Clare Galo is a Senior Associate Solicitor and leads the Magistrates Court team based in our Milton Keynes office. She conducts advocacy at a variety of different hearings, from adjournments through to multi day trials; and legal arguments and bail applications; calmly and carefully advising her clients on plea, sentence and evidence throughout, no matter what the offence or the circumstances of it.
Clare is highly respected in her field having qualified in 2004 and obtaining her duty solicitor accreditation shortly afterwards. She has spent her career in police stations and magistrates’ courts advising and representing people for a whole range of offences from minor driving indiscretions through to allegations of murder and everything in between. Her dedication and expertise resulted in her managing a specialist criminal law firm in Milton Keynes before it was acquired by Reeds in 2016 where she went on to head up the Milton Keynes team of solicitors and caseworkers.
She conducts advocacy at a variety of hearings, from adjournments through to multi day trials, legal arguments and bail applications; calmly and carefully advising her clients on plea, sentence and evidence throughout, no matter what the offence or the circumstances of it.
Clare is renowned for her thorough approach to case preparation and her persuasive advocacy in Court, but above all, for her true empathy to her client’s position and her appreciation that every case is significant to those it affects; always striving for the best possible result she can achieve for her clients.
Although experienced in all aspects of criminal law, Clare has always had a particular interest in road traffic offences and a desire to assist those who find themselves, often inadvertently, caught up in the intricacies of this very complex area of law meaning she now tends to specialise in these types of offences. Her expertise results in her appearing in courts throughout the midlands and home counties on most days of the week but she is also instructed further afield for motoring cases.
Clare understands the value and importance of peoples driving licences and now spends much of her time arguing for her clients to be able to retain theirs; be that in trials, newton hearings, special reasons arguments and/or exceptional hardship applications. She also provides advice and assistance with DVLA licence revocations on medical, or other, grounds.
She has particular expertise in helping clients with mental health difficulties, where her ability to build a rapport with them and carefully consider the issues relating to their ability to understand the proceedings and fitness to plead, often sees her instructing intermediaries and other mental health experts and professionals to ensure her client’s interests are properly protected.
Clare also heads up the Reeds Academy where she can share her expertise with her colleagues and nurture and encourage those earlier on in their careers.
In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules for motoring offences we confirm that Clare Galo charges Level B hourly rates.
Clare Galo Awards and Accreditation
- 2025 – Thames Valley Local Criminal Justice Board – Reward and Recognition
Clare Galo received commendation for her extensive involvement in the work of the Thames Valley local Criminal Justice Board. The reward was made to recognise her tireless commitment to her legal work resulting in a strong, positive outcome for the Criminal Justice System and its partners.
Recent and notable cases
Allegation of careless driving involving a head on collision between two vehicles discontinued by prosecution based on expert report obtained on behalf of the defendant.
Police took no further action in respect of an allegation of causing serious injury by careless driving after a driver crossed the central white line and collided with two other vehicles.
Police took no further action in respect of an allegation of driving whilst unfit through drink after the defendant was found alone with his car on a country road at the scene of a collision with a parked car and over the legal limit.
Not guilty verdict after trial for driving with excess alcohol after legal argument over whether sitting in drivers’ seat with keys in ignition and releasing handbrake constituted driving.
Special reasons found not to impose any penalty points following a conviction for driving without insurance meaning the defendant could continue working as a bus driver.
Exceptional hardship found to avoid disqualification from driving after the defendant reached 12 penalty points on licence meaning he did not have to close his delivery company.
Exceptional hardship found, based on the defendant’s daughter’s autism, to avoid disqualification from driving after the defendant reached 12 penalty points on licence.
Defendant avoided imprisonment after providing a breathalyser reading of 130 and failing to stop after a collision with two other vehicles.
Successful appeal to the Crown Court on an exceptional hardship application regarding the impact of a driving disqualification on the appellants 9-year-old son. Clementine Simon of 25 Bedford Row instructed as Counsel.
Crown persuaded to discontinue an allegation of using a mobile phone whilst driving.
Crown persuaded to discontinue an allegation of using a vehicle without insurance for which a conviction would have had severe consequences for this delivery driver.
Successful oral representations at a first appearance resulted in the Crown discontinuing a charge against a company accused of failing to disclose driver details.
Not guilty verdict at trial of dangerous driving. Tobias Smith of 25 Bedford Row instructed as Counsel.
Successful written representations to the prosecution resulted in withdrawal of an allegation of using a vehicle in a dangerous condition and avoiding the need for the defendant to appear at court.
Not guilty verdict after trial for being drunk and disorderly in a public place after successfully arguing that the Crown had not proven drunkenness.
Not guilty verdict after trial for possession of bladed article after successfully arguing that the defendant had a reasonable excuse for having a kitchen knife in his driver’s door pocket.
Case dismissed at half time in a trial of a youth accused of taking a motor vehicle without the owner’s consent after careful cross-examination of the eyewitness led to doubt over the Crowns suggestion of a joint enterprise.
Not guilty verdict after trial for disclosing private sexual photographs after successfully arguing that the defendant did not intend to cause distress to the person depicted in the photographs.
Police took no further action in respect of an allegation of spousal coercive and controlling behaviour.
Police took no further action in respect of multiple allegations of assault and using coercive and controlling behaviour towards spouse and child.
Successful oral representations at a first appearance resulted in the Crown discontinuing a charge of Affray whilst three co-defendants went on to be convicted.
Successfully argued that 40 hours unpaid work was the appropriate sentence for this adult defendant convicted of ABH against a 15-year-old who was left unconscious when the Crown were suggesting 18 months custody should be the starting point.
Successful appeal to the Crown Court against an immediate 36-week prison sentence for breach of restraining order. Sentence reduced to one of 18 weeks suspended imprisonment. Ayelen White of Reeds instructed as Counsel.
Successful application to the police to take no further action in respect of an allegation of stalking.
Testimonials
Clare’s the best solicitor I’ve had in 18 years… Amazing job, very helpful
Client
Thank you so much Clare, you have really helped me. In the time that I have known you I can honestly say I can trust you 100% and totally rely on you
Client
Thank you Clare for your excellent service during this very trying time
Client
Clare was a brilliant legal representative for me. She explained everything really well and helped me through a very scary situation…
Client
I highly recommend Clare Galo of Reeds Solicitors LLP. From beginning to end she was reassuring, informative and supportive.
Client
I had an excellent experience with this law firm. I was able to reach them quickly and receive immediate advice, which was both helpful and reassuring. The team of professionals demonstrated genuine dedication, taking the time to understand my needs and goals thoroughly. They put in considerable effort to ensure that my objectives were met, and their commitment to achieving the best possible outcome was evident throughout the process. I highly recommend this firm for anyone seeking attentive and effective legal representation.
Client
Fantastic service and excellent help and advice when we really needed it. Quick to respond even outside working hours, caring and understanding. Clare argued our case very impressively with the best possible outcome. Now we can move on after a difficult chapter in our lives. Thank you so much!
Client
We are incredibly grateful to Clare for winning our traffic special reasons case. Her expertise and strategic approach was evident from our first consultation, and her professionalism and support throughout the process made all the difference. Clare presented a compelling argument in court, leading to a favourable decision. We highly recommend Clare for her exceptional legal skills and dedication. Thank you for your outstanding service!
Client
I had to find a solicitor at fairly short notice for personal matters, and I can say the individual I was assigned to represent me from this firm was fantastic. Empathetic, non-judgmental and professional. The positive outcome was totally reflective of the hard work that had been done by my solicitor. Having also called around various firms for quotes for service, Reeds were also more reasonably priced. Would highly recommend.
Client
It was very reassuring to have Clare looking after my case. Not only was it obvious Clare knows the job very well and is very good at what she does she provides reassurance in a way that you really do feel like you have someone on your side that genuinely cares. This makes so much difference when everything seems so hard to deal with. I would highly recommend Clare to anyone
Client
Unfortunately I found myself having to deal with a charge of ‘use of a dangerous vehicle’ for driving a Range Rover that was sold to me with illegally tinted windows by Range Rover. Having never so much as stopped by the police before and never having had a point on my licence I found this all very traumatic. I was not happy to take the points and fine as I was worried about the consequences for my insurance, so decided to opt for court. Clare Galo was absolutely amazing, and very empathetic. She gave extremely good, thorough advice, and agreed to take the case on. Amazingly within 48 hrs she had managed to get the case completely dropped and the court appearance next week now not necessary. Superb service and skills, I only wish I had instructed her months ago! Thanks again Clare
Client
Clare Galo dealt with my son Lee's driving offence charge, she was such a help to us in everyway, always updated us with was happening. With her help we got through it and in court she underlined my sons case really well. With Clare's efficiency and help we managed to get through this ordeal.
Client
We received representation through Reeds for our case recently and the advice and process was very clear and helpful, the fees were set out candidly before we instructed them to our case and everyone we spoke to was extremely helpful. We were provided with Clare Galo to represent us and she was nothing short of amazing, My husband whom she represented suffers from PTSD and she went above and beyond for him, not only in a legal support context but emotionally too, this was a very tough time for us and she helped to take away so much of the stress we were feeling and answered our questions honestly so we always knew what to expect. We highly recommend.
Client
Clare was helpful, friendly, supportive, understanding and professional from start to finish. She explained things clearly to us and gave us her advice and a clear picture of what to expect. Thank you.
Client
Absolutely Wonderful service from Clare Galo, kept informed, easily understood, I hope not to use Clare's services in the future (!) but she would be my first person contact if needed! Would recommend her 100%!
Client
Absolutely outstanding service from Clare Galo. I was facing causing serious injury by “careless” driving. Clare provided amazing advice and helped me prepare for interview. The interview was very scary but with Clare’s help and assistance we were able to provide a very detailed written statement which led to the case being NFA’d by the Police. I was unfortunate enough to hit a deer whilst driving on an A road which totalled my vehicle and two other vehicles. This has been an extremely stressful and worrying ordeal and I don’t know how I would have faced it without Clare. Her skills and aptitude are worth every penny! Contact her now for the advice you need and prevent any risk of a conviction or losing your license! Thanks to Clare my license is safe and my reputation intact. Thank you so much you really are an angel in the form of a solicitor! I will be recommending you to anyone I know that faces similar unfortunate circumstances.
Client