Soraya Lawrence

Soraya’s practice includes murder, manslaughter, largescale drug conspiracies, fraud, money laundering and confiscation proceedings. She has considerable experience in serious sexual offences and the cross examination of children and vulnerable witnesses.

She is renowned for her client care and attention to detail. She is particularly skilled in handling expert witnesses.

Soraya accepts regular instructions in the following areas:

• Murder / Manslaughter 
• Drug Trafficking / Encrochat Conspiracy 
• Financial Crime /Fraud/ Money Laundering 
• Serious Sexual Offences / Historic abuse / Offences Against Minors or The Vunerable

Her practice also includes inquests and prison law.

R v R – Woolwich Crown Court – s18 and misconduct in a public office.

The defendant and 5 others were alleged to have caused permanent brain damage to a prisoner in their care and to have failed in their duties as prison officers.

Following an 8 week trial the defendant was one of only two defendants to be acquitted of all counts.

 

R v R – Woolwich Crown Court – multi-handed rape.

D and others alleged to have lured complainant into a car and taken back to a flat where sexually assaulted and raped.

Following a trial and re-trial acquitted of all counts.

 

R v H – Warwick Crown Court - Murder.

Multi-handed revenge murder - Defendant was  part of a group who in revenge for a previous assault that evening and in relation to a drug debt, set out with weapons in a car to run down the victim and his group. 

Acquitted of murder and attempted murder. Manslaughter secured and s20/s47.

For press coverage, click here. 

 

R v M – Birmingham Crown Court – historic sexual assaults

Allegations of historic sexual abuse of two complainants.

 

R v O – Snaresbrook Crown Court – encrochat drugs case

 

R v Arshid - Murder

Murder involving body in a freezer Central Criminal Court 2018 - More information here

R v Queen and others

Prison mutiny Birmingham Crown Court 2018 - More information here

R v Dikanda and others - Murder

Murder of black male model Central Criminal Court 2018 - More information here

R v Lucy Casey and another - Murder

Murder Central Criminal Court 2018 - More information here

R v Joseph and others - Kidnap

Multi-handed conspiracy to kidnap and cause GBH Harrow Crown Court 2018

R v Brownlee and others

Leading in multi-handed conspiracy to cause GBH - St Alban’s Crown Court 201

Soraya is fluent in Italian, Spanish and French.

She is a pupil supervisor.

She was a legal advisor to the BBC during the making of Rillington Place.

‘Soraya is a fearless and tenacious advocate - she never shies away from a point that she believes is worth taking. She is a great team player too.’

Legal 500 2024 edition