Associate
Humzah Ilyas is a criminal defence solicitor who provides expert advice and assistance to clients facing the full spectrum of criminal allegations.
Humzah represents clients who are either detained at – or are voluntarily attending – a police station for interview under caution. He advocates at the Magistrates’ Court and litigates both Magistrates’ and Crown Court cases.
Humzah has represented clients charged with a wide range of offences; from minor assaults and driving matters through to homicide, terrorism, rape and serious sexual offences, controlling and coercive behaviour, human trafficking, drugs supply, violence, and firearms offences.
Humzah recognises the profound impact criminal proceedings can have on his clients, regardless of the type or seriousness of the offence. He meticulously prepares his cases and adopts a strategic approach to even the most minor allegations. He has experience of drafting written representations to the police and to the Crown Prosecution Service in respect of charging decisions which can often avoid prosecution or lead to a case being discontinued.
He routinely acts for professionals and high-profile individuals. He also has experience of representing youths, and has represented young people both as an advocate in the Youth Court as well as litigating cases involving allegations of serious sexual offences, and robbery.
Humzah has a Law degree from Oxford Brookes University. He completed his LPC LLM at the University of Law, London Bloomsbury. He trained at a busy North London firm and joined Hickman & Rose in May 2023.
He is a member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association.
Humzah is regularly instructed to advise and assist clients who are accused of rape, sexual assault, possession of indecent images and historic sexual abuse.
He recognises that facing a sexual allegation can be devasting, both personally and professionally. He takes an empathetic approach to dealing with clients for whom it is often the most distressing time of their life. He calmly guides clients through every stage of the criminal investigation process, and – if necessary – through the litigation process.
Humzah’s priority is always to obtain the best possible outcome for his client whilst limiting any reputational damage.
His clients include regulated financiers, business executives, and quite often the offspring of professionals or HNW individuals.
An interview under caution at the police station can be a stressful and daunting experience, irrespective of the allegation. Humzah regularly attends the police station to advise clients who are either being interviewed on a voluntary basis or who have been arrested.
He takes a tactical approach and provides practical and clear advice which helps his clients to achieve positive results. Humzah’s calm and rational manner at the police station is a reassurance to clients.
Humzah often acts for children and young people in criminal investigations and proceedings before the Youth Court.
Being notified that your child is in trouble with the police is something that every parent fears. Humzah has experience in effectively representing the children who find themselves in that unfortunate position.
He is experienced in building rapport and trust with children and young people in order to understand their situation. He works effectively with parents recognising that they will be an essential partner in resolving the child’s case. Humzah’s meticulous case preparation, compassionate approach and relentless determination can often lead to successful outcomes which avoid a permanent mark on the child’s character and future prospects.
A recent work highlight in this area includes acting for a young person who was acquitted of attempted rape and sexual assault against multiple complainants following a Youth Court trial.
Humzah has much experience in representing those charged with the most serious criminal offences. This includes violent assaults, strangulation, robbery, firearms offences, false imprisonment, and homicide. He acts in these matters from police investigation through to trial if necessary.
Humzah’s careful and thorough case preparation can often involve obtaining expert evidence and psychiatric reports for those suffering from mental health issues.
Humzah provides advice to individuals and companies on a range of motoring and road traffic offences from speeding, and failing to provide driver information to drink driving, no insurance, failing to stop and report an accident and dangerous driving.
He recognises the significant impact an investigation or prosecution of a motoring offence can have on his clients which can damage their reputation and livelihood.
His recent clients in this area include business professionals, a well-known musician and a successful commercial tiling company.
7 Nov 2024
Hickman & Rose is proud to be recognised again in The Times newspaper’s 2025 list of the best law firms in England and Wales.
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