Bell Lamb & Joynson Criminal Defence Team Retains Legal 500 Ranking for Second Consecutive Year
Bell Lamb & Joynson Solicitors is celebrating after its Criminal Defence Team retained its Legal 500 ranking for a second consecutive year in the 2027 edition of The Legal 500 UK.
The team has maintained its Tier 3 ranking in the North West's General Crime and Fraud category, marking another significant milestone for the department. Having secured a Tier 3 ranking when the firm entered the Legal 500 rankings for the first time in 2025, Bell Lamb & Joynson has successfully retained its position, reinforcing the strength and reputation of its Criminal Defence Team across the region.
The firm has also received all three Legal 500 client satisfaction accolades for Lawyer & Team Quality, Billing & Efficiency and Sector Knowledge, making Bell Lamb & Joynson the only ranked firm in the North West's General Crime and Fraud category to receive all three distinctions.
The Legal 500 continues to highlight the department's expertise across a broad range of criminal matters, from motoring offences through to serious and complex cases involving fraud, violence and other major criminal allegations.
Led by Managing Partner and Head of Crime, Mike Leeman, alongside Jeremy Rawson, the team supports clients across the North-West, providing expert advice and representation from the police station through to the courts.
The latest rankings also see Marcela Salter named as a Leading Associate for a second consecutive year, further reinforcing her reputation as one of the region's leading criminal defence solicitors.
The recognition follows an exceptional year for Marcela, who was named Crime Leading Associate of the Year at The Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards in March 2026. With more than three decades of experience in criminal law, Marcela is highly regarded for her courtroom expertise, compassion and dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for her clients.
Mike Leeman, Managing Partner and Head of Crime at Bell Lamb & Joynson, said:
"To retain our Legal 500 ranking for a second consecutive year is a tremendous achievement for the entire team. The Legal 500 rankings are based on independent research, client feedback and peer recommendations, making this recognition particularly meaningful.
Criminal defence is about supporting people through some of the most difficult and uncertain moments of their lives. Every member of our team is committed to providing clear advice, strong representation and unwavering support, and this ranking reflects that dedication.
We are also delighted to see Marcela recognised as a Leading Associate for a second consecutive year. Her success at the Legal 500 Northern Powerhouse Awards, together with this latest recognition, is thoroughly deserved and reflects the outstanding work she does for clients every day."
Now in its 38th year, The Legal 500 is one of the legal profession's leading independent directories, with rankings based on extensive research, client feedback and recommendations from legal professionals across the UK.
Established in 1821, Bell Lamb & Joynson has been helping people across the North West for more than two centuries. This latest Legal 500 recognition reflects the firm's continued commitment to providing expert legal advice, strong representation and exceptional support to clients when they need it most.