Business Details
24 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Trusted Criminal Defence Solicitors in London
BSB Solicitors was established in 2002 by partners Jon Black and Jim Skelsey, who previously worked at top Legal 500 Criminal Law practices in London. Our firm specialises in high-quality criminal defence work, covering complex fraud, extradition, terrorism, serious and organised crime, drug trafficking, youth crime, indecent images, sexual offences, money laundering, and restraint/confiscation proceedings. We have advised on war crimes investigations in the UK and abroad and opened a specialist immigration department in 2014. Recognised as members of the Specialist Fraud Panel and Very High Costs Cases Panel, we accept referrals to the Criminal Cases Review Commission.Our lawyers serve on committees of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association, Solicitor Advocates Higher Courts Association, Justice, Liberty, and The Haldane Society. We hold a specialist quality mark from the Legal Aid Agency and utilise leading-edge case management technology with dedicated support staff. Our corporate social responsibility initiatives include pro bono work with organisations like Release, Lion Heart, and Body and Soul.
Services
Criminal Law
Fraud Solicitors
Drug Trafficking
Sexual Offences
Drink Driving
Extradition
Road Traffic Matters
Benefit Fraud
Historic Sexual Abuse
Grievous Bodily Harm
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in criminal defence and fraud cases.
- Our team includes former presidents of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association.
- We provide 24/7 emergency legal advice and confidential consultations.
- We utilise leading-edge case management technology for secure communications.
- We hold a specialist quality mark from the Legal Aid Agency for excellence in service.
Associations and certifications
- Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)
- Legal Aid Agency
What people say
Excellent service
Successful outcomes
Professional and diligent
Knowledgeable and responsive
Exceptional legal expertise
Services
Criminal Defence
BSB Solicitors provide expert criminal defence in serious and complex cases, including murder, drug trafficking, and terrorism. Our proactive approach combines extensive trial experience with strategic litigation to protect client interests. We represent individuals and businesses in UK courts and international jurisdictions.
Fraud Investigations
Our team specialises in defending high-value fraud cases involving money laundering, insider trading, and asset forfeiture. We work with forensic experts to challenge evidence and mitigate reputational damage. Clients include professionals and public figures facing regulatory scrutiny from agencies like the SFO and HMRC.
Extradition Cases
BSB Solicitors handle extradition requests at the City of Westminster Magistrates Court. We represent clients in complex multi-jurisdictional cases, including war crimes investigations and cross-border financial disputes. Our expertise spans European Arrest Warrants and Interpol red notices.
Sexual Offences
We defend clients accused of sexual offences with discretion and legal precision. Our approach addresses the unique challenges of these cases, including historic allegations and digital evidence. We advise on post-conviction requirements like the Sex Offenders Register and Sexual Offences Prevention Orders.
Road Traffic Matters
Our solicitors defend clients facing driving disqualification, including drink driving and fare evasion. We focus on mitigating penalties that could impact livelihoods, leveraging experience in magistrates' and crown courts to secure favourable outcomes for professional drivers and individuals.
People
Jonathan Black
Partner
Jonathan Black, a former president of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association, specialises in homicide and drug trafficking cases. He requalified as a solicitor in 1995 after brief practice at the bar, bringing strategic litigation expertise to complex criminal defence.
Jim Skelsey
Partner
Jim Skelsey, a leading criminal defence lawyer and trial advocate, qualified in 1994. He has handled serious crime cases across the UK, including homicide and large-scale drug importation, and joined BSB after experience at Liverpool's Hodge Jones & Allen.
Victoria
Paralegal
Victoria joined BSB in 2022, supporting partners on criminal defence matters. She handles legally aided cases and fare evasion matters, working as a probationary police station representative to assist clients in urgent legal situations.
Questions
What areas of law does BSB Solicitors specialise in?
BSB Solicitors specialise in criminal defence, fraud, extradition, immigration, sexual offences, drug trafficking, and regulatory investigations. Our expertise extends to serious crime and high-profile cases.
Do BSB Solicitors offer 24/7 emergency legal advice?
Yes, we provide 24/7 emergency legal advice and confidential consultations for urgent cases, including police station representation.
Can I get legal aid for my case?
We offer legal aid for eligible clients and will advise on funding options at the outset of your case. Contact us for eligibility confirmation.
How experienced is the BSB Solicitors team?
Our partners have over 20 years of experience in criminal law, including roles in legal associations and handling complex international cases.
What technology does BSB Solicitors use?
We utilise secure, leading-edge case management systems and communicate via the Criminal Justice Secure Mail service (CJSM) for client confidentiality.
Reviews (5)
Sam Elliott
Jun 21, 2022
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During a difficult time where I was facing a criminal charge due to an unfortunate incident that took place at work, I contacted BSB Solicitors having struggled to find the legal representation I was looking for. Chloe Hingley was the leading solicitor in my case. She was efficient and very helpful in organising and preparing everything needed to get the defense underway with plenty of time to spare.
Even beyond the administrative and legal aspects of the case, she was a brilliant communicator throughout and helped ease my mind so that life could go on as normal despite the situation. Her time management and professionalism was exceptional at all times. The entire experience exceeded what I had expected of legal representation. I cannot recommend BSB Solicitors highly enough.
Even beyond the administrative and legal aspects of the case, she was a brilliant communicator throughout and helped ease my mind so that life could go on as normal despite the situation. Her time management and professionalism was exceptional at all times. The entire experience exceeded what I had expected of legal representation. I cannot recommend BSB Solicitors highly enough.
Chin Yau Szeto
Apr 14, 2022
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Amazing service was provided, quick response. When I was dealing with my case, I was in a different time zone, but the professionalism presented by my solicitor did not disappoint me at all. And I am extremely thankful that they were there to help me out. The service was brilliant with a fair price. 100% would recommend to anyone who got themselves involved in any offence with TFL.
Rick Cerna
Mar 14, 2022
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Jim from BSB Solicitors was outstanding in the way he handled and successfully achieved the verdict we were hoping for. He is an amazing listener and an experienced legal strategist who paid close attention to every detail while simultaneously making us feel comfortable and secure following his guidance. Jim and BSB come highly recommended from our family!
Amanda Aims
Feb 16, 2022
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Would highly recommend both Jim and BSB. The service was absolutely great and professional all the way from beginning to end. Jim is highly experienced and extremely professional. He spent a lot of time and effort in going through everything with us, always making himself available, answering all our questions and making us feel extremely comfortable. We always felt in extremely safe hands with Jim.
He was very responsive over phone and email and spent a lot of time with us prior to each hearing both in and out of court. He made us feel extremely comfortable and we did not feel like he was in any way judgemental - he is very down to earth and personable. We were also surprised at the fact that BSB was the most affordable firm compared with others that we looked into, especially due to the level of service provided and the vast experience that Jim has. Would highly recommend this firm and Jim to anyone needing help.
He was very responsive over phone and email and spent a lot of time with us prior to each hearing both in and out of court. He made us feel extremely comfortable and we did not feel like he was in any way judgemental - he is very down to earth and personable. We were also surprised at the fact that BSB was the most affordable firm compared with others that we looked into, especially due to the level of service provided and the vast experience that Jim has. Would highly recommend this firm and Jim to anyone needing help.
J. F.
Feb 13, 2022
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Jonathan Black from BSB Solicitors is an absolute God send. I received an SJP notice from TFL - if I had accepted a guilty plea this would lead to a criminal conviction and would affect my current job role within finance. I frantically searched google for solicitors well versed in this area and amongst them all, I decided to choose BSB which was a great decision. Jonathan was amazing, the outcome was that TFL only gave me a warning. I would recommend BSB in a heartbeat! He responded quickly and from the point of initial contact, he was ready to get it sorted. God Bless you!