A DORSET law firm has appointed a crime lawyer to its team.

Ellis Jones has welcomed James Constable as a senior associate solicitor.

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.

This 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.

According to the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), only 7,171 of England and Wales’ 166,256 practising solicitors hold this qualification.

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 described in the latest Legal 500 directory as a ‘great solicitor’ who is easy to work with, approachable and knowledgeable.

James was ranked in Band 1 for Criminal Work in the newly published 2024 Chambers and Partners UK Guide to the legal profession.

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.”

Ellis Jones has more than 170 staff including 22 partners.

It has five offices across the south coast in Bournemouth, Canford Cliffs, Ringwood, Swanage, and Wimborne.