Laura Saunsbury

CONSULTANT

Laura joined Lewis Nedas in November 2007 as a consultant. Qualified as a solicitor in 1993, Laura’s background is in criminal defence work. She has been a duty solicitor since 1994 and has considerable experience of handling the whole spectrum of criminal offences including murder, drugs and sexual offences. Prior to joining Lewis Nedas, Laura spent a number of years as a partner in her own firm, Saunsbury & Co, a specialist criminal defence practice with an excellent reputation. In 2005 Laura released herself from the responsibilities of managing her own firm so she could focus on the aspect of the job she most enjoys, working with her clients.

Having taken up shooting as a hobby, Laura has over the past 10 years increasingly specialised in firearms law and now works purely in this field.  An enthusiastic advocate of the shooting sports, Laura has in the past tried her hand at most types of shooting and has particularly enjoyed practical pistol and practical shotgun, as well as clay pigeon shooting. Laura can therefore bring practical understanding as well as her legal expertise to cases involving firearms law.

Laura gives advice and representation to individuals, clubs, and registered firearms dealers in relation to firearms licensing and also criminal offences involving firearms. Laura receives regular referrals from national shooting organisations such as the Sportsman’s Association, the British Association for Shooting & Conservation, and the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association to advise and represent their members throughout England and Wales. In March 2009 Laura was appointed as Honorary Solicitor to the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association in recognition of her service to the Association and its members.

At times Laura’s work in this field has required a knowledge of some of the most obscure parts of firearms legislation, such as when representing a registered firearms dealer being prosecuted under the Gun Barrel Proof Act 1868.  Reported cases in which Laura has been involved include R v David Evans (Ct of Appeal) [2006] EWCA Crim 87. In January 2009 the trial of Laura’s client Nicholas Meurice at Maidstone Crown Court received considerable coverage in the national and local press. Mr Meurice stood accused of 10 serious offences relating to the possession of firearms and ammunition as a result of allegations made by his former wife following their acrimonious separation. Laura’s careful preparation on the case and selection of expert witnesses was instrumental in securing Mr Meurice’s acquittal on all counts.

Credentials
- Honorary Solicitor to the Clay Pigeon Shooting Association
- Duty Solicitor at courts and police stations
- Member of London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association
- Member of Lawyers for Liberty
- Trade member of the Sportsman’s Association of Great Britain & Northern Ireland
- Speaks reasonable French