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06 September 2024 / Jessica Wilson
Issue: 8084 / Categories: Features , Criminal
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A start-up criminal defence firm committed to excelling in customer service *Partner copy*

A Q&A special with founder Jessica Wilson

Who are you and why did you decide to set up Eventum Legal?

After 15 years working within criminal law, a large proportion of that time representing those accused of serious criminal offences, I made the decision to specialise in sexual offences. Seeing the impact a false sexual allegation can have on a person is devastating, from the early days of my career witnessing this first hand drove my passion for defending the accused. Sexual offences carry a stigma. Just to be accused is enough to damage a person’s reputation for the rest of their life. I am extremely passionate about ensuring firstly a fair investigation for a suspect of a sexual offence, and trial for a defendant. I take a no stone unturned approach with all cases and provide a high level of care towards my client.

I have spent the last four years assisting in the growth and development of a start-up law firm which is now excelling. This is what made me realise my ability to successfully set up and develop my own law firm allowing me to run a practice as I wish.

Where are you based and who engages you?

Our head office is based on King Street in Manchester, with satellite offices in Liverpool and London, however, we service clients throughout England and Wales. We believe in excelling in customer service. We will travel to our clients to ensure their case is given the upmost attention and dedication from our lawyers. Our services are aimed at individuals accused of serious sexual offences such as false rape and sexual assault allegations, historic sexual allegations, indecent image offences and offences arising in circumstances where domestic violence is alleged. We find sexual allegations often intertwine with domestic violence offences and incorporated this into our services.

We acknowledge the rise in youth sexual offending, and we are members of the Youth Justice Legal Centre, a centre of excellence for Youth Practitioners. This provides us with the tools and opportunities to train our staff to the highest levels when representing Youths within the criminal justice system.

What differentiates you from other firms in your sector?

There are many law firms out there, and it must be a minefield for clients looking for the most suitable lawyer to represent them. Eventum Legal are one of few law firms that practise only in defending cases of a sexual nature. We are not a general crime firm and therefore dedication to training and development is powered into the representation of those accused of sexual and domestic violence.

In addition to the legal representation of those accused, we offer the service to liaise with their regulatory bodies where necessary, for instance we have represented Dr’s regulated by the GMC and involve ourselves in the disciplinary proceedings which arise as a result of the criminal proceedings. The same applies to students who face misconduct proceedings within their educational setting.

Why should the accused engage Eventum Legal?

We have a vast amount of experience in defending cases at all stages of criminal proceedings, including during the police investigation, the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal and cases being considered by the Criminal Case Review Commission. We pride ourselves on client care. Our clients are not just a number to us. We do not seek large numbers of clients but instead see ourselves as a boutique law firm offering a more personalised service; we spend the time getting to know our clients, their personal circumstances and background. It is only by doing this we can properly advance a strong defence and/or mitigation on our client’s behalf.

It is also important as a lawyer to acknowledge the devastation being accused of a sexual offence can have, the impact it has on the lives of all involved and the consequences. The stigma of sexual offending makes it all the more important that clients feel supported.

Any final advice for someone seeking to engage a firm such as yours?

The only advice I can provide is to do your research! Not only of the firm but of the lawyer you are intending to engage to act on your behalf. I have come across many lawyers referring to themselves as experts or specialists in this area only to see that their background is something completely different.

Allegations of a sexual or domestic nature often go on for some time. I have clients who I have represented throughout proceedings which have gone on for a number of years. Therefore, choose the lawyer who you feel you can build that working relationship with, and who provides you with honest and realistic advice, and is determined to fight to defend your case and protect your reputation.

Eventum Legal  Powering your defence & navigating tough waters together

 

Jessica Wilson LLB Hons (FCILEx), Senior Lawyer/Director.
About Eventum Legal: At Eventum Legal we stand alongside you as dedicated partners, fiercely committed to defending your rights, safeguarding your reputation, and securing your future.

82 King Street Manchester M2 4WQ
Email: info@eventumlegal.co.uk

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