Adam Orchard is a Senior Associate Solicitor Team Manager in our Crown Court Litigation Team based within the Leighton Buzzard branch. Adam joined Reeds over 5 years ago having spent most of his career within the criminal justice system, working within the Crown Court. He undertook numerous roles there, including as a List Officer, and a Case Progression officer. Adam was able to bring his valuable experience, and his comprehensive understanding into the workings of the Crown Court, to his role at Reeds. He has spent nearly 20 years operating in the Crown Court environment and is a seasoned practitioner with a deep knowledge of the field.
Now, Adam is responsible for managing our team of in-house Crown Court Caseworkers in the South East group and liaises with Advocates and counsel’s chambers in the preparation of cases involving serious crime in and around Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire and beyond. As Team Manager he has oversight for several hundred ongoing Crown Court matters, runs a caseload of his own and supports his team to achieve the best level of service to all our clients and reaching a positive outcome with their cases.
As a highly effective communicator, Adam is a key point of contact between our clients, their barristers and the Courts; and assists in carefully overseeing the efficient management of cases as they progress through the Court system. As someone who is able to keep a cool head under pressure, Adam’s ability to employ his organisational skills in the fast-moving environment of criminal defence work, ensures that his cases are meticulously prepared, and ready for anything.
Recent and notable cases
R v A (2021) Theft by Employee composed the basis of plea on behalf of the client which was pivotal in securing a suspended sentence due to the value of the fraud.
R v G & B (2022) Attempted Murder acted for two youths and successfully argued with the prosecution for the Attempted Murder charge to lie on file and accept pleas to firearms offences significantly reducing the length of sentences imposed.
R v P (2023) Conspiracy to supply class A drugs complex and significant supply case able to argue lesser role and secure a suspended sentence for the client.
R v S (2024) Robbery x3 serious allegations of several armed robberies. CPS offered no evidence on all charges before trial.
R v M (2024) Rape acquitted by jury verdict
R v S (2024) Robbery able to reduce to theft on a basis of plea and secure a Community Order