Dorset law firm Ellis Jones Solicitors has strengthened its team with the appointment of a highly qualified crime lawyer.

The Dorset law firm, with more than 170 staff including 22 partners, has welcomed James Constable as a senior associate solicitor.

Ellis Jones has offices in Bournemouth, Poole, Ringwood, Swanage and Wimborne as well as 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 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.

James won the prestigious Solicitor-Advocate of the Year title at last year’s Berks, Bucks and Oxon Law Society Awards.

James is based in Ellis Jones’ London office and will work closely with colleagues in the firm’s five other offices.

He said: “Ellis Jones is a firm with an admirable ethos and excellent reputation.

“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.

James is on the panel for Sports Resolutions, which provides independent sport-specific arbitration and mediation services.

Visit https://www.ellisjones.co.uk/personal/crime-solicitors-bournemouth/ to find out more about how Ellis Jones supports clients through the criminal justice process.

PICTURE: CRIME BEAT: Managing Partner Nigel Smith, left, and Head of Banking and Finance Litigation William Fox Bregman, right, welcome Senior Associate Solicitor James Constable to Ellis Jones