranked Criminal Defence Solicitor
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.
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.
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.
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."
"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."
"Craig is conscientious, hard-working and he has an excellent client manner."
Providing expert insight
Law Simplified was recently joined by Solicitor- Advocate, Head of High Profile and Private Crime Division, and Partner at Forbes Solicitors, Craig Mackenzie. Craig has been practising as a lawyer for nearly two decades and specialises in criminal defence, business crime, and regulatory law. His clients have included doctors, dentists, teachers, solicitors, senior police officers, clergy, premier league footballers, celebrities, politicians, and company directors.
After all, innocent people are not meant to be charged with criminal offenses, are they? The whole system seems designed to convict defendants as quickly and cheaply as possible. The system is underfunded and in many ways, broken. Legal service providers are often overstretched and underpaid
The state has a huge advantage in terms of resources and time. The only way to defend yourself and win is to instruct a fearless lawyer. Someone who has spent years fighting against staggering odds. Who has mastered their craft on both a strategic and tactical level. A criminal defence solicitor who knows how to win.
In the most serious and complex of criminal cases, to win, it takes a team comprising of the best solicitors and barristers, as well as a top criminal KC. Some regard Craig MacKenzie as ‘one of the best criminal lawyers in the UK.’ He is an expert trial lawyer, and his approach to selecting and managing the best team for a case is second to none. He is a Partner at Forbes Solicitors and is head of the High-Profile and Private Crime Division. From the moment of instruction, Craig acts quickly and robustly to protect his client's reputation, livelihood, and liberty.
Providing expert insight
“No matter the seriousness or complexity of a criminal case, from the point of the matter being reported, a process begins which has the potential to destroy a persons reputation, livelihood, and liberty”.
How do you find the best lawyer ? Should I pay privately or apply for Legal Aid?
A different approach from most. Proactive, strategic, robust defence.
Crime Firm of the Year 2024
Forbes Solicitors is a full service law firm, operating nationally with offices in Lancashire, Manchester, Leeds and London.
Craig leads the High-Profile & Private Crime Division at Forbes Solicitors. A Leading UK firm which is Top Ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK.
defending your hard earned reputation
Giving you the best chance of success.
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’
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 has successfully defended a broad spectrum of clients, including,
Health & Safety
Trading Standards
Environment Agency
Pensions Regulator
Insolvency Service
Information Commissioners Office
HMRC