Stephen Ferns
Senior Criminal Defence Solicitor | Higher Rights Advocate
Stephen Ferns is a highly experienced Criminal Defence Solicitor and Higher Rights Advocate with over 20 years’ experience representing clients across the full spectrum of criminal law. He has worked exclusively in criminal defence since beginning his training contract in 2002 and is known for his strong advocacy, practical advice and consistent results in serious and complex cases.
Stephen originally joined Bell Lamb & Joynson in April 2002 and has built a long-standing career across a number of respected criminal defence firms, before returning to the firm with extensive Higher Court advocacy experience.
He holds an LLB (Hons) from the University of Derby and completed the PgDL at the College of Law (Chester). He is fully accredited as a Police Station Representative, Duty Solicitor and Higher Rights Advocate in criminal proceedings.
Experience
With more than two decades in criminal defence, Stephen has built a broad and highly respected practice spanning both legally aided and privately funded work.
His career includes roles at leading criminal defence firms across the North West, including Jacobs Solicitors, David Taylor Partnership and Adley Gray, where he undertook nationwide privately funded advocacy.
During this time, he represented clients across England and Wales, regularly appearing in both the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court, and building a strong reputation for high-quality advocacy and client care.
Areas of Specialism
Stephen has a wide-ranging criminal practice, with particular expertise in:
Sexual offences
Serious domestic violence
Drug offences and organised crime
Murder and manslaughter
Complex Crown Court litigation
Appeals and post-conviction work
He is regularly instructed in serious and high-stakes cases requiring careful strategy and experienced courtroom advocacy.
Notable Work
Throughout his career, Stephen has acted in numerous high-profile and complex cases, including murder trials, Court of Appeal matters and serious violence cases reported in the national and regional media.
Notable work includes:
Acting as Defence Advocate in a successful Court of Appeal case (R v Shaun Christopher Johnson)
Involvement in multiple murder cases, including Regina v Daniel Renshaw and Regina v Whitmore & Mayers
Successful outcomes in serious violence and dangerous driving cases
Representing clients in cases featured across BBC News and major regional press
He has also secured positive outcomes in a wide range of serious cases, including avoiding custodial sentences in matters involving violence, fraud and high-value theft.
Accreditations
Higher Rights of Audience (Criminal)
Duty Solicitor
Police Station Accredited Representative
Approach & Client Care
Stephen is known for his empathetic but honest approach. He places strong emphasis on understanding each client’s individual circumstances and delivering clear, realistic legal advice, even when difficult conversations are required.
His approach combines strategic thinking with determination to achieve the best possible outcome in every case, supported by a long track record of strong client feedback.
Coming from a working-class Liverpool background, he is particularly passionate about ensuring clients feel understood, respected and properly represented.
Background & Interests
Stephen has dedicated his entire professional life to criminal defence, qualifying at a relatively young age and building a career focused solely on representing individuals facing serious allegations.
Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his young family and staying active through sport. A keen cyclist, he has ridden extensively across Europe and continues to pursue endurance challenges, including tackling iconic climbs featured in the Tour de France.