James Killen is an Associate Solicitor who works in our crime team based in our Milton Keynes branch. James Killen specialises in trial advocacy, with a particular interest in defending clients charged with offences against the police.

James has had many successes where clients have been acquitted because he has successfully argued that police officers were acting unlawfully. As well as appearing in the Magistrates’ Court, James has also appeared in the Crown Court in respect of appeals against sentence imposed by the lower court. In addition to criminal proceedings, James represents clients in what is known as quasi-criminal proceedings. These proceedings take place in the County Court and involve James defending clients against the local police, the latter having made an application to have those subject to an anti-social behaviour injunction immediately committed to prison for allegedly breaching the injunction. This is an area of law James is passionate about, as many of the clients who are subject to these harsh injunctions are struggling with mental health problems or a learning disability.

James is a skilful advocate who is meticulous in his preparation for hearings. He puts his success down to hard work and the fact he cares about outcomes for his clients. He has an intense dislike of any form of unfairness within the criminal justice system and he understands the frustration clients feel in relation to what they see as police dishonesty.