Rob Rode
Rob is a nationally and internationally recognised specialist criminal defence solicitor. He is an acknowledged specialist fraud (white collar) and regulatory defence solicitor. He is described in one of the leading guides to the profession as “like a terrier that never stops digging”. Rob is a supervisor on the Specialist Fraud Panel set up by the Legal Aid Agency. He is a higher court advocate.
He is described in Chambers 2019 as “a very good lawyer” and a “fearsome advocate” and recognised as a leading individual in crime fraud and financial crime by the most recent Legal 500 and Chambers editions, both nationally and locally.
He represents individuals and companies in the UK and abroad facing investigation/prosecution under the Bribery Act or multijurisdictional legislation including FCPA. He has experience of dealing with prosecution authorities across a number of jurisdictions.
Rob undertakes fraud defence, regulatory defence, white collar defence involving international/cross-jurisdictional issues, defence of tax /VAT fraud, motoring and general criminal matters with (again, according to a leading independent guide) “a certain panache”.
Rob undertakes private prosecutions on behalf of individuals and companies.
He is Criminal Law Lawyer of the Year in England (International Advisory Experts Awards 2017)
He is also UK-regional Criminal Defence lawyer of the year (Lawyer Awards 2019)
He is Regulatory Defence Solicitor of the year (AigloBalmedia 2019 Legal Awards)
He is also Fraud Lawyer of the year (Finance Monthly Fintech Awards 2019)
He is shortlisted for Managing Partner of the Year in the Yorkshire Legal Awards 2020
Rob has acted as defence solicitor successfully in numerous cases defending historic and present day sexual offence allegations. He also has a particular interest in defending allegations of serious violence and murder.
He is tactically astute and will ensure that when appropriate a pro-active defence is pursued in all cases.
Rob trained at Irwin Mitchell and joined the firm in 1998 becoming a partner in 2002 and senior/managing partner in 2013. He was chairman of the Serious Fraud Association and is a member of SAHCA,POCLA,CLSA the International Criminal Bar, The American Bar Association and a member of the criminal duty solicitor defence scheme.
The independent guides over the years have stated as follows:-
Legal 500 2020:- "Rob Rode is a very experienced criminal solicitor based in Leeds. He is highly respected and his cases are always well prepared."
Legal 500 2020:- "Headed by Rob Rode he has driven the practice to the biggest and best in Yorkshire. In challenging times he has proven that running a criminal practice successfully can and does work."
Legal 500 2020:- "Rob Rode has driven the firm forward over testing times to put the firm on a national platform."
Legal 500 2020:- "Rob Rode is an exceptional lawyer and is always thoroughly prepared. He is exceptionally tactically aware and his client care skills are second to none. Rob’s team share his qualities and are supported by him in that each case is properly resourced. Andrew Stewardson, James Mcaulay and Mark Whitfield are all also thoroughly deserving of a mention."
Legal 500 2020:- "Rob Rode is a complete legend. Huge experience. He loves the chase and he loves to win."
Legal 500 2020:- "The team relies on Rob Rode’s individual reputation. He is the key player to the team, and is a national draw."
Legal 500 2020:- "Rob Rode stands out as a highly effective litigator and advocate with a wealth of experience."
Legal 500 2020:- "Hard work, ceaseless enthusiasm and a desire to ensure that the client’s case is thoroughly prepared comes as standard. Rob Rode is a stand out and leads by example. No case is too big or too small and every case is treated like a cup final."
Legal 500 2020:- "Robert Rode is the managing partner and the driving force in the firm. He loves going into details for clients and fighting their corner."
Legal 500 2020:- "Rob Rode is the managing partner and is an outstanding individual. He is an exceptionally good lawyer and leaves no stone unturned in preparation of his cases. His client care and communication skills are exceptional; he can reduce the most complex legal concepts into clear advice and is particularly adept at managing clients and their expectations. He is also exceptionally tactically aware."
Legal 500 2020:- "Robert Rode is the managing partner and the driving force in the firm. He loves going into details for clients and fighting their corner."
Chambers 2016:- “He is remarkably “hands on”. He has a great presence in this area (financial crime) according to sources who add that he thinks outside the box and always provides good service to his clients. He is extremely proactive”.
Legal 500 2015:- ranked as a Leading individual.
Chambers 2015:- Rob is “very talented and hardworking and always keeps his client’s best interests at heart”.
Legal 500 2015:-ranked as a Leading individual.
Chambers 2014:- Rob is “excellent” a “very shrewd operator”. He is “an extremely impressive and dynamic team leader who “combines fearless tenacity with an exceptionally personable attitude”. He is “an experienced charismatic fraud lawyer”.
Legal 500 2014:- Rob is at the “Forefront of Criminal Law”.
Chambers 2013:- Rob is “a tour de force – an ambitious, energetic and thorough lawyer”. He is known for his work in the defence of business crime allegations. He is a national figure, a leader in the field in Leeds and nationally. A power broker who is held in extremely high regard” reports the bar.
Legal 500 2013:- Ranked as a leading individual.
Chambers UK 2012:- Rob Rode is “reliable and astute”.
Legal 500 2011:- Rob Rode is “exceptionally approachable and easy to work with”.
Chambers UK 2011:- Commentators regard Rob Rode as “the kind of lawyer who can do everything that is expected and also adopt a client friendly approach”.
Chambers UK 2010:- Rob Rode is “a very forward thinking lawyer who always does a fantastic job”.