About Sean Caulfield
Sean is a partner in the Criminal team. He has been at the firm for nearly 20 years, 10 of those as a partner. He is referred to in the Legal 500 directory as “well respected” by his colleagues. In his time in the profession he has consistently dealt with the most serious allegations. His easy manner and calm approach, in any storm, reassures clients they are in safe hands.
He has a particular experience in cases involving allegations of sexual misconduct as well as violence and drug related crime. He has successful defended clients facing allegations across the spectrum and has built a reputation for robust litigation. Outside of criminal law he has extensive experience in both Extradition cases and in Court Martial cases.
“He [Sean] was always prepared to push hard to get me the best result.”
Sean is regularly instructed at the early stage of a case to prevent, where possible, the case proceeding to trial. Issues around reputation management and finding imaginative ways to stop cases proceeding to court are always at the forefront of his mind.
He has an approached and empathic manner that puts clients at ease, even when facing the most serious of allegations.
Notable Cases
- R v P – A charge of conspiracy to cause criminal damage followed a spate of graffiti damage across London. This case included some of the most well known underground graffiti artists.
- R v B – Professional man faced a serious allegation of sexual assault. If convicted he would be dismissed by his employer. It was alleged he had assaulted a junior member of staff.
- R v R – Following a lengthy jury trial the defendant was acquitted of assaulting a former friend who had accused him of assault.
- R v C – A large and complex case involving a string of brothels that were open in South London. They were advertised in the local press and test purchases were carried out by undercover police officers.
- R v N – Due to an error on the part of the police Mr. N was incorrectly charged with the wrong driving offence. This was not picked up by the CPS or the court. In due course a written legal argument was submitted by me. It argued that this error contaminated the whole process and it could not be rectified. The court agreed and dismissed the case on this point.
- R v H – H was accused of assaulting a police officer who attended his home address. The police had not complied with the proper procedure for entering a person’s home without a warrant. A written legal argument was submitted and the CPS accepted this undermined their case to such an extent that they offered no evidence and Mr. H was acquitted by the court.
Client Comments
- “Mr Caulfield was very professional since the first minute he engaged in my case. I am more than pleased with his approach. His experience and reliability was exceptional and his understanding of elements was fair. I would recommend his services to anyone who needs a good, trustworthy lawyer.”
- “I had an amazing experience with Hodge Jones & Allen. I dealt with Francesca and Sean who represented me in court, as it was my first time having to deal with being in court it was very frightening and so much anxiety during the court process however having Sean representing me in court I felt very safe and secure he explained what my option where and was very transparent with me. Dealing with HJ &A gave me the peace of mind I needed during my trial and im very grateful for Francesca also, I didn’t have a chance to meet her but she was very responsive to my emails during my trail and also helping me out when I was struggling during all of this. I would definitely recommend anyone to HJ&A their service was outstanding. Thank you Sean and Francesca.”
- “The most highly competent and experienced law firm I have encountered. You are treated as an individual with sensitivity and competence, which are rare qualities these days. I have no hesitation in recommending this company.”
- “He helped us all the way through the procedure, nothing was too much trouble.”
- “He was always prepared to push hard to get me the best result.”
- “Sean was great. He treated my case as if it was personal to him”
- “Friendly, understanding and competent.”
"I was very happy with the representation I was provided, communication felt direct and informative. I felt really supported and was extremely satisfied with the result."
Memberships
- LCCSA – London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association
- DELF – Defence Extradition Lawyers Forum
- AMCA – Association of Military Court Advocates
Media
Sean has appeared on ITV’s Good Morning Britain and BBC 2’s Newsnight to comment on issues relating to criminal law. He has also given interviews to both radio and newspaper journalists.
Sean also appeared on Trisha Goddard’s show on Talk TV, where he was discussing the politics behind Julian Assange’s plea deal, the Australian PM’s role, and his 5-year stay in HMP Belmarsh.
Career
- Hodge Jones & Allen, 2010 – present, Partner
- Hodge Jones & Allen, 2008 – 2010, Associate
- Hodge Jones & Allen, 2005 – 2008, Qualified solicitor
- Hodge Jones & Allen, 2001 – 2005, Legal Executive
- Beveridge Milton,1999 – 2001, Paralegal
Lecturing
Sean delivers lectures to students taking the Legal Practice Course at Westminster University. He has also played a role in quasi judging as part of the students overall formal assessment of their advocacy
In addition he also delivers a lecture quarterly for the Honourable Society of Middle Temple. This lecture is for junior barristers and covers their relationship with solicitors.