ABOUT EFBW

Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson is a Top Tier Criminal Law firm dealing with Legal Aid and private clients facing any charge
Edward Fail, Bradshaw & Waterson has a first class reputation as a specialist criminal defence firm. We are consistently ranked as amongst the very best in London and the UK by Chambers & Partners and The Legal 500 .
 
Our team of dedicated lawyers offers expert advice and representation at every stage of the criminal investigation and trial process. We regularly act in cases ranging from murder, terrorism, fraud, drug trafficking, sexual offences and assault, through to road traffic and regulatory matters. 
 
We have represented clients in the East End of London and beyond since 1887, when Charles Bradshaw opened our first office on East India Dock Road. We have a history of commitment to the community and ensuring that our service is equally accessible to all. As a result, we are known for the high standard of all of our work, whether funded privately or by legal aid.
 
We understand that being accused of a criminal offence can be an intensely stressful and upsetting experience for the individual concerned and for their family. Our team approaches all cases with the same level of professionalism and efficiency, and with the aim of providing the best possible service, specific to the needs of each individual client.  We will defend your case with robust determination, using the highest level of expertise in order to achieve the best result.
 

In their 2017 edition, Chambers & Partners wrote:
 
Highly regarded for its dedicated criminal law practice and commitment to legal aid work. Top-level expertise across the breadth of complex criminal cases, including historic sexual abuse investigations and gang-related crime. Also renowned for its experience in youth crime


Strengths (Quotes mainly from clients)

"They have great strength in depth. It's a strong team able to cover a variety of styles based on impressive collective experience and expertise - there is truly a solicitor for every situation."

"They are a shining light in terms of the legal aid community of solicitors. They are all incredibly impressive and are all outstanding in their own way."
 
Our main offices are situated at 402 Commercial Road, London E1 0LG, (0207 790 4032) and are open between 9:30am and 5.30pm.  We also have offices in the City at 150 The Minories, London EC3N 1LS (0207 264 2016).  You can contact our emergency police station advice line, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, on 07841 454 170.  Alternatively, email us and we will contact you for a confidential discussion about your case.
 
Mr Bradshaw & Mr Waterson in Epping Forest c.1905
Our People
Edward Preston attracts extensive praise for his handling of high-stakes criminal cases, offering first-class experience in gang-related and firearms charges. According to one commentator, "his thorough understanding of each case is combined with a full understanding of the law, an ability to imagine novel approaches and an unfailing will to secure the best result." 
Chambers & Partners 2017
"Led by Edward Preston, who is ‘a master of criminal defence’, and Paul Harris (‘the driving force of the firm’), Edward Fail Bradshaw & Waterson provides defence work of ‘the highest quality’. Despite legal aid cuts, the firm continued to expand, and saw an increase in youth court work."
The Legal 500
Paul Harris is held out as a leading serious crime practitioner who draws particular praise for his "incredible commitment" to legal aid work. One source states: "He inspires great confidence by combining a practical, user-friendly approach with a wealth of experience, sound judgement, technical expertise and tactical nous"
Chambers & Partners 2017
Shila Keshvari comes highly recommended for the "incredible results" she achieves in complex cases, as well as her "stacks of experience in all caseloads across the spectrum." One interviewee describes her as "one of the most client-friendly solicitors I've ever met." She is particularly noted for her experience of serious gang-related cases"
Chambers and Partners 2017