Head of High Profile and Private Crime Division, Crime
Craig MacKenzie
My contact details
Department
Services
My awards and achievements
Elite Criminal Defence for High-Net-Worth Individuals, Professionals and Businesses
Craig MacKenzie is a highly acclaimed Solicitor Advocate and Partner at Forbes Solicitors, leading the High-Profile and Private Crime Division. Recognised as a leading authority in serious and complex criminal defence, Craig specialises in high-stakes cases involving fraud, financial crime, regulatory investigations, business crime, and major criminal allegations.
With a distinguished career spanning two decades, Craig has built an unrivalled reputation for securing exceptional results for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), business leaders, professionals and public figures facing criminal and regulatory scrutiny. His expertise in protecting reputation, livelihood and liberty makes him the go-to choice for elite legal representation.
Why Choose Craig MacKenzie?
Top-ranked solicitor in Chambers & Partners, Legal 500 and Spear’s 500
Recognised authority in fraud, white-collar crime amd regulatory defence
Regular legal expert on the BBC and radio - featured in numerous national media publications
Over 700 trials conducted personally, hundreds more as a litigator - unparalleled courtroom experience
Strategic, discreet, and results-driven defence for private client
National and International Criminal Defence Expert
Craig represents clients across Manchester, London, Leeds, Lancashire and internationally, providing best-in-class legal defence tailored to high-profile and high-stakes cases. His clientele includes:
Business executives, directors and entrepreneurs
Doctors, solicitors, accountants and finance professionals
Celebrities, sports professionals and influencers
HNW and UHNW individuals requiring elite criminal defence
High-profile clients require a solicitor who understands the pressures of media scrutiny, professional reputation, and personal stakes. Craig’s meticulous approach ensures that every case is handled with complete discretion, strategic planning, and a deep understanding of how to mitigate risks beyond the courtroom. His experience advising CEOs, medical professionals and HNWIs means that clients receive tailored, results-driven defence strategies that protect their careers, reputations and personal lives.
Cutting-Edge Defence Strategy and AI-Powered Legal Innovation
Craig leads the way in integrating AI-powered forensic analysis, digital evidence management, and advanced case strategy tools to provide clients with a decisive advantage in complex cases.
Using AI-driven analytics, Craig and his team can:
Process vast amounts of digital evidence efficiently, from financial transactions to mobile phone data
Identify inconsistencies in prosecution arguments faster than traditional methods
Build stronger, data-backed defence strategies with forensic precision
His pioneering approach to legal defence ensures that clients benefit from the most sophisticated, technology-enhanced strategies available today, reinforcing his position at the forefront of modern criminal law.
A Reputation Built on Excellence
Craig’s national recognition as a leading criminal defence solicitor is reinforced by industry accolades, media appearances, and client success stories. He is renowned for turning around cases that initially seem unwinnable, using his forensic science background and deep legal expertise to dismantle flawed prosecution arguments. His ability to analyse thousands of pages of evidence, including digital forensic data and financial records, has led to major case dismissals, acquittals, and reduced charges.
Clients choose Craig not just for his expertise but for his ability to achieve exceptional results. He has successfully defended company directors accused of financial crime, medical professionals facing regulatory investigations, and celebrities dealing with high-profile allegations. His ability to challenge flawed evidence and cross-examine key witnesses effectively has led to numerous acquittals and case dismissals, solidifying his reputation as one of the UK’s top defence solicitors.
Craig provides a discreet and strategic defence for clients under investigation by regulatory bodies such as:
Serious Fraud Office (SFO)
HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC)
Financial Conduct Authority (FCA)
Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)
His track record in defending serious criminal allegations, including murder, terrorism, and rape, is exceptional, securing outstanding results for his clients time and time again.
Book a Consultation – Work with One of the UK’s Top Criminal Defence Solicitors
Craig MacKenzie is widely recognised as one of the top criminal defence solicitors in Manchester, London, Leeds, and Lancashire. He represents clients across the UK and internationally in high-profile cases. Craig takes on a limited number of cases to ensure that every client receives exclusive, first-class representation. His expertise covers:
• Fraud, financial crime and white-collar defence
• Regulatory investigations and business crime
• Corporate and professional misconduct cases
• Serious criminal allegations (murder, terrorism, cybercrime, sexual offences, bribery & corruption)
Contact Craig’s team today to arrange a private consultation
He has such good judgement, really gets involved with the case and fights for his client's best interests.
Chambers & Partners (2025)
Craig MacKenzie is a star performer. He has a lovely manner with clients - understated, reassuring, while commanding the respect of his professional colleagues and the court. He gets results through hard work and excellent judgement. He knows his law inside and out and is excellent with clients.
Legal 500 (2025)
Craig is conscientious, hard-working and he has an excellent client manner.
Chambers & Partners (2024)
Craig MacKenzie is a standout lawyer. He is extremely bright, hardworking, and committed to his clients. His calm demeanour is effective, whether dealing with judges or stressed lay clients. His briefs are carefully prepared, and he follows the case through from start to finish.
Legal 500 (2024)
noted is 'outstanding performer' Craig MacKenzie.
Legal 500 (2024)
I found Craig and the team to be a massive help and support throughout the process. They were friendly and reassuring and I felt informed and supported throughout. The entire team went above and beyond and I am very grateful
I highly recommend Forbes solicitors and would use again if I found myself needing legal representation.Carly
Mr Mackenzie was extremely capable and helped me through the whole process from being charged to my trial. Making things simple to understand and of course helping build up confidence in my defence.
I am so glad I used this legal firm as not only was Mr Mackenzie an extremely valuable asset in my defence.
Anonymous
When you're in a place that feels like there is no way out. That's when you call Craig MacKenzie. Craig and Paige make sure you are being heard and work towards a positive outcome. Could not recommend this firm and individuals mentioned any more.
Anonymous
Mr MacKenzie has been superb in organising a defence case on my behalf, kept me informed throughout and have been at the end of the phone when I had queries. Forbes put me at ease from the first meeting and I felt that I was in safe hands in navigating the court process. I was successful in defending my case and this is in no small part to the organisation of the defence case led by Mr MacKenzie and assisted by Miss Dobson.
Andrzej