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Paul Schofield

Partner

Paul is a vastly experienced solicitor specialising in the defence of Serious Fraud, Business Crime, and Serious Crime cases. For over 40 years he has enjoyed a reputation for the vigorous defence of his clients from arrest/investigation right through to trial and, on occasions, appeal. He has been Head of the Criminal Law Department at Farleys throughout. His practice has always been based upon “standing shoulder to shoulder” with his clients and robustly advancing their cases.

He has developed and maintains a strong position in the legal market having become a “go-to choice” for professional clients, in particular other solicitors, and is privileged to receive referrals and recommendations from his peers. Paul has been completely trusted by very many other solicitors and clients to defend their cases in an astute and energetic manner.

He routinely deals with serious fraud investigations and prosecutions brought by Government agencies including the Serious Fraud Office, CPS Serious Economic Organised Crime and International Directorate (SEOCID), HMRC, National Trading Standards, The Environment Agency, and others including the Department for Transport. He is well known for his expertise in stopping cases at the investigation stage, or failing that, in the meticulous preparation of proactive defence cases to give his clients the best chance of winning a trial. His success rate is amongst the best in the country. His practice has been a national one for very many years, with cases across the length and breadth of the jurisdiction and trials in all the major cities.

Paul deals with privately funded cases, often insurance backed, and also legally aided cases, with equal gusto.

Read more about Paul’s career highlights and recent cases

 

 

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What people say about Paul

“The intrinsic warmth of Paul Schofield’s personality allied to his tremendous expertise.”

 Solicitor Client

2017-08-31T15:58:39+01:00

 Solicitor Client

“The intrinsic warmth of Paul Schofield’s personality allied to his tremendous expertise.”
"Paul Schofield is outstanding. He is meticulous in his preparation and has an excellent support team."

- Legal 500 2023

2022-10-13T16:17:14+01:00

- Legal 500 2023

"Paul Schofield is outstanding. He is meticulous in his preparation and has an excellent support team."
"I could never thank you enough for your sound advice, support and perseverance."

Mr J - Criminal Defence Client

2019-04-30T12:40:35+01:00

Mr J - Criminal Defence Client

"I could never thank you enough for your sound advice, support and perseverance."
“Five star operator Paul Schofield is accessible, has the human touch and is one of the best solicitors I have ever dealt with “

Chambers & Partners

2017-08-31T15:55:24+01:00

Chambers & Partners

“Five star operator Paul Schofield is accessible, has the human touch and is one of the best solicitors I have ever dealt with “
"Paul Schofield is exceptional. He has a huge amount of experience and is incredibly easy to work with."

- Legal 500 2023

2022-10-13T16:15:18+01:00

- Legal 500 2023

"Paul Schofield is exceptional. He has a huge amount of experience and is incredibly easy to work with."
Paul is "superb and vastly experienced" and "leaves no stone unturned for his clients and is the master of patient strategy"

Legal 500 Guide 2017

2017-10-24T15:01:42+01:00

Legal 500 Guide 2017

Paul is "superb and vastly experienced" and "leaves no stone unturned for his clients and is the master of patient strategy"
"Paul Schofield and Bridgette Hibbert are just incredibily hardworking. A team that is second to none."

- Legal 500 2023

2022-10-13T16:22:10+01:00

- Legal 500 2023

"Paul Schofield and Bridgette Hibbert are just incredibily hardworking. A team that is second to none."
"He is terrific," "He has a huge amount of experience and his level of commitment to the case is extraordinary."

Chambers & Partners Guide 2019

2018-11-15T15:40:12+00:00

Chambers & Partners Guide 2019

"He is terrific," "He has a huge amount of experience and his level of commitment to the case is extraordinary."
“Paul is a very able and experienced practitioner who brings a clear, level head to the table “

Legal 500 

2017-08-31T15:56:00+01:00

Legal 500 

“Paul is a very able and experienced practitioner who brings a clear, level head to the table “
“I just can’t thank you enough. You have all been so brilliant. I could not have had better support personally and legally, I will never ever forget it” 

Mr G

2017-08-31T15:57:55+01:00

Mr G

“I just can’t thank you enough. You have all been so brilliant. I could not have had better support personally and legally, I will never ever forget it” 
Paul Schofield "combines an enormous wealth of experience with a level of client care that is second to none." He is a veteran criminal practitioner with a focus on fraud and money laundering matters, as well as a strong record of handling tax fraud investigations by HMRC.

Chambers and Partner 2018

2017-11-09T16:05:47+00:00

Chambers and Partner 2018

Paul Schofield "combines an enormous wealth of experience with a level of client care that is second to none." He is a veteran criminal practitioner with a focus on fraud and money laundering matters, as well as a strong record of handling tax fraud investigations by HMRC.
“Paul Schofield is absolutely first class, with a very good grasp of client care. Paul’s ability to put the client at ease is second to none. “

Legal 500

2017-08-31T15:54:48+01:00

Legal 500

“Paul Schofield is absolutely first class, with a very good grasp of client care. Paul’s ability to put the client at ease is second to none. “
"Thank you and all of the amazing team at Farleys for all that you have done for me and my family. From the first meeting I was reassured by your experience and professionalism. Your calm, assured approach gave great confidence and I felt looked after throughout.

Your team who put in the ‘hard yards’ with copious amounts of photocopying, scanning, organising and preparation are greatly appreciated. I was always greeted with a smile and a cup of coffee. What an amazingly professional and friendly team!!"

- Richard Emmett, Client of Paul Schofield

2022-09-08T12:31:14+01:00

- Richard Emmett, Client of Paul Schofield

"Thank you and all of the amazing team at Farleys for all that you have done for me and my family. From the first meeting I was reassured by your experience and professionalism. Your calm, assured approach gave great confidence and I felt looked after throughout. Your team who put in the ‘hard yards’ with copious amounts of photocopying, scanning, organising and preparation are greatly appreciated. I was always greeted with a smile and a cup of coffee. What an amazingly professional and friendly team!!"
"Our family is pleased to put on record our appreciation of Mr Schofield’s exceptional work and support during a recent legal case. He was very approachable, showing great empathy and expert knowledge. He explained each step of the proceedings clearly and precisely so it was clear what would happen, when and where it would happen, and any actions that needed to be taken. He was more than happy to speak to us at any time, being readily available when we had questions or just wanted to discuss the case.

"When the time came to employ a barrister Paul was able to engage the services of a leading KC, Mark Rhind. Mark was exceptionally impressive in his handling of the case. Thanks to Paul and Mark’s efforts and expertise the case was successfully concluded. Mr Paul Schofield is a man of outstanding character and ability and we have no hesitation in recommending him."

- Client

2024-08-29T12:00:13+01:00

- Client

"Our family is pleased to put on record our appreciation of Mr Schofield’s exceptional work and support during a recent legal case. He was very approachable, showing great empathy and expert knowledge. He explained each step of the proceedings clearly and precisely so it was clear what would happen, when and where it would happen, and any actions that needed to be taken. He was more than happy to speak to us at any time, being readily available when we had questions or just wanted to discuss the case. "When the time came to employ a barrister Paul was able to engage the services of a leading KC, Mark Rhind. Mark was exceptionally impressive in his handling of the case. Thanks to Paul and Mark’s efforts and expertise the case was successfully concluded. Mr Paul Schofield is a man of outstanding character and ability and we have no hesitation in recommending him."

Professional Memberships

The Law Society, Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association (CLSA), the Legal Aid Agency’s VHCC Appeal Panel, Duty Solicitor Scheme, Specialist (formerly Serious) Fraud Panel (SFP), and North West Fraud Forum (NWFF).

Accreditations

Blog & News

Business Crime Fraud Farleys Solicitors LLP

Bounce Back Loan Fraud – Two Men Jailed for 33 Years

Two men have been jailed for a total of 33 years after they were found to have been running a £70m money laundering scheme with £10m of fr...

Read More
Paul Schofield Partner
Business Crime Fraud Farleys Solicitors LLP

HMRC to Launch Criminal Investigations into Serious Furlough Fraud

This week, HMRC has announced that authorities will be launching a “small number” of criminal investigations into alleged serious fraud ...

Read More
Paul Schofield Partner
Business Crime Fraud Farleys Solicitors LLP

Conservative MP Cleared of Election Fraud Offences

Craig Mackinlay, Conservative MP for South Thanet, has been cleared of two charges relating to alleged false expenses declarations during th...

Read More
Paul Schofield Partner
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01254 606008

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