Damian Wall is the epitome of what is good about those solicitors who dedicate themselves to criminal law. Damien is a true team member. He has a keen tactical and strategic mind to direct and push cases forward and manages the expectations and understanding of client, giving them confidence to fully participate in their case.
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer, 2025
Damian Wall is exceptionally experienced and will fight for the best result possible. He is always the person I recommend to friends in trouble.
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer, 2025
Damian Wall is highly experienced; good eye for issues in a case and capable of putting clients at ease in conference. There is not much that he has not seen or been involved in over the years which is why, together with the standard of his work, I would not hesitate to recommend him.
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer, 2024
Damian Wall is so very experienced in criminal work, he is always someone I recommend to others. Thorough preparation, strong analysis of strengths and weaknesses in a case, sound and realistic advice in the client’s interest. His collaborative approach to preparing a case for trial is rare and extremely valuable.
Legal 500 Recommended Lawyer, 2024
Damian Wall is a Solicitor in our Complex Crime department, based in our Manchester office. He is recognised as a specialist in serious and complex crime. His reputation is such that he is regularly instructed in cases of this nature throughout the country.
Prior to joining Reeds, Damian was a partner at Burton Copeland LLP. He has worked at all levels of case preparation and appears as an advocate regularly. He has extensive experience and knowledge over a career lasting more than 35 years. Damian’s reputation in the field of criminal defence work is well recognised and he has a considerable and loyal client base.
He has a wealth of experience in dealing with homicide and murder, conspiracies involving drugs, money laundering, firearms (often involving “EncroChat networks”); Damian has acted in countless cases involving serious sexual offences, as well as white collar and corporate crime matters; he has represented many individuals and business owners facing investigations and prosecutions in connection with a wide range of cases brought by HMRC, Trading Standards, The Pension Regulator, the SFO and the FCA.
As well as providing pro-active advice and assistance pre charge, he is a dedicated litigator with a huge range of experience in dealing with prosecutions at every level, including confiscation proceedings (POCA), financial/asset restraint orders, hidden asset investigations and, freezing orders.
Damian has a background that includes experience in family law matters which provides him with particular insight regarding claims of harassment, controlling and coercive behaviour, sexual offences and allegations of serious assault that are often alleged during acrimonious family separations.
Damian is regularly instructed to advise clients both before and during the investigation stage of criminal allegations; ‘Pre-charge’ advice is one of his specialist areas, his experience and rigour in challenging investigators and advocating on his clients behalf often sets him apart. Damian has valuable experience in successfully representing clients interests at this stage of the process.
“The Criminal Justice System has changed significantly when it comes to investigations, with many matters suffering unnecessary delays prior to charging decisions. There are vital opportunities for pre-charge engagement on behalf of clients, without pro-active assistance from an experienced and dedicated lawyer crucial issues can often be missed; with the benefit of incisive representations clients are more likely to receive a positive outcome.”
Damian is instructed in several on-going cases relating to Trading Standards investigations, regarding the alleged sale of counterfeit and trademarked goods.
Damian has a particular interest in football and handles matters concerning football fans and supporters around the country; he has successfully represented clients facing all levels of allegations regarding incidents at Football Matches and football related disorder. He is regularly instructed to oppose applications for Football Banning Orders.
Awards and Recognition
Damian has consistently been ranked highly by the Legal 500 as a specialist in crime in the Northwest.
Recent and notable cases
Damian is regularly instructed to advise clients before and during the investigation stage of potential proceedings –‘pre-charge’ advice is one of his specialisms. As one of the founder recipients of the Police Station Accreditation Qualification and through his considerable experience as a Duty Solicitor, Damian’s knowledge of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984 (PACE) is exceptional, however it his experience and rigour in challenging investigators and advocating on his clients behalf which often sets him apart.
“Damian Wall delivered a superb professional service. He provided prompt and accurate advice, anticipated issues and was proactive in his dealings with the police. I was most impressed; first rate.”
(Google Review, Oct 2023)
R v S – 2025
The client was accused of causing damage, making threats and sending malicious messages to an individual involved in a commercial transaction. Damian was instructed to make representations to highlight areas of the investigation which were lacking the appropriate level of scrutiny by the police, as well as addressing significant legal issues that resulted from the conduct of the complainant in his dealings not just with Damian’s client but other individuals that had been preyed upon by the complainant. Again the work resulted in a prompt and positive outcome as the police decided to take no further action against the client.
R v H – 2024
Damian’s client was accused by his ex partner of serious offences including sexual assault, harassment and sharing indecent images (aka ‘revenge porn). Damian was able to access devices containing images and messages which undermined the complainant, he was then able to make detailed representations to the police highlighting the relevant material. The representations brought the investigation to a close much sooner and in the clients favour than would have been possible without the work Damian had carried out.
R v P – 2024
An elderly female client, arrested for serious allegation of assault on husband. Complicated issues concerning capacity. Pre-charge assistance resulted in no further action being taken.
R v M – 2024
No further action regarding allegation of Rape -complainant was clients estranged wife. Obtained and presented evidence from family proceedings which contradicted complainants false claim.
R v H – 2024
No further action in relation to domestic abuse allegations – possible counter investigation as to the complainants own conduct.
R v B – 2023
No further action regarding two allegations of causing GBH -alleged client deliberately set his dog on victim (ex partner).
R v H Importation of Cannabis from California
The client of impeccable character, faced not only a long custodial sentence if convicted, but the loss of his businesses and assets. By obtaining and presenting material that undermined the prosecution case, Damian was successful in persuading the Prosecution to offer no evidence and securing the clients formal acquittal.
R v O and others – Billion-pound drug importation case.
The client faced multiple charges alleging the importation of class A and B drugs which were distributed nationally. This was the longest running trial in UK legal history; Damian was successful in securing partial acquittals for his client in the case which had a significant impact on the outcome.
R v C & others Multi-million-pound drug conspiracy
Alleged the client had robbed a very large quantity of cocaine from a rival drug gang. As well as securing a favourable sentence, the confiscation proceedings that suggested hidden assets of over £4million were successfully challenged resulting in an order in an amount massively reduced (circa £40,000)
R v K – 2024 VAT fraud
Client owner of multiple food takeaway shops, initially alleged had defrauded HMRC causing a loss of hundreds of thousands of pounds, which would have resulted in a significant custodial sentence; Damian was able to present evidence undermining the prosecution claims which reduced the amount of unpaid tax to such an extent that a non custodial sentence was imposed and an agreement that no confiscation proceedings under POCA were brought.
R v K & S
Damian defended two clients charged as part of a multi million pound ‘boiler house’ fraud, his clients were convicted of relatively minor offences and received none custodial sentences.
R v M
The client charged in connection with multi-million-pound marketing/publishing fraud. The client, a single mother and employee of the company faced charges of conspiracy to defraud and if convicted the possibility of a lengthy custodial sentence. At the end of a 4 month trial, Damian and the clients barrister were able to secure an acquittal om the conspiracy charge, the accused was convicted of a significantly less serious offence and received a community order.
R v N
Banking fraud and money laundering circa £1/2 million.
R v G
Representation of a prisoner charged with stabbing another prisoner with an improvised weapon at HMP Risley.
R v C
Defended client charged with proceedings before Manchester Crown court relating to the fatal stabbing of a gangland rival
R v W
Represented client arrested in connection with the Manchester Bombing, involved terrorism offences as well as mass murder. No further action.
R v D
Defended an individual charged with causing death by dangerous driving at Bolton Crown Court, the deceased was a passenger in the accused’s vehicle which was involved in a fatal collision.
R v M
Representation a man accused of killing a man in a pre-planned revenge attack. Following representations the Crown accepted a plea to Manslaughter.
R v A
Client charged with murder, obtained medical reports in relation to the cause of death as well as the clients capacity. Following representations the Crown accepted a plea to Manslaughter.
R v H
Defendant charged with Murder, successfully persuaded prosecution to accept plea to Manslaughter.
R v C and others
Encrochat case, conspiracy to supply drugs and conspiracy to rob -ongoing;
R v L and others
Conspiracy to supply class A around the North West of England;
R v G
County Lines drug conspiracy, non-custodial sentence imposed.
R v T – Conspiracy to Rob/steal
Offenders posed as police officers and stole high value goods including large number of section 1 Firearms.
R v S and others
£275,00 armed robbery
T v R and others -Operation Speedway
Conspiracy to Rob; cash in transit robberies
R v B (2025)
Pre charge advice, client arrested for sexual assault of teenager, impacting on clients business and family life; strong and detailed representations to the investigators resulting in the police taking no further action.
R v S
A case before Manchester Crown Court involving a young man charged with Rape of fellow student whilst at University. The case required extensive analysis of mobile phone evidence and data, which was used in cross examination of the complainant. The complainant’s evidence was undermined to such an extent during cross examination that the trial Judge required the jury to acquit the defendant part way through the trial. The client went on to complete his studies and begin his career in the health service.
R v H and others
alleged sexual grooming case, only defendant acquitted in the trial.
R v B
Allegation of Rape of a sex worker, acquitted after trial.
R v T
Man in his 60’s of previous good character was charged with causing GBH, facing lengthy prison sentence; presented evidence to the Prosecution pre trial who reviewed the case and offered no evidence.
R v W
Contravening regulation 3(1)(b) of the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999-defendant charged in connection with tragic death of customer that had visited nightclub she co-owned.
R v O – 2025
Not guilty of Money laundering and Possession with intent to supply class A and B drugs.
R v C (2025)
Client avoided custodial sentence for offence of voyeurism.
R v T (2025)
A former member of the British Armed services, avoided custodial sentence for assault on doorman in Manchester City Centre
R v K (2023)
No case to answer for a professional client charged with driving without due care and attention
R v B (2025)
No further action taken in a drugs conspiracy investigated by the NCA, after a 3 year investigation.
R v T (2024)
No further action regarding allegation of commercial burglary offences.
R v T (2024)
Secured a community resolution relating to a ‘road rage’ incident, client arrested and detained for assault on another road user.
DVLA v K (2023)
Separate investigation into garage business alleged failures and frauds in respect of MOT testing; no further action.
DVLA v PT (2022)
Investigation into garage business alleged failures and frauds in respect of MOT testing; no further action.
Testimonials
Professional friendly service, extremely competent, prompt responses to any query from Clare Galo. Damian Wall, represented my partner in Court, put him at ease and explained procedures clearly and we were both absolutely delighted with the result... Thank you Clare and Damian!
Ms Debbie Washington, Client
Damian Wall delivered a superb professional service. He provided prompt and accurate advice, anticipated issues and was proactive in his dealings with the police. I was most impressed; first rate.
Client's Father
Very experienced in criminal work, he is always someone I recommend to others.
Client
Thorough preparation, strong analysis of strengths and weaknesses in a case, sound and realistic advice in the client’s interest. His collaborative approach to preparing a case for trial is rare and extremely valuable.
Client
There is not much that he has not seen or been involved in over the years which is why, together with the standard of his work, I would not hesitate to recommend him.