ABOUT
Talia is Head of Crime at Chess Law Solicitors and a highly experienced criminal defence solicitor whose career in criminal litigation spans more than 15 years.
Talia studied Law at the University of Reading, graduating in 2007 before completing the Bar Vocational Course at the College of Law in Bloomsbury, London. She was called to the Bar in 2009, obtained police station accreditation in 2010 and subsequently cross-qualified as a solicitor, being admitted in 2012.
Having trained as a barrister before qualifying as a solicitor, Talia brings a particularly rounded perspective to criminal litigation. She has spent much of her career working within established London criminal defence practices and has extensive experience in the preparation, management and supervision of serious criminal cases.
Serious & Complex Crime
Talia represents clients facing the full spectrum of serious criminal allegations, with particular experience in murder and serious violence, rape and other sexual offences, historic allegations, drug trafficking, organised crime and complex multi-defendant conspiracies.
Her cases frequently involve substantial volumes of evidence and complex forensic, digital and communications material. She has also represented international clients and has experience of criminal cases involving regulatory investigations and enforcement action.
Early Advice. Clear Strategy.
Talia has represented clients at the police station since 2010 and places particular importance on the early stages of an investigation.
Where appropriate, she works proactively before charge — analysing the evidence, advising on interview strategy, identifying material that should be obtained or preserved, considering the need for expert evidence and making representations on behalf of her clients.
Talia particularly enjoys the tactical nature of criminal litigation. She has an instinct for identifying the issues that really matter, looking beyond the obvious and thinking several steps ahead about how decisions made today may affect the case later.
Her background at the Bar also means that she prepares cases with a clear understanding of how the evidence may ultimately be tested in court.
A Personal Approach
Despite the seriousness of the cases she handles, Talia’s approach with clients is warm, straightforward and reassuring.
She understands how unsettling it can be to find yourself under investigation or facing criminal proceedings. Her priority is to bring clarity to what can feel like an overwhelming situation — explaining what is happening, what the options are and what can be done next.
Clients can expect honest advice, careful preparation and a solicitor who remains closely involved in their case. Whether acting privately or under Legal Aid, Talia brings the same commitment to every client: understand the person, master the evidence and prepare the case properly.
