Criminal Defence Team

Clarkson Hirst Solicitors

"I have already recommended C.H to people due to the service I have received from Hannah."

Client feedback survey comment September 2021

Our 24-hour criminal defence team is listed below.


Hannah Youren hannahy@clarksonhirst.com

Hannah Youren is a Duty Solicitor and Director based at our Lancaster office. Hannah has practiced from Lancaster Magistrates’ Court and Lancaster Police Station and Kendal Police Station for many years, and has developed a fine reputation as a tenacious Criminal Defence Solicitor. Hannah’s practice includes preparing serious crown court trial cases. Hannah has practiced in criminal defence work since she qualified as a solicitor on the 15th September 2010. Hannah has worked for Clarkson Hirst as a criminal defence solicitor since 1st September 2016.

Hannah is accredited to the Law Society Criminal Litigation panel as a Criminal Defence Specialist Solicitor.


Leah Kirk leahk@clarksonhirst.com

Leah Kirk is a Duty Solicitor based at our Barrow in Furness office. Leah represents clients at Barrow Magistrates court and Barrow and Kendal police station. Leah is accredited to the Law Society Criminal Litigation panel as a Criminal Defence Specialist Solicitor. Leah has practiced in criminal defence law since she qualified on 1st March 2021. Prior to that she was a trainee solicitor with Clarkson Hirst having joined the firm on 20th February 2017.

The Criminal Litigation Accreditation is a recognised quality standard for practitioners in criminal litigation.


Tayla England tayla@clarksonhirst.com

Tayla England is a Criminal Defence Solicitor in our crime department, representing clients at the police station, Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Court. Tayla was admitted to the roll of solicitors on 17th November 2023 and prior to that she was a trainee solicitor at the firm.


24-hour Police station team

Clarkson Hirst operates a truly 24 hour police station advice service so if you, one of your relatives, friends or colleagues is at the police station and requires advice please telephone 07880 948950 for our Lancaster and Kendal offices and 07973 622702 for our Barrow office. You will be diverted to the on call solicitor who will be able to assist you.