LB Solicitors

LB Solicitors, criminal defence in Norwich

LB Solicitors is a law firm specialising in criminal defence based in Norwich (England). It was founded in 2022 by Lucy Brakewell, a qualified solicitor with over 28 years dedicated to criminal law. The firm assists both privately funded clients and those who access representation through Legal Aid, and its work ranges from minor and motoring offences to serious charges.

Criminal defence services

The firm provides comprehensive assistance throughout the entire criminal process. Its range of services includes:

• Police station assistance, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Representation before the Magistrates' Court.
• Representation before the Crown Court, with instruction of counsel/barristers for the defence.
• Advice and defence in motoring offences.
• Defence in minor offences and serious criminal charges.

The firm handles both publicly funded cases (Legal Aid) and privately paid cases, and offers a free initial consultation.

Public and private funding

Lucy Brakewell is contracted by the Legal Aid Agency, which allows her to offer free legal assistance to clients who meet the eligibility criteria. In addition, the firm provides privately paid criminal defence services, so that anyone seeking specialist representation can access personalised advice. The firm states that its priority is to protect clients' rights and provide clear, reliable advice, whether through Legal Aid or private representation.

Team profile

Lucy Brakewell graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 1994 and qualified in 1997 in the Midlands. She later moved to East Anglia, where she was an equity partner at a criminal law firm for ten years. Throughout her career she has developed a broad and loyal client base, handling all stages of a case, from police station assistance to defence before the Magistrates' Court and instructing counsel for the Crown Court.

Kirsty Chaplin joined LB Solicitors in spring 2024. She had previously worked at a well-known firm in the city of Nottingham and moved to Norwich to be closer to her family. She obtained a first-class honours degree from the University of Law and volunteered at Citizens Advice in the Nottingham Magistrates' Court, where she received a Provost award for her dedication to supporting vulnerable people.

Clients and approach to work

The firm serves a diverse clientele, including juveniles, individuals with mental health needs, and those seeking publicly funded or privately paid representation. The firm emphasises that every client receives tailored advice, expert guidance, and strong, reliable advocacy throughout the legal process.

Accreditations and compliance

LB Solicitors is accredited to the Specialist Quality Mark (SQM) and certified to comply with the requirements of the Cyber Essentials Scheme. The company, LB Solicitors Limited, is authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA) with authorisation number 8005664. It is registered in England and Wales with registration number 15128821 and is also registered for VAT with number 291491974.

Location and contact

Riverside Business Centre, 61-63 Riverside Road, Norwich, Norfolk, NR1 1SR · Telephone: 01603 850132 · Email: lucy@lb-solicitors.co.uk