Experienced solicitor Mike Farr has been recruited to East Yorkshire’s largest defence advocacy team.

He has joined Williamsons Solicitors which has offices in Hull, Beverley, Driffield and Bridlington, bringing a wealth of experience to the firm which employs more than 130 people, with 18, including support staff, working in criminal law.

Mr Farr says he was attracted to the new role due to Williamsons’ reputation for the highest quality representation and its long-standing client base.

“I got hooked on defence work during my legal training contract more than 20 years ago and have never looked back. It’s a fast moving, exciting and rewarding area of law.”

Following working in the food and manufacturing industries, and then a spell in the military, Mr Farr returned to college to study business at the age of 21, subsequently studying law at Sheffield Hallam University and the York Law School.

“My work has encompassed all types of criminal defence work from road traffic offences to high-profile cases,” said Mr Farr who lives with his wife and two teenage sons in Hutton Cranswick, near Driffield. “What links them all is a strong desire to provide the best representation for clients.”

Mr Farr added that cuts in legal aid were a serious concern. “The whole criminal justice system is underfunded. People do get wrongly accused of crimes and if there is not a system in place to protect them, it can have a catastrophic impact on their lives.”

Bill Waddington, a director at Williamsons Solicitors and head of the defence advocacy department, said that Mr Farr was an excellent addition to a strong team. “We all pride ourselves in our work, and for that reason, along with his experience, Mike is a great fit.”

Mr Farr, who is police station accredited and an experienced duty solicitor, added that defence advocacy is suited to people who want a dynamic career. “You never know what is around the corner in this job. No two days are ever the same.”