A defence practice built on finding what others have missed
Paris has worked in criminal defence for more than a decade and is known for a detailed, evidence-led approach to investigations and serious cases. He previously worked at Hodge Jones & Allen in London and has represented clients across police station, Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court matters.
His work in the Samson Makele case received national attention after an independent examination of a mobile phone recovered photographs that had not been identified in the prosecution disclosure process. The material was served on the prosecution and the CPS subsequently offered no evidence. The case became part of the wider public debate about disclosure failures in criminal proceedings.
Independent examination of a recovered mobile phone surfaced photographs the prosecution's own disclosure process had missed. Once served on the CPS, the case against the client did not proceed.
Current practice
Paris advises clients at the investigation stage and after charge, with particular emphasis on early strategy, police interviews, pre-charge representations, serious crime, fraud, financial crime, POCA and complex litigation. His approach is to establish the factual chronology, test the evidence and identify the legal or evidential point most likely to change the outcome.
He also advises where criminal allegations intersect with professional reputation, civil disputes or wider personal and commercial consequences. Theodorous holds a Legal Aid Agency criminal contract, and Paris advises both legal aid and privately funded clients — the funding route makes no difference to how a case is prepared.
View Paris’s NHS Continuing Healthcare reviewer profile →Paris is also the named professional reviewer for Care Home Cost Claims, Theodorous’s specialist service for NHS Continuing Healthcare, CHC appeals and care-home fee recovery.
Professional status
Selected recognition
Paris was a finalist in the Criminal Defence category of the 2018 Legal Aid Lawyer of the Year Awards while at Hodge Jones & Allen. The organisers’ published shortlist confirms this recognition. Legal Action’s coverage also highlighted his role in identifying disclosure failings in the Samson Makele case.
LAPG: 2018 Criminal Defence finalists (PDF)Legal Action: coverage of the 2018 finalistsHow Paris works with clients
Clients receive direct advice on the strengths, weaknesses and practical risks of their case. Where further work is required, the next steps are identified clearly—whether that means obtaining evidence, preparing representations, challenging a procedural decision, instructing counsel or preparing for court.
The objective is not to create unnecessary work. It is to make sure that the important work is done at the stage when it can still make a difference.