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Award-Winning Criminal Law Solicitors UK
Established in 1977, JD Spicer Zeb Solicitors has grown into a national practice renowned for excellence in criminal law. With a team of highly experienced lawyers and support staff, we specialise in complex and high-profile cases including criminal defence, fraud, terrorism, family law, immigration, and serious crime. Recognised by the Law Society with the Excellence in Client Service Award (2020) and rated highest by the Legal Aid Agency (2024), our firm combines decades of expertise with a client-centric approach.

Our track record includes successfully defending clients in landmark cases across Magistrates' Courts, Crown Courts, and the Supreme Court. With offices in London, Birmingham, and Manchester, we offer 24/7 emergency legal support and multilingual services, ensuring accessible, transparent, and ethical representation nationwide.
Services
Criminal Law Extradition Family Law Immigration Serious Fraud Terrorism Motoring Offences Drug Offences Murder Defence White Collar Crime
Details
  • Year established: 1977
Highlights and features
  • We offer 24/7 emergency legal support across England and Wales
  • Our team has over 100 years of combined experience in criminal law
  • We have successfully dropped thousands of cases pre-charge
  • Awarded Excellence in Client Service by the Law Society (2020)
  • Rated highest Excellence 1 by Legal Aid Agency (2024) in Criminal Law
Associations and certifications
  • Law Society
  • Legal Aid Agency
What people say
Excellent representation Highly committed firm First class service Proven track record Dedicated team
Services
Criminal Law
Our criminal law specialists provide expert representation for serious offences including murder, fraud, and terrorism. With decades of experience in high-profile cases, we offer 24/7 emergency support and strategic defence planning. Our solicitors operate nationwide, ensuring clients receive immediate assistance during police interviews and court proceedings, with a proven track record of securing case dismissals and reduced sentences.
Extradition
Specialising in extradition law, we defend clients facing European Arrest Warrants and international extradition requests. Our team challenges warrants through human rights arguments and legal challenges, representing clients in courts from Magistrates' Courts to the European Court of Human Rights. With expertise in both EU and non-EU extradition processes, we provide urgent legal support for complex international cases.
Motoring Offences
We defend clients against serious motoring offences including drink driving, totting-up bans, and dangerous driving charges. Our specialists combine legal knowledge with strategic representation to challenge evidence and negotiate penalties. With a focus on preventing disqualifications and minimising fines, we provide urgent support for police station interviews and court proceedings nationwide.
Family Law
Our family law team specialises in child custody, divorce settlements, and care proceedings. With compassionate representation, we prioritise children's welfare while protecting parental rights. We handle complex cases involving international child abduction and domestic violence, offering tailored solutions to resolve disputes through negotiation or court advocacy when necessary.
Serious Fraud
We defend high-value fraud cases involving allegations of embezzlement, money laundering, and corporate misconduct. Our solicitors combine forensic analysis with legal strategy to challenge evidence and build robust defences. With experience in multi-jurisdictional cases, we represent clients in regulatory investigations and complex fraud trials across UK courts.
People
Umar Zeb
Senior Partner - Head of Private Client Crime
With over 25 years' experience, Umar Zeb leads our private client crime division. He specialises in complex fraud and serious criminal cases, maintaining a strong track record in high-profile matters. His client-focused approach combines strategic legal thinking with hands-on case management.
Lisa Nicol
Managing Partner - Head of Crime & Serious Cases
Lisa Nicol oversees our serious crime division with particular expertise in murder and terrorism cases. Recognised for her courtroom advocacy, she has successfully defended numerous complex cases. Her leadership ensures consistent delivery of exceptional legal standards across all serious crime matters.
James O'Donnell
Partner Crime - Serious Cases/Appeals
James O'Donnell specialises in serious crime appeals and complex litigation. With extensive experience in appellate courts, he focuses on overturning unjust convictions and securing reduced sentences. His technical legal knowledge complements strategic case planning for complex matters.
Sanjay Cholera
Partner Crime Advocacy
Sanjay Cholera brings significant advocacy experience to our criminal defence team. Specialising in courtroom representation, he has successfully defended numerous serious criminal cases. His approach combines thorough preparation with persuasive courtroom presentation to achieve optimal client outcomes.
Barry Linnane
Crime and Extradition Solicitor
Barry Linnane combines expertise in criminal defence with extradition law. He regularly handles international cases involving European Arrest Warrants and complex jurisdictional challenges. His dual specialism provides unique insights into cross-border legal matters requiring coordinated domestic and international strategies.
Questions
What areas of law does JD Spicer Zeb specialise in?
We specialise in criminal law, extradition, family law, immigration, serious fraud, terrorism, and motoring offences. Our expertise extends to complex cases requiring specialist legal representation.
Do you offer 24/7 legal support?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency legal support with dedicated phonelines for urgent police station assistance or court representation nationwide.
Can you handle high-profile or complex cases?
Yes, our team has extensive experience with high-profile cases, including Supreme Court appearances and multi-jurisdictional matters involving international law enforcement agencies.
Are your services available outside London?
We operate nationally with offices in Birmingham and Manchester, providing legal representation across England and Wales for police station interviews and court proceedings.
Do you accept legal aid cases?
Yes, we handle legally aided cases while also offering premium private fee services with transparent cost structures for self-funded clients.
Reviews (4)
Naila Ahmed
May 23, 2022 Report
Following the 5 star reviews on google, I decided to personally visit this firm looking for some guidance on a civil matter and i was certainly not disappointed doing so. Although not their field of expertise, Dawhud was polite, well informed and took time to answer all my concerns. He went above and beyond what i expected and his knowledge has given me the confidence to pursue the matter on my own terms going forward. Excellent service from JD Spicer and a Big Thank You to Dawhud for his time and patience today.
Raahat Mohammed
Dec 26, 2021 Report
The best firm in the city. Highly recommended by all the boys in Aston/Lozells. Look no further call them today!.
Raghav Jay
Dec 06, 2021 Report
Great firm only becomes if you have a great human being in your team. Dawhud, your expertise & intelligence are recomendable. More than a true professionalism is humanity. I must say I felt that here with Dawhud who not only helped me here however stood up like a brother. Motivated me when I was completely disharted and depressed because of no results from previous solicitors who were just money minded.

He helped me in getting my assets returned back in a month period of time as he promised. You are not like others who even been paid and get annoyed once you chase them for progress of case. You understand people feelings & why they reached you in their bad phase of life. God has for sure decided a long path for you in this journey to help many people like me.
Mohammed Rehman
Aug 24, 2021 Report
Wow!. Professional, Effective, Relative. Was made to have such a better understanding of the law, the different parts of the law concerning my particular issue. Assistance really pushed me in the right direction. Assigned a case handler to my case who was able to be empathetic and professional and applied themselves with undivided attention is how it felt. Very personal. Thumbs up . Would and have recommended and not been let down.