St James Solicitors is committed to providing a friendly, efficient and professional service.

We always put our clients first. We understand that clients need us to provide sound advice and effective representation in court. We understand that people are arrested at all times of day or night.

For that reason our solicitors are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to clients held in custody by the police under arrest.

For all of our other clients, we work hard to keep lines of communication open and are happy to use email, telephone, skype or even text message in addition to face-to-face meetings if it means that we can keep in touch and do the best job possible in a case.

OUR TEAM

Founded in 2002 as a specialist criminal law practice, the firm has established a reputation as a leader in its field and is only one of two firms in the local area listed in Chambers and Partners “Guide to the Legal Profession”.  This year’s entry in the guide describes the firm as an “Exeter powerhouse defending private and publicly funded clients in all types of criminal cases. Noted for its in-house advocacy capacity and knowledge of the local community”.

A partner at St James Solicitors since it was founded in 2002, Jeremy has been working in the criminal justice system for over 20 years and has specialised in criminal defence work since 1997.  He represents legally aided and privately paying clients in the Magistrates Court, the Crown Court and the police station.  He is a trial advocate of significant experience and prides himself on achieving results for his clients – often against the odds.

Jeremy Wickham

Jeremy holds a wide ranging caseload and has a particular connection with professional clients, such as Company Directors, accountants, teachers, financial advisers, doctors and other health care professionals.  Jeremy regularly works with professional associations such as the NUT and the Royal College of Nursing to protect the interests of their members.

He has a reputation for fostering a close working relationship with clients in cases large or small and maintains close contact with a small number of specialist Crown Court advocates including Queens Counsel and will instruct an appropriately experienced advocate in cases of particular complexity, high value or high profile.

Peter Woodley

A solicitor with over ten years experience of criminal defence work, Peter is the newest partner at St James solicitors having joined in 2012.  Peter is renown in the local area for his commitment to criminal justice system  and the sheer hard work that he brings to every case he deals with – large or small.

His wealth of experience in the Magistrates and youth courts as well as the police station along with his easy manner mean that he is consistently praised by clients for the support he provides during what can be the worst time of their lives.
Peter also deals with a large caseload of more serious and complex Crown Court matters and has recent experience handling rape, murder, fraud and even terrorism offences with a calm and efficient ease.

By priding himself on working collaboratively with other professionals, Peter regularly heads a team of lawyers including the trial advocate and assistant paralegals who will work together to  prepare the case for trial or otherwise negotiate the best outcome for the client.