Team

Stefan Simms

Managing Partner, Head of Crime

Stefan is an experienced solicitor and partner who leads our Criminal Defence team, bringing more than two decades of specialist criminal law expertise to the firm. 

He completed his Law degree at Nottingham Trent Law School followed by the Legal Practice Course at the University of Glamorgan. Stefan was admitted as a solicitor in September 2000 and became a partner with the firm in July 2022.

Before entering private practice, Stefan worked as a Legal Adviser to lay magistrates, providing guidance on law and procedure in the Magistrates’ Courts. He later became a law lecturer at the University of South Wales, delivering both academic and professional criminal law modules—experience that deepened his knowledge of the criminal justice system and strengthened his analytical skills.

Stefan’s career also includes significant time in private practice. He worked in a busy criminal law firm in Gloucester before taking his expertise overseas. In 2003, he was admitted as a Solicitor of the Supreme Court of Queensland, and in 2004 as a solicitor of the High Court of Australia. While practising in Queensland, Stefan worked for Legal Aid Queensland, representing Aboriginal clients exclusively—an experience that broadened his understanding of diverse communities and complex social issues. He later joined a busy criminal and family law practice operating across Brisbane and Beenleigh.

Since returning to the UK, Stefan has established himself as a well‑respected advocate at the local courts. He makes regular appearances at the North Somerset and Taunton Magistrates’ Courts and is known for his thorough preparation, strong advocacy skills, and impressive success rate in trials. His detailed, methodical approach ensures clients receive robust representation at every stage of their case.

Stefan regularly attends Police Stations to represent detainees during police interview and fully appreciates the importance of this early and important stage of a criminal case.

Stefan is a Higher Rights Advocate and represents clients at the Crown Court. 

Outside of work, Stefan enjoys running and maintaining an active lifestyle.

Contact Details

Support staff

• Olivia Briar