Laurence Lee was born and bred a Liverpudlian. Beginning at the Liverpool College from the age of 6 to 16, Laurence went on to attend the University of Liverpool from the age of 17 before graduating at the tender age of 20. He now regrets not having had a gap year and, at the tender age of 57, would seriously like to have one now!
One of his main motivations for remaining loyal to Merseyside after university was his beloved, Everton Football Club - who at the time were English champions and Laurence couldn't bear the thought of missing a match!
Although Laurence has been one of the top criminal solicitors on Merseyside for more years than he is prepared to admit, he has to accept that his criminal law development got off to a rather slow start. When he sat his first criminal law exam at the age of 17, his law professor, the late Professor Seaborn Davies marked his paper in this way “I have granted you a pass mark (just 33%!) but may I suggest that you do not pursue criminal law as a career."
It is perhaps interesting to note that Gary Lineker as a young boy was advised by his Headmaster not to pursue a career in Football, and John Lennon received advice of a similar sentiment from his Auntie regarding his musical pursuits! It just goes to show that headmasters and law professors are not always right.
Laurence qualified as a Solicitor in 1976 at the age of 23, and by the time he reached his 30th Birthday he had built up a substantial criminal practice. Over the years he has handled some of the highest profile criminal cases in English legal history.
Besides handling the defence in the James Bulger murder case, he has handled cases at both ends of the criminal spectrum, including: some of the largest drug importation cases in Britain; representing high ranking police officers charged with corruption; and arguing the defence of the agent of Her Majesty’s Royal Musician who was accused of defrauding him of almost £1,000,000.
On a less serious note, Laurence has represented on many occasions the world's most prolific “streaker” following naked intrusions at such major events as the Grand National, the European Cup Final at Hamden Park, the World Snooker Final, the National Lottery and the British Open Golf Championship at Hoylake.
Indeed, it was thanks to 'the Streaker' that Laurence earned the accolade of one of the top ten quotes of the year in the Mail on Sunday when he announced in Court that the Streaker was intending to change his ways and had turned over a new fig leaf.
Not only does Laurence appear in Magistrates Courts up and down the Country but is also a Higher Rights Advocate entitling him to don his gown and represent clients in the Crown Court.
It was not long before Laurence became a Member of the Serious Fraud Panel entitling him to act on the most high profile of Fraud Cases, which he still does with the assistance of his excellent Crown Court Team, particularly Alison Sharples and Brigitte Waters.
Laurence speaks French and German and this has resulted in him acting for clients arrested in Europe. A Liverpool client was arrested on a Warrant in France. He had no hesitation in traveling to France to look after the interests of the client cooperating with a top French Lawyer resulting in his acquittal.
One of Laurence’s main sidelines is the media. Following the tragic James Bulger Murder in 1993, Laurence has been called upon regularly by the Press to commentate on this case and other youth crime matters. His appearances on TV and Radio have diversified beyond youth crime firstly, to crime more generally. More recently, Laurence has made media appearances on current affairs programmes, and is a regular panelist on a popular BBC Radio 5 Sunday morning programme.
Another of Laurence’s fortes is his after dinner speaking and addressing for student groups. Laurence has addressed students nationwide and beyond, telling tales from his experiences on high profile court cases. Laurence is a highly sought after guest speaker and availability enquiries can be made throught the contact details on this website.
The legal profession, and in particular the legal aid practice...
licitors are facing difficult times and very few young Lawyers are being tempted into the Profession. Laurence considers this to be a great shame and actively encourages young Students to follow him around the Courts to demonstrate what a magnificent profession Criminal Law can be. Students are actively encouraged to contact Laurence to shadow him in Court and whilst he cannot accede to all requests he is always willing to give friendly counseling and assistance. Laurence takes pride in making clients feel comfortable both in the office and in Court. He treats all clients as equals. He is a peoples person totally devoid of arrogance and speaks to clients and not down to them. Being represented by Laurence Lee & Co takes away some of the traumas of Prosecution.