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Our Lawyers
Michael O'Garra
Described as a ‘regional heavyweight’ by Legal 500, Michael leads our Criminal Defence practice and puts his 30 years’ experience to brilliant use for clients here at O’Garra Cohen Cramer.
About Michael’s experience
- He worked at McCormicks and Walker Morris before establishing his own highly successful practice employing over 45 people, which became one of the most respected criminal defence practices in the region.
- Michael is a Solicitor advocate which means he can personally represent you at Magistrates and Crown Courts and is also a member of a peer review panel – sharing best practice, knowledge and expertise to review the work of other Solicitors
- He has successfully defended thousands of cases including high-profile cases involving murder, attempted murders and serious sexual offences, death by dangerous driving that attracted national media attention
- A top-tier ranked professional with unrivaled experience in defending regulatory issues in the waste authority and strong track record of defending HMRC prosecutions
- Michael has provided expert legal views to both national TV and radio
John Goodwin
John is described in the Legal 500 as “a Solicitor of the highest quality” and heads the department with Michael O’Garra. Chambers & Partners calls him “quite an amazing practitioner” and also says “he has a penetrating mind, he is quick at assessing legal issues and his technical quality is very good.”
He is the Senior Partner in Cohen Cramer and one person interviewed in the Chambers Guide stated: “their attention to detail is meticulous, preparation distinguishes them from other firms”. A market source added, “the quality of cases that they are dealing with is testament to how they are regarded by clients”.
About John’s experience
- He has been with the firm since January 1983.
- Before concentrating solely on Criminal defence and Regulatory matters in 1999 he was a general practitioner covering Conveyancing, Probate and Wills, Matrimonial Law, Commercial Law, Civil Litigation, Company Law, Personal Injury and many other areas. His background gives him a very detailed background knowledge which helps in defending fraud allegations.
- John, like Michael, is a Solicitor Advocate so he is able personally to represent you in the Magistrates and Crown Courts.
- John is a Legal Aid Agency Adjudicator/Assessor which means he rules on legal issues relating to many firms.
- John has defended criminal cases in his lengthy career which include a very large number of Homicide cases, Serious Sexual Offences, Death by Dangerous Driving maters, the first ever prosecution in relation to Crack Cocaine, the first ever case of Perverting the Course of Justice where the police were allowed to take statements from jury members and many other cases which attracted national, and indeed on occasion, international media attention.
- John is particularly well known for defending large scale Fraud cases involving many millions of pounds in prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office, HMRC prosecutions including multimillion-pound cigarette and alcohol cases and is currently involved in a case involving £300 million of Money Laundering.
- John has lectured on legal issues to Barristers, Solicitors, Accountants, Students and Prosecution Investigators.
Mark Jackon
Mark has represented clients all over the country and internationally in his 20 years of experience. He is immensely capable in handling complex criminal investigations and specialises in conspiracy offences. His clients are charged with offences like conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to defraud and conspiracy to supply class A drugs.
Mark is known for his flexibility to travel to his clients, making himself available from the moment an investigation may arise.
Lauren Bowkett
Lauren deals in cases all over the country and leads a dedicated confiscation unit. She conducts and advises on issues that arise during criminal investigations such as Crown Court restraint orders.
She has been personally praised for her expertise by judges in both the Crown Court and the Court Of Appeal and is heavily involved as a committee member with the POCA Association and has lectured on these issues to industry professionals including forensic accountants, tax accountants and barristers, prosecution financial investigators.
Because of her expertise, she is often brought on board by other solicitors to deal with clients who then face confiscation proceedings or by forensic accountants when their clients are in need.
Kristin O'Garra
Kristin has over 15 years’ experience representing clients. Our clients like how she shows a high level of empathy, no matter what the case. Her focus is on precision and detail, which is what allows her to continue securing acquittals.
We have fantastic relationships and often work closely with some of the country's top barristers.
Paul Greaney QC
Paul specialises in serious crime, regulatory crime, public inquiries and inquests and professional discipline. He is one of the best in the business, which is why we choose to work together with Paul when required.
Read Paul’s full profile here.
Charles Bott QC
Described as ‘brilliant and charming’ in the courtroom and an ‘extraordinary intellect’, we often call upon Charles to assist with cases in relation to fraud and financial crime where he is internationally recognised as a leading practitioner.
Read Charles’ full profile here.
Richard Wright QC
Richard is a criminal advocate who has defended or prosecuted many of the highest-profile cases in the North of England. He is incredibly approachable, which makes him a stand out choice when we need additional legal support for our clients.
Read Richard’s full profile here.