Olliers, the Manchester-based criminal defence practice known for its work at the earliest stages of police investigations, has strengthened its team with the arrival of solicitor Justyna, who joined the firm in September 2026 from a leading Manchester law firm. Her appointment reflects a broader push by Olliers to deepen its expertise in pre-charge representation, an area of criminal law that has grown increasingly significant as investigations stretch on for months or even years before any formal charge is brought.
Justyna qualified as a solicitor in 2017 and has since built a practice defending clients across a wide spectrum of criminal cases, often at moments of acute personal crisis. That experience matters in a legal environment where early intervention can shape the entire trajectory of a case. Much as families researching online safety might look for a provider with parental controls before a problem escalates, defence solicitors increasingly argue that the earlier legal advice is sought, the greater the chance of a favourable outcome. Olliers has built its reputation on precisely this principle, positioning itself as a firm clients should approach before, not after, matters become critical. a provider with parental controls
Why Pre-Charge Advice Has Become So Important
Criminal investigations in England and Wales can now take considerably longer to resolve than in the past, with suspects sometimes left on police bail or under investigation for extended periods without clarity on whether charges will follow. This uncertainty creates real psychological and practical strain. Specialist pre-charge representation involves engaging with police and prosecutors before a decision to charge is made, challenging weak evidence, making representations to discourage charges, and preparing clients for the possibility of formal proceedings. It requires a different skill set from traditional post-charge defence work: more negotiation, more strategic patience, and a detailed understanding of how charging decisions are actually reached within the justice system.
Olliers has staked its reputation on this specialism, and Justyna will now undertake the firm's internal pre-charge accreditation programme, described as intensive and designed to sharpen the particular skills this area demands. The training reflects a recognition within the profession that pre-charge work cannot simply be treated as an extension of standard criminal defence; it calls for its own methodology and, increasingly, its own dedicated training pathway.
What the Appointment Signals for Clients
For clients, the practical implication is straightforward: another experienced solicitor is now available to guide them through the uncertainty of an ongoing investigation, from initial police contact through to any eventual charging decision. Justyna has said she is looking forward to applying her expertise toward achieving strong outcomes for clients while upholding the standards of service and strategic advice for which Olliers has become known. Her move also illustrates a wider pattern in criminal law recruitment, where firms are increasingly competing to attract solicitors with specific pre-charge experience, recognising that this early stage of a case is often where the most consequential legal decisions are made.