Meet The Team

Having read Law at Birmingham University, David started training in Sheffield and qualified as a Solicitor in 1979.  He has therefore over 50 years’ experience and involvement in legal matters.

On qualification, David specialised in civil and litigation but now exclusively devotes his time to defence representation both at the Police Station and in the Magistrates Court supervising cases proceeding to the Crown Court and other upper tribunals.

After joining Favell & Smith in 1985 he has remained with the firm throughout the remainder of his career and continues to maintain a high reputation with clients, colleagues and other Court users as evidenced by referrals and repeat instructions.

David has dealt with all aspects of criminal defence work from the most minor to the most serious and has had the pleasure of representing clients in cases involving National and local interest.

Outside of work he is usually watching the mighty Newcastle United, chasing the grandkids around or seemingly ever more often on holiday!

Tim joined the firm in 1995 and is one of our directors. He became a Director in 2001

A Higher Court Advocate, duty solicitor and police station representative, Tim has a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years in criminal defence.

He was recently instructed on a large complex drug conspiracy case involving ‘ Encro chat’ and the Defendant he represented was acquitted at trial.

Tim is highly sought after when it comes to complex matters often before the Crown Court. He has been involved in some of the most serious cases in the region. This includes county drugs lines cases, child sexual exploitation, murder and fraud matters.

He litigated a hugely complex baby shaking case , which got local and national media attention where the client was acquitted following a very lengthy and complicated Crown Court trial. This case is listed by Robert Smith KC in his biography as one of his most challenging and successful cases. He is arguably the finest Leading Counsel on the North Eastern Circuit.

An incisive advocate with excellent connections in the legal industry,  he has worked closely with many of the most well respected leading and junior Counsel in our region.

Tim has also worked with the Legal Aid Agency (LAA)  as an Independent Peer Reviewer.

When not avidly following cricket or Leeds United, and any other conceivable sport, he can usually be found in the mosh pit at gigs with his silly friends ( his wife words).

Mohammed (Mo)  is the latest addition to the ever growing team and Favell Smith and Lawson.

He read law at the University of Huddesrfield and qualified in 2020. He has a background in personal injury law before making the switch to criminal defence.

Undertaking work in the police station and Magistrates Court, Mo is also a fully qualified duty solicitor. He has a calming approach to his work and is building up his own client following. We are thrilled to have him join us.

Outside of work, Mo has a young family and has a passion for cricket. A keen wicket keeper, he is certainly a safe pair of hands.

Sal qualified in 2007.

He joined the firm in 2021 having previously worked with Mark at a different firm in South Yorkshire. They join forces once again having now worked closely together for 10 years.

Sal is a duty solicitor and covers all aspects of police station and Magistrates Court work. A down to earth, friendly and relaxed advocate, Sal is extremely experienced and a real asset to our team. He also has extensive knowledge of immigration law.

He has a passion for all things football, in particular Arsenal. A busy father and husband, Sal is also a member of the Southern Transitional Council, a movement established in 2017 pushing for the restoration of the former independent state of South Yemen.