Team
Somerville Lahive relies largely on word of mouth recommendations.
We do not believe in selling ourselves or trying to convince clients that they should instruct us over a different firm. If you want to understand what our values are, then call us and we will be happy to help you.
Paddy Somerville
Paddy Somerville is a straight-talking advisor and advocate. Paddy’s clients are always grateful to him for the way in which he ensures that their voice is heard in court, exactly how they want it to be. Paddy’s clients often describe him as a fighter, and he receives many recommendations for his work. Paddy has an interest in licensing and has successfully kept or obtained licenses on behalf of local taxi drivers, restaurants and night time drinking establishments.
Bill Lahive
Bill is a well respected solicitor who helped to build Walker Lahive into one of the most highly regarded and well known criminal defence firms in the South West. Bill has a ‘no-nonsense’ approach and assertiveness in court that you would appreciate if you find yourself in the dock and he is defending you. You will find him to be honest and straight talking. His clients appreciate him getting to the point and being told in clear cut language exactly where they stand.
Graham Kinchin
Graham’s been defending people, with vigour, as a criminal defence specialist ever since he qualified as a solicitor in 1998. He studied at three universities – Exeter, Portsmouth and Plymouth – before cutting his teeth at one of the busiest criminal law practices in the country. He came back to Plymouth in 2001 to head a local criminal department and joined Walker Lahive three years later, where ever since he’s been protecting, defending and helping people at the police station and in court. However stressful a situation might be for you, you’ll find that Graham’s always calm and friendly and, most importantly, there for you and on your side.
Adrian Hill
Adrian qualified in 1995 and has been a Police Station and Court Duty Solicitor for the last 30 years having dealt with the full range of criminal litigation and traffic matters from the Magistrates Court to the Crown and High Courts.
Adrian has represented clients both locally and nationally and they have appreciated his staunch but realistic approach to defending them, always providing practical advice and representation with empathy.
Kenneth Papenfus
Kenneth has represented defendants in the Magistrates’ Court for decades and has a calm and formidable Courtroom presence. He is a skilful advocate with an eye for technical detail. Kenneth particularly enjoys representing clients charged with traffic offences. He has a high success rate advancing exceptional hardship Applications and has avoided disqualification for his clients.
Will Willden
Will is a dual qualified solicitor / barrister. Will is unique in the sense that he is on the Duty Solicitor rota whilst being a practicing barrister. His knowledge of Crown Court proceedings give him an arguable edge at the police station. He has a strong armed forces following having spent a previously successful career as a Royal Marines Commando.
John Smethurst
John operated Phoenix Solicitors in Torquay before deciding to close the firm the work on a part-time basis at Somerville Lahive.
John is praised with his technical ability and a ruthlessness in Court which his clients appreciate.
Ross Lewis
You might meet Ross in many situations. He’s is proud to be an Accredited Police Station Representative, which means he’ll be there for you if you’ve been asked to go for an interview at the police station, whether under arrest or voluntarily. His main role here is at Somerville Lahive is the Crown Court Manager. It’s an extremely busy department, so the firm depends on his efficiency in preparing and managing Crown Court cases. Ross’ job is to work alongside your barrister and look after you in the preparation of your case throughout the crown court process. Ross is friendly and knowledgeable, direct and to the point and will explain everything you need to know in plain, jargon-free English.
Kate Brooks
Kate is our administrator covering all aspects of the day-to-day assistance in the office to our solicitors. You might speak to Kate on the phone to deliver messages to our solicitors at exceptionally busy times when Tracy and Sharon cannot get to the phone !
Tracy Lawson and Sharon Clarke
Tracy started working for Stephen Walker and has been with the firm throughout its evolution. Tracy will answer your call and take details form you to ensure that your query is allocated to the best person for the job. When Tracy is not available Sharon shares her role. Both Tracy and Sharon are helpful and personable and are happy to assist you from the very start and throughout your case.
Jill Bunny and Wendy Pullinger
The outside world are unlikely to encounter Jill or Wendy since they work behind the scenes. However, they are valued team members and it didn’t seem right to leave them out !