Jo Coomber and Issy Hogg bring together a wealth of experience in the field of criminal law.

Jo qualified as a Solicitor in 1989 and gained widespread experience in the Magistrates Court by being a Court Clerk for several years before leaving the Court Service to take up defence work in private practice. Jo set up Coomber Rich in 1996, since which time the firm has gone from strength to strength with an extensive client following. Jo is responsible for overall supervision and management of the firm.

Issy qualified as a solicitor in 1984 and, prior to joining forces with Jo in January 2009, had spent 17 years with a medium size practice where, in addition to being Senior Criminal Partner, she was also Personnel Partner, Quality Mark Representative and Money Laundering Review Officer. Issy is recognised by the Legal Services Commission Complex Crime Unit as a fraud supervisor and, as such, was able to bring to the firm the Very High Case Contract. Issy is also a Higher Courts’ Advocate (Criminal).

Jo and Issy undertake work in all areas of criminal law, with extensive experience in Juvenile, Magistrates and Crown Court proceedings and prison law; including mental health issues within the criminal justice system, regulatory offences and complex fraud.

In addition Jo and Issy are involved in military law, defence of military personnel and have experience of representing core participants in public enquiries.

Jo and Issy also receive regular instructions from the National Union of Teachers on behalf of members finding themselves involved in criminal enquiries.

Jo, unusually, also has experience of Ecclesiastical Courts.

Jo and Issy are both current, and long standing, members of the Duty Solicitor scheme.

Joe McDermott has been involved in the legal profession for over 50 years.

Initially becoming a FILEX, he then qualified as a solicitor in 1974. He set up his own practice in 1976 but retired from general practice in 1992.

Since then he has acted as a consultant, representing clients in the police station and court.

Throughout he has acted for clients facing serious offences including terrorism and numerous defended murder charges, with several well reported acquittals. He has been instructed at Courts-Martial, again with success. He has been instrumental in dealing with reported and successful cases at the Court of Appeal arising out of driving cases started in the Magistrates court.

Joe is currently a member of the Duty Solicitor Scheme.

Caroline qualified in 2002. She has significant experience in criminal litigation and oversees and contributes to the preparation of criminal cases in Youth, Magistrates and Crown court; she also assists clients at the police station.

Fellow of the Institute of Legal Executives.

Hannah assists in the preparation of all cases within the firm. She is often a clients first point of contact and takes preliminary instructions to enable a lawyer with the correct expertise to be engaged within the firm. Hannah is familiar with the procedure necessary to secure legal aid in appropriate cases.

Hannah is currently undertaking a Legal Executive training programme.