Olliers Solicitors hires John Davies to expand team

Top-tier criminal defence firm Olliers Solicitors has significantly bolstered its Business Crime and Regulatory team with the recent appointment of Senior Associate Solicitor John Davies. John arrives at Olliers after a successful tenure at MSB Solicitors where he specialised in serious crime and regulatory matters. With over 20 years of criminal defence experience, he has handled a diverse array of complex and high-profile cases, appearing in the Magistrate’s Court, Crown Court, and appellate jurisdictions.

Before his role at MSB, John developed his expertise at Irwin Mitchell, Rradar, and Cartwright King Solicitors, earning a solid reputation as a seasoned advocate in serious criminal matters, regulatory investigations, and complex litigation. At Olliers, he will play a crucial role in supporting the firm’s recognised serious crime practice, offering strategic advice to clients facing serious allegations, including serious violence, organised crime, fraud, bribery, tax investigations, financial crime, and complex regulatory enforcement proceedings.

His appointment marks a strategic enhancement to the firm’s capacity to deliver comprehensive legal support throughout all phases of a criminal investigation, including essential pre-charge engagement. Matthew Claughton, Managing Director of Olliers Solicitors, expressed his enthusiasm for the new addition, stating “John is an exceptional addition to the team. He brings significant expertise in business crime, fraud and regulatory investigations, which complements our growing financial crime practice and broadens the support we can offer both individual and corporate clients.”

Claughton further noted the importance of having solicitors who can combine technical excellence with strategic insight from the outset of an investigation. John Davies shared his excitement about joining Olliers, stating “Olliers’ reputation for excellence in criminal defence, particularly its proactive approach to pre-charge engagement and complex serious crime cases, is second to none. This is an exciting opportunity, and I am looking forward to joining such a highly regarded team where I will be able to draw upon my experience to support clients through some of the most challenging periods of their lives.”

John’s joining comes on the heels of a remarkable year for Olliers Solicitors, having been named Crime Team of the Year and Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the 2026 Modern Law Awards, along with being recognised as Times Best Law Firm of 2026.