Solicitor at Martin Cray & Co
James Yates
Solicitor - Solicitor
SRA ID: 635509
James is our in-house advocate for the Magistrates Court and Crown Court regularly appearing before both courts all over the country. He has developed into a successful trial advocate, with successes in a range of different offences ranging from minor road traffic offences to serious sexual offences. One of James’ specialisms is motoring offences where he well known for his detailed and passionate advocacy on behalf of his clients. James regularly advocates on guilty and not-guilty motoring offences with significant success including cases where he has successfully advocated for the Court to decide not to disqualify his clients from driving through successful “exceptional hardship” arguments. James also has significant experience with representing clients in guilty and not guilty cases in Sexual Offences. In trials he is known for his skilful and detailed cross examination of witnesses and in the event that he is required to mitigate a guilty plea – he has successfully convinced the Court depart from their sentencing guidelines to better reflect the totality of a situation, resulting in significantly lower sentences than could otherwise be received. James also represents clients in family proceedings such as non-molestation cases both applying for and defending, with their desired outcomes. James also frequently attends police station interviews for both existing clients and new clients who have sought representation out of hours. These interviews have been for a vasy variety of offences and he has an excellent track record of providing clear and detailed advice to his clients, with a number excellent outcomes for his clients – with several cases being no further actioned shortly after these interviews due to his representation.
177 Edward Street, Brighton, East Sussex, BN2 0JB
Licensed for 6 years
Practice Areas
Driving offences, Crime/ Criminal Defence, Dispute Resolution
- Wills, Trusts & Probate 5%
- Crime/ Criminal Defence 84%
- Family Law 5%
- Consumer 5%
21 Client Reviews
Overall experience
- Value For Money
- Communication
- Initial Impressions
- Approachability
- Documentation Accuracy
- Legal knowledge
About James Yates
James is our in-house advocate for the Magistrates Court and Crown Court regularly appearing before both courts all over the country. He has developed into a successful trial advocate, with successes in a range of different offences ranging from minor road traffic offences to serious sexual offences. One of James’ specialisms is motoring offences where he well known for his detailed and passionate advocacy on behalf of his clients. James regularly advocates on guilty and not-guilty motoring offences with significant success including cases where he has successfully advocated for the Court to decide not to disqualify his clients from driving through successful “exceptional hardship” arguments. James also has significant experience with representing clients in guilty and not guilty cases in Sexual Offences. In trials he is known for his skilful and detailed cross examination of witnesses and in the event that he is required to mitigate a guilty plea – he has successfully convinced the Court depart from their sentencing guidelines to better reflect the totality of a situation, resulting in significantly lower sentences than could otherwise be received. James also represents clients in family proceedings such as non-molestation cases both applying for and defending, with their desired outcomes. James also frequently attends police station interviews for both existing clients and new clients who have sought representation out of hours. These interviews have been for a vasy variety of offences and he has an excellent track record of providing clear and detailed advice to his clients, with a number excellent outcomes for his clients – with several cases being no further actioned shortly after these interviews due to his representation.
Languages Spoken: English
Contact James Yates
Resume
LICENSE
Country
Status
Acquired
Updated
United Kingdom
Currently Registered
01/06/18
07/06/23
We found no instances of professional misconduct for this solicitor
WORK EXPERIENCE
Title
Name
Duration
Solicitor
Martin Cray & Co
?-present
Good Professional Service
I was recommended Martin Cray solicitors by another law firm who did not deal in motor vehicle offences.
From the moment I walked into their offices I new I was in a very accomplished professional company. Mr Martin Cray interviewed me himself initially listening in a calm matter to the issue I put before him calmly looking through my documentation. He talked me through his initial findings really putting me at my ease and having me believe that something could be done to assist me.
He recommended I have his colleague Mr James Yates represent me due to his expertise in motoring matters. James again when through everything that had happened requesting paper work for my case. He again put me at my ease leading me to believe there would be a positive resolution to my issues.
I was being taken to court for a speeding fine that I had already paid and felt was dealt with, I had been informed that it was the courts intention to take my license away and ban me from driving. This had caused an unbelievable amount of stress to both me and my partner.
James initially tried to get the issue resolved without the recourse of going to court. Unfortunately he was not able to do so due to the non-cooperation of the Police in this matter.
On the day of the court hearing James met me and my partner at the court and took us into a side room to explain exactly what was happening, why I had been taken to court and what he was going to argue in my favour.
We went into the court and James was eminently professional and eloquent in putting my case across. With his defence I was able to keep my license, although with points added something that was unavoidable, and had to pay the same fine that I had initially been given. This was a great reduction in the amount I could have been asked to pay. I cannot actually put into words the relief and the gratitude I felt at that time.
Martin Cray solicitors and in particular Mr James Yates are an absolute credit to their profession and I would not hesitate to recommend them to anyone who has need of their professional help.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes
Feedback
James was supportive and professional form start to finish. Thank you for your non judgemental support and assistance it is much appreciated.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes
Instructed to act for internet use
Although I think the prices are slightly overpriced, no price is too much for winning my case and I would strongly recommend.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes
Brilliant
Your company were exceptionally brilliant from start to finish with your representation for me being as I had never been in that position before. Very helpful, understanding and made me feel confident and less anxious leading up to the case. James Yates is a credit to your company, and I am sending him my best regards for representing me for my case.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes
GBH charge
Both Martin and James were extremely helpful. James was incredibly supportive and was a great force in court.
The result was a fair one thanks to the advice we were given.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
A representative from Martin Cray & Co responded to this review on 12 June, 2023
Hi Deborah, thank you for your feedback! We're thrilled to hear that both Martin and James were extremely helpful and provided valuable support throughout your court case. Achieving a fair result is always our goal, and we're pleased that the advice you received contributed to a positive outcome. Thank you once again for choosing our services, and we appreciate your feedback.
Was this review helpful? Yes
A Huge Relief
Highly professional, knowledgeable and approachable. Put me at ease, explained clearly and concisely the process, likely outcomes and was reassuring.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
A representative from Martin Cray & Co responded to this review on 12 June, 2023
Hi Sarah, thank you for your kind feedback! We're thrilled to hear that you found our team to be highly professional, knowledgeable, and approachable. If you have any further questions or need any additional assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Thank you from the bottom of my heart
I just wanted to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything you�ve done to help us. What a massive massive weights been lifted today and I just want you to know how much we all have appreciated it.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes
Magnificent work
May I congratulate you in the outcome. Magnificent work.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
A representative from Martin Cray & Co responded to this review on 31 May, 2023
Thank you for your kind words, Harry. We're thrilled that you are pleased with our work. We look forward to serving you again in the future.
Was this review helpful? Yes
Very effective
Once again thank you for representing us. All the pertinent points were made very effectively. The net result was much better than I had hoped for.
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes
A big thank you
A big thank you. We love your emails, he is very appreciative of the way you write and explain, short punchy paragraphs with line breaks... it's nice to feel competent not stupid, You score max points for dyslexia awareness. Thank you x
Lawyer named in this review: James Yates
Was this review helpful? Yes