Some cases are rightly termed ‘Complex Cases’ but there is no simple way of describing what it is that makes them more complicated than other cases.
Cases can be obviously complex from their start or they can become complex cases for many different reasons. The types of cases that are regarded as complex are very varied. What we are confident about is that we are well able to master and deal with these cases – whatever the complexity, whatever the cause of the complexity. The great thing about a complex case is that we aim to be in control of it, to keep track of the complications, master the complications and possibly look to see how more complex it can be made. We like to ensure we keep control of the case by being the side on top of the problems.
One thing to bear in mind is that the prosecuting team often want to ignore the complications and will-brush out of the case the very material that a defendant needs to prove their innocence. It will often appear to be the case that the court is complicit in that process as the court has the extra burden of ensuring a jury can follow and understand the proceedings.
Sometimes the best defence case can only become clear when the case is made more complicated than it might appear to need. As we get on top of the complications created this can sort out the real issues and make the defence case (more) clear. In fact we have to be well in control of the complex issues to persuade the court that other material should be made available or that the prosecution has to prove aspects of their case that they would prefer to ignore.
We qualified first in Kent for the serious fraud panel run by the old Legal Services Commission in the days when only about 200 firms were permitted to deal with such cases throughout England and Wales. The quality of such firms and supervisors was extremely high – in those days.
We work with an excellent team of expert Barristers who we know well. We pride ourselves on being able to match Barristers to the cases and to the clients. We are known for our skill in putting together the correct teams. It was Lord Justice Moses who said of our team to one client in a difficult murder case: ‘Your team is one of the more distinguished and capable teams available to any defendant in any criminal case’. We aim to achieve that high accolade in every case we deal with.
We cannot list the types of complex cases we can deal with, in fact we could not expect to list the complex cases we have covered over the years. Any case that is unique is interesting to us. We have not yet found a case or concept that is beyond us.