Stephen Clifford is responsible for setting the tone right from the top. He has incredibly high standards and insists on the same throughout the firm. He is utterly driven to make sure the firm delivers for its clients. He leads by example and has a ferocious work ethic.
Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2023
Stephen Clifford leads by example. He is the kind of well briefed lawyer, with real attention to detail, that you would want representing you if you were ever unfortunate enough to be arrested. He cares about the quality of service levels delivered by the firm to clients and the Courts and that shows throughout the entire firm – whether his fellow solicitors or paralegals.
Legal 500, 2021
Stephen Clifford runs the Bristol office in a very efficient way. He is supported by a quality team of solicitors and clerks who collectively provide a quality service
Legal 500, 2019
Stephen Clifford is without question a superb solicitor and credit to the profession. Stephen knew my case inside out and I always felt as though my case was the most important matter he was dealing with. Stephen was always calm and reassuring. No issue was too small for Stephen to deal with.
Legal 500 Leading Partner, 2025
Stephen Clifford is intuitive, bright and dedicated with a keen legal mind and an approach which instills complete confidence.
Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024
Stephen Clifford – remains at the top of his game. A real go-to solicitor for serious cases.
Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024
Stephen Clifford is responsible for setting the tone right from the top. He has incredibly high standards and insists on the same throughout the firm. He is utterly driven to make sure the firm delivers for its clients. He leads by example and has a ferocious work ethic.
Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2023
Stephen Clifford leads by example. He is the kind of well briefed lawyer, with real attention to detail, that you would want representing you if you were ever unfortunate enough to be arrested. He cares about the quality of service levels delivered by the firm to clients and the Courts and that shows throughout the entire firm – whether his fellow solicitors or paralegals.
Legal 500, 2021
Stephen Clifford runs the Bristol office in a very efficient way. He is supported by a quality team of solicitors and clerks who collectively provide a quality service
Legal 500, 2019
Stephen Clifford is without question a superb solicitor and credit to the profession. Stephen knew my case inside out and I always felt as though my case was the most important matter he was dealing with. Stephen was always calm and reassuring. No issue was too small for Stephen to deal with.
Legal 500 Leading Partner, 2025
Stephen Clifford is intuitive, bright and dedicated with a keen legal mind and an approach which instills complete confidence.
Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024
Stephen Clifford – remains at the top of his game. A real go-to solicitor for serious cases.
Legal 500 Leading Individual, 2024
Stephen Clifford is a Partner at Reeds having joined from a multi disciplinary firm in 2014. He is recognised nationally as a specialist in general crime works in our Bristol office. He has previously been a member of the Law Society’s Mental Health Panel and he is consistently recognised as a Leading Individual in the Legal 500, which notes that he;
“is without question a superb solicitor and credit to the profession. Stephen knew my case inside out and I always felt as though my case was the most important matter he was dealing with. Stephen was always calm and reassuring. No issue was too small for Stephen to deal with.”
He was also retained by a National Road Traffic insurer to provide their insured with Road Traffic Act advice.
Stephen is instructed across the country in a range of criminal matters, with a particular focus on serious violent and sexual offences and as well as high value frauds.
Stephen is an expert in pro-active case management of his files in the Crown Court. Stephen regularly instructs King’s Counsel and Leading Juniors.
Stephen is known for bringing utter commitment and focus to every case, with exceptional care and skill, such that during the course of his career he has been instructed in numerous high-profile cases nationwide which have gained national press attention.
In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules for motoring offences we confirm that Stephen Clifford charges Level B hourly rates.
Stephen has consistently been ranked in recent years by the Legal 500 as one of a handful of Leading Partners specialising in crime in the South West, leading on market-leading deals and endorsed by peers and clients alike.
Those who work closely with Stephen have said:
“Stephen always goes the extra mile in caring for his clients. His attention to detail is second to none and he provides realistic and compassionate advice which is always well thought-through. He is completely dedicated to achieving the best outcome for the client and deploys his extensive experience of the criminal process on their behalf to best effect each time.”
“It’s great working with Stephen because he’s completely committed to providing a top class service for clients at each stage of the criminal process. He is tactically astute, always gives sound advice and cares deeply about his clients achieving the best possible outcome in any case. He works incredibly hard to ensure that no stone is left unturned whether that’s chasing the prosecution for vital information, instructing the right experts or building a case for trial. I completely trust his judgment and am always happy to be part of any team he is in.”
“Stephen is everything a top quality solicitor should be; across the detail of the case, thorough and meticulous in his organisation and planning and dedicated to representing the interests of his clients – leaving no stone unturned in the preparation of their defence. I can pay him no greater compliment than this; if I, or someone I cared about was in trouble, I would want him on their case.”
Recent and notable cases
Defending of an individual accused of making false claims of sexual assault against senior royal, political and military figures arising from Operation Yewtree investigation into Jimmy Savile.
Defence of an individual involved in large scale supply of over 30kg of class A drugs and subsequent POCA proceedings.
Defence of a mother accused of murdering her baby within minutes of giving birth. The CPS were persuaded to offer an alternative charge of infanticide in place of murder, resulting in the client receiving a community order.
Defence of a client accused of being involved in a Ponzi style fraud of over £300k. Forensic accounts were instructed and the crown was persuaded to discontinue the prosecution against her.
Road Traffic case determining the location of the offence where a defendant fails to provide details as to the identity of the driver.
Represented the Managing Director of a company acquitted following trial of infringing the trademarks of Sun, IBM and Compaq to a value in excess of £30m, in the resale of computer chips.
A prosecution under the POCA 2003 where the MD of a company used his company to receive and transfer millions in funds from virtual casino’s in the United States under licences from the Kahnawake Gaming Commission, the proceeds of which came from illegal gambling activities. There was never a prosecution in Canada against the owners and one of the issues was whether the activity constituted a criminal offence abroad.
Involved in the defence of a large scale investigation by the Gambling Commission and the West Midlands police into the match fixing of snooker matches which resulted in no charges.
Testimonials
I know a short note doesn’t really represent the actions of today, but I just wanted to say “THANK YOU” I know I have been very needy in terms of anxiety and I really do appreciate the time you have taken with me and of course the end result.
Client
Can I just take this opportunity to thank you personally for dealing with my case so well. I really don't know quite where I would [have] been without your help & guidance. It was a pleasure to have you represent me & a delight to secure the result that you achieved, so thank you once again Stephen
Client
I just wanted to thank you for all your help. Yesterday in court went better than I could have possibly hoped for so I am very happy with the result.
Client
I know a short note doesn’t really represent the actions of today, but I just wanted to say “THANK YOU” I know I have been very needy in terms of anxiety and I really do appreciate the time you have taken with me and of course the end result.
Client
Can I just take this opportunity to thank you personally for dealing with my case so well. I really don't know quite where I would [have] been without your help & guidance. It was a pleasure to have you represent me & a delight to secure the result that you achieved, so thank you once again Stephen
Client
I just wanted to thank you for all your help. Yesterday in court went better than I could have possibly hoped for so I am very happy with the result.
Client
I know a short note doesn’t really represent the actions of today, but I just wanted to say “THANK YOU” I know I have been very needy in terms of anxiety and I really do appreciate the time you have taken with me and of course the end result.
Client