SMW featured in The Times Best Law Firms 2026

Sonn Macmillan Walker has once again been recognised as one of the UK’s leading criminal defense practices, securing a place in The Times Best Law Firms 2026 list. The firm’s repeat inclusion highlights its sustained excellence and strong reputation among peers across the legal profession.

Curated annually with independent research agency Statista, The Times rankings are based on thousands of peer nominations from solicitors and barristers nationwide. Lawyers are asked to recommend firms that they would trust in specific areas of law. SMW’s return to the list underscores its standing as a go-to specialist firm for serious criminal matters.

SMW has built its reputation on dedicated expertise in criminal defense, representing clients in cases involving homicide, serious violence, complex fraud, money laundering, sexual offences, and extradition. The firm’s in-house higher courts advocates provide seamless representation from the earliest stages of investigation through to Crown Court proceedings.

The recognition in The Times complements a series of recent accolades for the firm. Senior lawyers including Amy Cox, Head of Crown Court Litigation, and Katy Smart, Head of Extradition, have earned strong rankings in Chambers & Partners, reflecting the caliber of talent within the practice. The firm has also advanced in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK for its crime and extradition work.

The case featuring the alleged robbery of an off-duty police officer was conducted by Rachel Hobba.

With its continued recognition and proven track record in complex and high-stakes cases, Sonn Macmillan Walker enters 2026 as one of the UK’s most trusted names in criminal defense.