Our People

Key People

Carl Millar
Head of Department
Carl joined Cunninghams in early 2008, (now Cunninghams Draycott Browne Solicitors). He has many years advocacy experience having previously worked at national firm Pannones and was also the Head of Department at one of the country’s leading motor defence specialist firms. Carl has vast experience of representing clients on a nationwide basis and is particularly skilled in developing technical defences for the whole array of alleged driving offences. He has an enviable reputation both within the profession and with the firm’s professional clients for his tenacity in unearthing and dealing with any technical/esoteric issues and for ‘always going the extra mile’. Carl has personally represented Judges, celebrities and fellow professionals.

David Caplin
Director
David has practised in the Magistrates Court since 1993 and holds Crown Court Advocacy Rights. He has consistently been top rated by Chambers and Partners Guide to the Legal Profession since 2005. Who have described him as a “thorough and effective advocate – the sort of person you go to when you want a guarantee that the job will be done properly” and places him in the top tier of leading criminal lawyer Chambers 2007 quoted David as “a copper-bottomed guarantee of reliability”.

Phil Lythgoe
Director
Phil has over 20 years experience in magistrates court procedure and has built up an enviable list of professional contacts in that time. He is highly regarded as an advocate with a reputation for getting things done in a friendly and efficient manner. He was one of the first solicitors to obtain the Higher Courts qualification entitling him to practice in all magistrates and Crown Courts in England and Wales. He sits on the Manchester Law Society Crown and Magistrates Court Committee.

Adrian Palmer
Higher Court Advocate
Adrian qualified as a solicitor in 1994 and was previously a partner in his own practice before joining Cunninghams in 2001 where he became a partner and holds Higher Court Advocate status. Adrian’s wealth of advocacy experience has seen him representing clients in all manner of traffic offence issues. Adrian prides himself on providing a no nonsense approach to the most testing of cases whilst always providing prompt and authoritative advice and assistance.

Laura Foster
Higher Court Advocate
Laura is a Solicitor Advocate. She initially trained as a Barrister and was called to the Bar in 2006, thereafter, she cross qualified and became a Solicitor and obtained the Higher Courts (Criminal Proceedings) qualification entitling her to practice in all criminal courts in England and Wales. Laura can represent clients from the initial arrest and detention at the Police Station, right through to the conclusion of the case in the Magistrates Court and also in the Crown Court. Laura prides herself on being an excellent advocate achieving exceptional results for clients including a high number of acquittals after trial as well as very fair sentences upon the client admitting their involvement in traffic offences.

Paul Turner
Solicitor
Paul qualified in 2007 and joined the practice in 2007, after working for a north west based criminal defence practice. Paul has successfully represented many clients in the Magistrates Court with his extensive road traffic knowledge. Paul is a studious, thorough and extremely reliable advocate. He is well versed in all the technical defences that our firm adopts to succeed in acquittal.

Andrew Mawson
Solicitor
Andrew qualified as a solicitor in 1983 and specializes in criminal and road traffic law. His wealth of experience and knowledge has earned him a first class reputation as an advocate. Renowned for his thorough investigation and preparation of cases, Andrew is highly respected by his peers and Magistrates alike.

Michael Balmer
Solicitor
Michael qualified as a solicitor in 2005 and has over 8 years experience as an assistant justices clerk in the Magistrates Court Service in large busy city courts like Blackpool, Newcastle upon Tyne and Manchester. He has in that time developed an extensive knowledge of road traffic legislation and has provided legal advice to many unrepresented defendants and Magistrates. His Magistrates’ Court knowledge and meticulous approach is invaluable in the department.

Ffion Jones
Solicitor
Ffion qualified as a Solicitor in February 2006 and has continued to practice in all aspects of law. Her varied experience means she is capable of representing clients best interest at all times. She prides herself in being a highly skilled advocate and has achieved outstanding results for clients as a result. Ffion is also experienced in representing clients facing all manner of driving convictions.

James McDermott
Solicitor
James joined Cunninghams in 2008 and hit the ground running in our busy department. His vast legal knowledge and keen attention to detail gives him the skills to expertly analyse technical areas of road traffic law. He is able to apply his knowledge to this complex area of law and the varied circumstances of each and every case.

Jenny Crossley
Client Care Executive

Jenny joined Cunninghams in 2008 bringing with her 12 years of customer service experience, she has gained an outstanding reputation for her compassionate and discrete manner when dealing with all clients, from the initial enquiry onwards. Always ensuring the appropriate solicitor is instructed to prepare your case. She assists the department in the preparation of cases; liaising with expert defence specialists and the courts, and maintains overall client care and satisfaction.

Annie Hewitt
Client Care Executive
Annie joined Cunninghams in 2006 and has been integral in the setting up and development of the department. She also deals with all central funds billing, ensuring all Central Funds bills are accurate and correct before being submitted to the National Taxing Team in an efficient and timely manner. Annie has vast knowledge of the department and deals with all client queries in a professional and efficient manner.

Richard Whipp
Practice Manager
Richard is the practice manager and qualified accountant. Having vast previous experience as Managing Director at a high profile PR Company Richard ensures the smooth running of the office and ensures that all staff’s training records are up to date and relevant, making sure all Solicitors Regulation Authority Practicing Certificates and CPD (Continued Professional Development) Qualifications are all current.