About James Nicholls
James Nicholls qualified as a solicitor in 1996 after training at Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson in East London. He later worked at Simons Muirhead & Burton and The Stokoe Partnership, specialising exclusively in criminal defence. He went on to run his own firm in South London for several years before joining Birds as a Consultant Solicitor in 2009.
Over the course of more than 23 years practising as a criminal defence solicitor, James has represented clients facing allegations across the full spectrum of criminal law, from arrest through to trial. The majority of his work has involved defending individuals accused of the most serious criminal offences, including murder, serious violent and sexual offences, as well as complex fraud and large-scale drug trafficking cases.
James’ current practice focuses on defending complex fraud prosecutions, including VAT fraud, tax evasion, fraudulent trading, FSMA regulatory offences and related conspiracy allegations. He also represents clients in large-scale drug trafficking cases investigated by the National Crime Agency.
His work in these areas frequently involves proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act, covering pre- and post-charge restraint of assets, confiscation proceedings following conviction, enforcement applications, receivership proceedings and asset forfeiture. He is often instructed by clients following a change of solicitor after trial and is experienced in handling cases that combine several of these issues simultaneously.
For a number of years, James has also been instructed by the London Fire Brigade to represent its drivers facing prosecution for driving offences allegedly committed under “blue light” conditions. These cases often involve the use of complex expert evidence, including forensic collision analysis to assess speed and other factors.
James’ practice is nationwide, with experience representing clients before courts across London, the Midlands, Liverpool, Manchester, Teesside, the South East and the South West. His reputation has been built largely on client referrals and recommendations from other solicitors.
Police Station Advice
James is a long-standing member of the Duty Solicitor Scheme for both courts and police stations in London, having represented some of the most vulnerable members of the community since 1997.
Below is a selection of cases in which James has been instructed in recent years, providing an illustration of the breadth and depth of his experience.
Notable Cases
Homicide & Serious Violence
- R-v- C [2019], Croydon Crown Court: Conspiracy to kidnap and Blackmail
- R -v- J [2016], Chelmsford Crown Court: Murder
- R-v-B [2014], Harrow Crown Court. Attempted Murder. Acted for lead defendant in a case involving complex cell site analysis and expert analysis of CCTV footage.
- R-v-C [2011], Wolverhampton Crown Court. Murder.
- R-v-H [2011], Oxford Crown Court. A series of Armed Robberies in Oxford.
Organised Crime Related Offences
- R-v- W [2019], Liverpool Crown Court. ”Operation Dreadnought”. Acted for lead defendant in multi-handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs on a nationwide level.
- R-v- S [2015], Teesside Crown Court. “Operation Roderigo”. Acted for lead defendant in proceedings originating from 3 year investigation relating into a conspiracy to supply Class A & manufacture of Class B drugs between the North East & North West of England with a street value of £1 billion.
- R-v- S [2014], Liverpool Crown Court. Acted for lead defendant in relation to a conspiracy to supply 463kg of Cocaine valued at £70 million investigated by the National Crime Agency.
- R-v- S [2013], Plymouth Crown Court. Nationwide conspiracy to supply Class A & B drugs between Liverpool and the South West of England.
- R-v- S [2013], Woolwich Crown Court. Acted for lead defendant in relation to conspiracy to supply 128 kg of import quality cocaine valued at £50 million.
- R-v- D [2013], Southwark Crown Court. Multi-handed conspiracy to supply Class A drugs at street level in Central London. This case involved representing a client with serious learning difficulties.
Fraud & Proceeds of Crime
- R-v-M [2018], Blackfriars Crown Court. Acted for lead defendant in Conspiracy to defraud & Money Laundering allegations relating to fraudulent use of credit cards, and banking fraud, totalling approximately £750,000.
- R-v-H [2017] & [2019], Teesside Crown Court. Operational Dougal 1 & 2. Acted for one of two lead defendants in the largest prosecution brought by National Trading Standards E-Crime Team in relation to the operation of copycat websites alleging a fraud totalling £37million. Prosecution evidence served in the case amounted to 78,000 pages with subsequent disclosure material requiring analysis by the defence team in the region of 1.8million pages. The case involved a multi-jurisdictional element and parallel restraint proceedings.
- R-v-M [2015], Southwark Crown Court. Acted for lead defendant in multi -million-pound fraud relating to factoring financing.
Sexual Offences
- I have successfully represented numerous clients facing allegations of sexual offences and historic sexual abuse.
Memberships
- London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA)
- Proceeds of Crime Act Lawyers Association (POCLA)
- Criminal Appeal Lawyers Association (CALA)
Education & Personal Interests
Education
Educated at The Schools, Shrewsbury and later went on to complete an external LLB (Hons) degree at the London University.
Personal Interests
Keen adventure biker having recently completed an overland trip from Cambodia to Everest Base Camp and Nepal. Trail Riding & The Outdoors.
Opinion
