Olliers Wins Criminal Team of the Year and Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2026

We are absolutely delighted to share that Olliers Solicitors has been named Criminal Team of the Year and Boutique Law Firm of the Year at the Modern Law Awards 2026. To make the evening even more special, we were also Highly Commended in the Client Care category, recognising our unwavering commitment to supporting clients at some of the most challenging moments of their lives.  

The Modern Law Awards celebrate excellence, innovation and dedication across the legal profession, and to be recognised across three categories is a proud moment for our entire team.  

It was also a genuinely fun and memorable evening at The Belfry. The atmosphere was warm, celebratory and full of energy, and Rob Rinder was the perfect host. His speech struck exactly the right balance, weaving together hilarious anecdotes with a powerful reminder of why justice and the rule of law matter so much. It was a brilliant way to celebrate the achievements of the profession and made the night one we will long remember. 

Criminal Team of the Year  

Winning Criminal Team of the Year is a powerful endorsement of the specialist work we do day in, day out. Our criminal defence team is known for its expertise in serious and complex cases, proactive pre-charge representation and a client-focused approach that prioritises strategy, clarity and support.  

This award reflects the depth of talent across the team, our collaborative culture and our determination to achieve the very best outcomes for clients, whether they are under investigation or facing prosecution.  

Boutique Law Firm of the Year  

Being named Boutique Law Firm of the Year recognises not only our legal expertise but also our identity as a firm. As a specialist, independent practice, we pride ourselves on combining high-level legal ability with a personal, hands-on service.  

Highly Commended for Client Care  

Client care is at the heart of everything we do at Olliers. Being Highly Commended in the Client Care category is particularly meaningful to us, as it reflects our focus on empathy, communication and tailored support.  

We understand that clients often come to us during periods of anxiety, uncertainty or crisis. This recognition highlights the care we take to ensure clients feel listened to, informed and supported throughout their legal journey.  

Ruth Peters, Business Development Director commented: 

Being named both Criminal Team and Boutique Law Firm of the Year is a huge honour and a real reflection of the strength, dedication and expertise within our team. Olliers Solicitors handles some of the most serious and complex cases and this award recognises us as an outstanding criminal defence firm partnering legal brilliance with unmatched client care. As a specialist criminal defence firm, we combine the personal service and agility of a boutique practice with deep technical expertise and a national reputation for excellence. 

We are proud of our people, their collaborative approach and their unwavering focus on achieving the best possible outcomes for those we represent. 

Olliers is fuelled by passion, meaningful values and a genuine desire to deliver the best outcomes for our clients and this award reflects our commitment to delivering consistently high standards for clients when they need us most. 

Thank You to Our Team and Clients  

These awards would not be possible without the hard work, dedication and compassion of our exceptional team. We also want to thank our clients for placing their trust in us. Their confidence in our work motivates us to continue raising standards in criminal defence and client care.  

Winning these awards is a moment of pride, but also a reminder of our responsibility to keep pushing forward, innovating and delivering the highest quality representation.  

Olliers Solicitors – specialist criminal defence firm 

Olliers Solicitors is nationally recognised as an outstanding criminal defence law firm – partnering legal brilliance with unmatched client care. 

Olliers specialises in the defence of individuals, businesses and other organisations across a broad range of corporate and financial fraud crime, regulatory offences, serious crime, sexual offences, professional discipline and motoring offences. 

We have a formidable reputation for our pro-active approach to the investigative stage of a criminal case focusing on pre-charge engagement, discretion and nipping an investigation in the bud. 

Olliers is ranked as a top tier law firm by both the Legal 500 2026 and Chambers Guide 2026. We are a Times Best Law Firm 2026 and the Manchester Legal Awards 2025 Crime Team of the Year, an award we have won eight times since 2011. 

Headquartered in Manchester, and with a presence in London, the team of 29 experienced criminal defence lawyers is led by Managing Director Matthew Claughton, Commercial Director Stacey Mabrouk and Business Development Director Ruth Peters.