Who we are
About Carringtons Solicitors
Carringtons Solicitors have been established since the 1990’s and are experienced in all aspects of Criminal and Prison Law.
We are a respected National Practice, proud to boast the achievement of impressive peer review standards by the Legal Aid Agency, and attainment of Lexcel quality standards.
In the event of non-eligibility for public funding through Legal Aid, we also accept instructions in line with private funding arrangements, details of which can be confirmed on request.
Our Practice is recognised as the largest provider of Prison Law work in England and Wales. Our dedicated team of Experts represent inmates across the Country in all issues of Prison Law including:
- Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP)
- Mandatory, Discretionary and Automatic Lifer Parole Board Hearings
- Determinate Parole Reviews, including Recall to Prison
- Prison Adjudications
- Re-Categorisation
- Risk Assessment and Sentence Planning and Progression issues
We understand the problems that can be faced by those incarcerated and advise promptly and clearly, attending many of our Clients in person at their holding establishment. A proportion of our Clients are vulnerable perhaps with mental health difficulties.
Our dedicated Criminal Law team has a wealth of experience and can represent you at each stage of the Criminal proceedings process.
We provide advice and representation for all case types and at all stages:
- Police interviews and investigations
- Pre-charge representation and proactive defence
- Police station representation and voluntary interviews
- Interviews under caution by investigating agencies, including HMRC, the FCA, the SFO and NHS Counter Fraud
- Advice and representation following arrests, searches and raids
- Reputation and crisis management
Team
Meet our partners
David Parker
Partner
As a Partner, Solicitor and Head of the Prison Law Department, with over 25 years’ specialist experience, David is recognised as a leading force in the field of Prison Law. David spearheads the most complex and high-risk matters, with particular expertise in high-security Category A cases and Escape Risk reviews involving some of the UK’s most dangerous offenders, including those linked to major national and international organised crime. David’s strategic, meticulous approach, enables him to secure robust and fair outcomes for clients, that others may consider beyond reach.
James Fairweather
Partner
Partner at Carringtons is the head of the Criminal Department. He has vast experience of both the Magistrates Court and the Crown Court.
Jane Winfield
Partner
As a Partner with over 15 years’ experience in Prison Law, Jane provides a clear and approachable service to every client. Previously a duty Solicitor and Higher Courts Advocate, Jane has developed extensive expertise across prison law, including parole reviews, recall challenges, and complex sentence progression issues. Known for her relaxed yet highly effective style, Jane puts clients at ease while advancing their cases with clarity and focus. With a calm communication approach and robust advocacy skill, Jane receives many recommendations from her own clients, demonstrating the high regard in which she is held.
Andrew MacDonald
Partner
Partner at Carringtons, manages the Criminal Department and oversees its day-to-day operations. He is a duty solicitor and regularly represents clients in Magistrates’ and Crown Courts, attending trials, sentencing hearings, and bail applications. Andrew also handles civil applications such as DVPOs, SHPOs, and Stalking Prevention Orders. With the development of video link systems, he can attend Magistrates’ Courts nationwide. Andrew has extensive experience in Crown Court cases, including murder, county lines drug cases, complex fraud, sexual offences, assaults, and burglaries.