Highly qualified crime lawyer James Constable has joined Ellis Jones as a Senior Associate Solicitor.

James is a Solicitor Advocate, with a Higher Rights of Audience qualification, which enables him to represent clients and provide continuity of service throughout their legal journey from initial interview under caution to the conclusion of their case in the Magistrates Court or Crown Court.

Only 7,171 of England and Wales’ 166,256 practising solicitors hold this qualification, according to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA).

James has wide-ranging experience in criminal and regulatory law which crosses into banking, contentious probate, family and sports law.

This includes HMRC and FCA investigations, white collar offences, private prosecutions, motoring, property, professional and disciplinary cases – including higher education and military hearings ­- Environment Agency matters, inquests and Companies House prosecutions under the Companies Act 2006.

James was ranked in Band 1 for Criminal Work in the newly published 2024 Chambers and Partners UK Guide to the legal profession.

In addition, he was described in the latest Legal 500 directory as a ‘great solicitor’ who is easy to work with, approachable and knowledgeable.

The firm, which has more than 170 staff, including 22 Partners, across its offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage Wimborne and London.

Ellis Jones Managing Partner Nigel Smith said: “A very warm welcome to James.

“He brings great experience and considerable expertise to Ellis Jones, including the right to represent our clients in higher courts of law.

“It is a real coup to secure a lawyer of James’ calibre to join our outstanding team, help our firm grow and provide an exceptional service to our many valued clients.”

James said: “I am looking forward to establishing our new Crime and Regulatory department at our London office, and contributing to the firm’s future success.”

Outside of work, James is married with two daughters and is a sports enthusiast who played rugby in the Scottish Premiership for Stewart’s Melville RFC for four years.

• https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/

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