For decades, Levy & McRae have been known as the premier private crime lawyers in Scotland. Our highly rated team has acted in many of the most high-profile and challenging cases and has a reputation for unrivalled case preparation and excellent court advocacy. We were recently awarded the prestigious Legal 500 Scotland Crime Firm of the Year 2024.
In a time of crisis, we are on your side, guiding and leading you through the complexities of the criminal law. We provide a discreet and confidential service for those facing investigation or prosecution, with the aim of avoiding court proceedings and publicity. If court proceedings cannot be avoided our experienced and highly rated team of criminal law specialists will provide you with robust & effective court representation.
Criminal Law
Our criminal law capabilities encompass an extensive range of defense expertise across all categories of crimes under Scots Law, from Breach of the Peace to Attempted Murder. We have particular expertise in sensitive cases involving domestic or sexual allegations and we also advise clients in relation to road traffic cases such as drink-driving, dangerous driving and cases involving fatalities. We robustly represent clients facing any criminal charge, across Scottish courts at all levels – High Court, Sheriff Court and Justice of the Peace courts. Our team includes four Solicitor-Advocates, who advise and represent clients in relation to the most important, challenging or complex cases.
Financial Crime
We specialise in fraud and financial crime, including white-collar offences such as fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, tax evasion, bribery and Proceeds of Crime allegations. Representing professionals, high-net-worth individuals, businesses, and organisations, we handle complex cases, including cross-border investigations and regulatory scrutiny, with a strategic and tailored approach to achieve the best outcomes.
Regulatory and Business Offences
Our team brings extensive experience in advising and representing clients across a wide range of regulatory and business offences, including Health & Safety allegations and Directors Offences. In recent cases we have defended clients in relation to investigations and prosecutions brought by the HSE, SEPA, SSPCA, The Pensions Regulator, Forestry & Land Scotland and COPFS. This includes matters such as breaches of statutory regulations and financial misconduct. Whether dealing with investigations by regulatory bodies, or defending against prosecution, we provide expert guidance tailored to the specific needs of our clients.
At Levy and McRae we have a substantial referral network where we are routinely referred clients by other law firms where our expertise is required. Our standing in the Scottish legal sector is significant. We are trusted by other lawyers to represent their client to the highest standards when they are facing criminal prosecution or an allegation. It is for this reason that we are often referred to as “The Lawyer`s Lawyers”.
Advice
We listen and provide advice that empowers you when you are facing an allegation or prosecution.
Action
We bring immediate action and sustained strategy to protect you, your family and your reputation. We know who to speak to and when to do so.
Advocacy
We advocate for you from the moment of instruction and we often succeed in preventing matters becoming court cases. If they do, our team of highly skilled criminal lawyers bring excellent, experienced advocacy to court preparation, strategy and all court hearings.
Our Criminal Law Department is renowned for its unwavering commitment to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and legal acumen. With a team of highly experienced lawyers who bring expertise to every case, our department is dedicated to ensuring just and fair outcomes. Our approach is characterised by meticulous preparation, comprehensive knowledge of criminal law, and an unrelenting pursuit of the best possible outcomes for our clients. We value integrity, confidentiality, and compassion, recognising the importance of personalised attention and the profound impact of our work on our clients’ lives.
Levy and McRae operate at the forefront of legal issues in Scotland. Our News section keeps you informed on topics that matter most.
Our firm reaffirmed its standing as a leader in Scottish criminal law as two of our partners delivered key presentations at the annual CLT Criminal Law Conference in Glasgow yesterday. This event brought together leading professionals to discuss key developments over the last 12 months in criminal law in Scotland.
We are delighted to welcome Laurelle Johnstone to our Criminal Law team. With experience in both prosecution and defence, Laurelle brings valuable insight and practical knowledge to our Department.
We are proud to announce that Neil Hay, our Partner and Head of Private Crime has once again been featured in the prestigious 2025 Spear`s
