Our People

Jo Davidson

Head of Prison Law

Jo qualified as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives in 2011. She has also been an accredited Police Station Representative since 2009 and is an LAA Accredited Prison Law Supervisor. She has worked in criminal law since 2006.

Over the course of her career in criminal law Jo has represented clients facing both criminal and prison law proceedings and she receives consistent praise and positive feedback from her clients and their family members, particularly in respect of her common sense, straight talking and proactive approach. In the current climate of funding cuts and limited resources, she is keen to ensure that her clients are prioritised, both by herself and also by the various agencies involved in their care and supervision.

Recent notable cases include:

Following Oral Hearing, secured the release of a Category A recalled prisoner who was facing Crown Court proceedings in respect of GBH with intent x 2.
Following Oral Hearing, secured the release of an 18+ year post tariff lifer, directly from closed conditions.
Secured the release of a lifer, who had been returned from open to closed conditions, directly from closed conditions.
Secured the grant of category D status for a client who was well over 2 years away from his conditional release date.
Numerous successful applications under the Guittard Ruling.

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