Our People

James McAulay

Partner

James McAulay is recognised as one of the country’s leading experts in dealing with those accused of sexual offences. James is able to take an individual through the investigation stage at the police station to its final determination, ensuring that if the matter does proceed to court his clients are properly equipped both legally and mentally.

James joined ABR Solicitors in 2014 and quickly established a friendly and approachable service which focuses around the mental health of his clients.

He has has represented some of the country’s high profile criminals. He is one of only a handful of solicitors to have represented those at Broadmoor, Ashworth and Rampton High Secure Hospitals and has received the following recent awards.

Best Mental Health Law Solicitor UK 2019 (Legal Awards 201)
Mental Health Lawyer of the year UK (Global 100 awards)

James represents clients from all over the country. Appointments are offered face to face from our offices in Leeds, Liverpool and Nottingham, but also through video platforms such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams. We have access to other meeting facilities around the country should they be required.

As a result of his background in mental health James is well equipped to advise clients who suffer with a wide range of mental disorders including autism and ADHD.

James offers a series of affordable packages which are tailored to the individual needs of his clients. Those packages can be discussed on initial contact. He has various referral networks in place to ensure that his clients are afforded the right level of support and assistance. All information is held in the strictest confidence. James is able to offer support and advice to the partners and family of his clients. Often that advice relates specifically to the role of the media and their wider understanding of what will happen during the investigation.

Offences that James can assist with include:

Possession, Distribution and Production of Indecent Images
Sexual communication
Rape
Sexual Assault
Voyeurism

James was named Partner of the Year at the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2020.

Rob Rode and his team have a well deserved national reputation. They are extremely experienced and regularly deal with high profile matters.’
Legal 500, 2023
Excellent partners and staff. Particular expertise in heavy complex crime and mental health. Always available, unfailingly courteous with clients, yet with a steely resolve to achieve results.
Legal 500, 2023
Anna Moran is the best representative I've ever seen in my life, she represented me as if she was there the day everything happened
Client, anonymous for confidentiality
Rob Rode and Andy Stewardson are first rate in the field of fraud and POCA work.
Legal 500, 2023
Rob Rode and James McAulay are acknowledged market leaders. They are exceptional lawyers and motivators and the teams they lead are dedicated.
Legal 500, 2023
I would not hesitate to use ABR Solicitors again and cannot thank them enough for their service. ABR did a fantastic job.
Client, anonymous for confidentiality
They are really very good at handling major complex defence cases and in particular serious fraud. A first rate firm with strong team delivering one of the best overall services in the area.’
Legal 500, 2023
ABR and James were exemplary. He calmed me down and explained the process and possible outcome. He worked very hard for the best outcome and I would have no hesitation recommending the firm to another.
Client, anonymous for confidentiality
ABR Solicitors have a track record of doing complex fraud cases. They will do private cases, legal aid cases or insurance backed work. They offer the same levels of service in each case. They prepare their cases very thoroughly and the feedback from clients is exceptional.
Legal 500, 2020
ABR are a large firm and have a specialist fraud team. The team are genuine specialists, experienced and extremely knowledgeable. The ABR fraud team have been involved in large and high profile cases and regularly deal with paper-heavy, complex cases. Many firms claim specialism in the fraud arena, however there are relatively few who can deliver on that claim. ABR are genuine specialists who can.
Legal 500, 2020
The crime team as a whole is hardworking, knowledgeable and very committed to their clients. they always go the extra mile in terms of preparation and nothing is too much trouble. they have a reputation for always valuing client carer highly and ensuring the client gets the best representation at all times.
Legal 500, 2020
Fiercely loyal to the client and they fight the client’s corner with great gusto. If you want to fight your case then get to ABR. They never ever give up.
Legal 500, 2020