- Buxton Ryan & Co
High-Level Criminal & Financial Defence
Specialists in Complex Crime, Fraud & Proceeds of Crime Act Cases
Based in Hertfordshire and London, Buxton Ryan & Co is a specialist criminal defence firm acting for private and publicly funded clients. We deliver precise, strategic advocacy across serious and complex litigation.
- About
A Specialist Criminal Defence Practice
Buxton Ryan & Co is a dedicated criminal defence firm representing clients in serious and complex matters across Hertfordshire and London.
Our practice covers the full spectrum of criminal law, with particular expertise in large-scale fraud, proceeds of crime and high-value financial investigations. We act for both private and publicly funded clients, delivering precise, strategic representation at every stage of proceedings.
With decades of advocacy experience, the firm is recognised for handling technically demanding cases requiring discretion, clarity and meticulous preparation.
- Areas of Practice
Strategic Defence Across Complex Cases
Serious & General Crime
Representation across the full spectrum of criminal offences, from initial investigation through to Crown Court trial.
Fraud & Financial Crime
Defence in complex fraud, tax evasion and financial investigations involving high-value and multi-jurisdictional matters.
Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA)
Specialist advocacy in confiscation proceedings, asset tracing and Section 22 applications under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
Regulatory & Appeals
Advising and representing clients in regulatory prosecutions, environmental matters and appeals before higher courts.
- King’s Counsel Matters
King’s Counsel Instructions (2025-2026)
Operation Venetic (Southwark Crown Court)
High-level EncroChat litigation involving technical challenges to the admissibility and integrity of encrypted data.
Historic Family Sexual Abuse (Chelmsford Crown Court)
Historic Sexual Abuse (Chelmsford Crown Court)
High-complexity defence instruction involving non-recent allegations and forensic witness testimony.
Sexual Offences (Southwark Crown Court)
High-stakes defence litigation requiring sophisticated jury advocacy and reputational risk management.
Dangerous Dogs Prosecution (Chelmsford Crown Court)
Technically complex litigation involving expert forensic animal behaviourists and novel points of law.
- Active Complex Cases
Current High-Profile Instructions (2025–2026)
Environment Agency Defence
Specialist defence in high-profile environmental prosecutions and complex regulatory investigations.
Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
An appeal against a Section 22 POCA Order (Ipswich Crown Court).
Operation Barbados (Southwark Crown Court)
Defence of a lead architect in a £20m systematic VAT fraud prosecution.
Major Payroll Fraud (Southwark Crown Court)
Defence of an OCG-led £21m tax evasion conspiracy
EncroChat & Money Laundering (Basildon Crown Court)
Litigation involving the intersection of encrypted communications and financial tracing.
Multi-Million Pound POCA (Canterbury Crown Court, Chelmsford Crown Court & Lincoln Crown Court)
High-value confiscation proceedings requiring forensic financial analysis and international asset tracing.
Trading Standards POCA (Salisbury Crown Court)
Complex confiscation proceedings following a fraudulent trading prosecution.
HMRC POCA (Southwark Crown Court)
High-stakes POCA proceedings following high-value tax litigation.
Need Urgent Legal Advice?
Buxton Ryan & Co provides specialist defence in serious criminal and financial cases. We offer clear, strategic advice at every stage, with every enquiry handled in complete confidence.
- MEET THE TEAM
Experienced Legal Professionals
Jim O’Keeffe
Partner & Recorder.
A former Barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors. Jim currently sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.
Harry Mangan
Managing Clerk.
A former Barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors. Jim currently sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.
Tom Ryan
Trainee Solicitor
A former Barrister who transferred to the Roll of Solicitors. Jim currently sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court.