Sat Bains

I am a Solicitor of the Criminal Defence Department at Duncan Lewis in the firm's Birmingham office having joined in March 2019. I have 12 years of criminal defence experience, six of which are post qualification.

I am Police Station Accredited which means that I can advise and assist clients at police stations. I am also a Duty Qualified Solicitor which means that I have demonstrated and continue to maintain a high level of knowledge, skill, experience and practice in the area of criminal litigation. I qualified as both a duty solicitor and Higher Courts Advocate at the same time and whilst I usually spend most of my time in both police stations and Magistrates’ Court, I have been Junior Counsel in a murder trial and a terrorism trial at the Crown Court.

My work primarily consists of police station attendances and advocacy at Magistrates’ Court. I deal with very serious cases at the Crown Court working closely with the instructed barristers. I have an excellent working relationship with the barristers and I very much work as a team with them to ensure the client is fully represented and client care is paramount. I act in a broad range of criminal defence matters for both privately funded and publicly funded (legal aid) clients. I have extensive criminal law experience ranging from minor road traffic offences, assaults and thefts, to murder, rape, kidnapping, MTIC fraud, conspiracy to supply drugs and terrorism; a notable case was the recent terrorism trial at Birmingham Crown Court, where my client pleaded guilty to being a member of a proscribed organisation, namely he admitted to belonging to a terrorist group. He was the leader of the West Midlands cell and was sentenced to the least amount of custodial time in comparison to his co-defendants, mainly due to robust advice, early guilty plea and clear mitigation. I was able to source character references which clearly showed that he was on his way to be rehabilitated and showed genuine remorse.

I am always prepared to go above and beyond, making sure my clients are taken care of at a time when they may feel most vulnerable. A notable case was where a youth was refused bail on incorrect information. This was his first time in custody and a very traumatic experience. I spent the next day and a half confirming the correct position and relisted the matter for bail, he was bailed and released. I then signposted him to a solicitor that dealt with false imprisonment claims against the relevant public authority. He was finally awarded £6500 for the three days he erroneously spent in custody.

I am an approachable, relatable, diligent and non-judgemental solicitor willing help and give assistance day or night. My clients, both adults and juveniles, receive high quality advice and representation with compassion and understanding. My clients trust me and return to me with other issues, even if they are not in my field of expertise; however they trust my recommendation based on our mutual respect. I am a keen, dedicated and passionate solicitor, merging my life experience, interpersonal skills and legal acumen to communicate effectively with clients.

I am a Punjabi speaker as well as having an understanding of both Urdu and Hindi.

• Post Graduate diploma in Legal Practice (LPC: (Distinction)
• Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL: (Distinction)
• BA Modular Studies: London Guildhall University

• Solicitor at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, 2019-present
• Solicitor at Vienna Kang Advocates, 2018-2019
• Solicitor at JD Spicer Zeb: 2017-December 2018
• Solicitor at Hine Solicitors (Worcester office and Wolverhampton office), 2013-2017
• Trainee Solicitor at Murria Solicitors: 2010-2013
• Legal Clerk at Murria Solicitors: 2008-2010

• "Sat assumed personal responsibility for my case...I'm profoundly grateful for her indefatigable commitment and diligence. Sat actively and objectively suggested I remain with then-current counsel...remaining professional and gracious throughout my Q&A. After careful consideration, I transferred my case to her without reservation. In her first conference with myself, Sat achieved more in work product than previous lawyers. Sat has been steadfast, bullish, meticulous, and offensive, and I no longer feel like I am facing the world alone...Sat Bains has already saved me with her grace and commitment, in more ways than one." - Client, 2019

• CLAS accredited
• I am a Higher Rights Advocate
• I am police station accredited

• Duncan Lewis Solicitors shortlisted for seven awards at the 25th Annual Asian Legal Awards (20 August 2019)
• Duncan Lewis Solicitors’ Birmingham office welcomes new criminal defence department (15 March 2019)