Jim Smith
Specialist Criminal Defence Solicitor
Jim is well known in the Merseyside area having been the head of the Criminal Department at Whitfield’s Solicitors before joining Bell Lamb & Joynson.
Jim has a reputation as a friendly, supportive and loyal solicitor to his clients and more importantly, is a fierce and determined advocate on their behalf.
Nephew of retired Sefton solicitor James Silversmith founder of Silversmiths Solicitors in Bootle, Jim has continued the family tradition of criminal defence practice in the Merseyside area and offers more than 25 years of experience in the field of criminal law. Jim is Canadian born and bilingual, with French as his second language.
An experienced Duty Solicitor and Higher Court Advocate , Jim was head of the criminal department at Whitfield’s Solicitors in Formby for over 20 years , supervising over and dealing directly with all aspects of criminal defence work from serious crime including murder, large scale UK wide drugs and fraud conspiracies to other more common offences including shoplifting, fraud, benefit fraud, offences of violence and road traffic offences .
Jim’s expertise extends beyond representation in the police station and Magistrates Courts to undertaking where necessary Crown Court advocacy on behalf of clients.
Jim specialises in and supports vulnerable clients involved in the criminal justice system, such as young persons and those with mental health needs. He believes passionately in representing a client personally throughout the life of a police investigation and subsequent court case and liaising with agencies such as social care or mental health services where appropriate to ensure the best possible outcome for his clients.
Educated in Montreal Canada at Selwyn House School, Jim moved to the UK in 1985 with his family, was a student at Range High School in Formby, then graduated from Northumberland University with an LLB in Law. He subsequently attended the College of Law in Chester before completing his training contract at Whitfield’s Solicitors where he went on to become Head of Department.
Jim is married with 4 adult children, with a passion for ice hockey (a supporter of the Montreal Canadiens and collector of vintage hockey memorabilia) and enjoys football, writing and golf.