Gwyn Lewis
Senior Partner and Supervising Solicitor
Gwyn the lead principal has built up a wealth of knowledge and expertise over 40 years since qualifying as a solicitor in 1986. Gaining his higher rates of audience at the Crown Court in 2000 he’s gone on to conduct numerous trials in Magistrates and Crown courts around the country, up to an including successful appearances at the Court of Appeal. He has dealt with a large range of serious criminal cases, including gangland murders and multimillion pound drug importations together with carrying out successful courts marshal appearances on behalf of Service personnel throughout Europe.
In the past 25 years he has concentrated on his passion for defending motorists and has come to lead a specialist road traffic unit, drivingoffence.com. He has developed a track record of unrivalled success, ranging from minor speeding, traffic light, and mobile phone infringements to the most serious cases of drinking and drug driving. Gwyn also regularly acts for clients in exceptional hardship applications keeping people on the road and having a success rate of over 99%
Due to changes in legislation, he has represented dozens of individuals involved in road Traffic fatalities with many represented from the first Police Station attendance all the way to the trial and acquittal for causing death by dangerous driving. This he would say he requires a unique approach as clients go from being law abiding citizens all the way to facing very lengthy custodial sentences in a matter of a few seconds of driving and what to say in an interview will have a huge impact on the later stages of their case. Of course, not all serious accidents are fatalities, but never growing number involve serious injury and now even momentary loss of concentration can result in custody if not properly defended.
Countless motorists have benefited from what Chambers and partners guide to the legal profession describe as his “resolute and resourceful“ approach and Gwyn‘s expertise has led him to be instructed by a large number of professional footballers from various premiership clubs together with celebrities from both TV and film and has resulted in press coverage with him being dubbed “Merlin the magician“ for his apparent ability to make cases disappear
Details of some of the cases and press reports are below:
Notable Cases
The case of a sleepwalking drink driver who successfully argued that special reasons existed in order to prevent the normal disqualification as he was asleep at the time. Press report here
Representing an individual who had over 30 points on his licence and saving him from being disqualified under “totting up provisions”, this being the second time within 3 years that he had gained more than 12 points.
Successfully defended a number of voluntary ambulance drivers prosecuted for using blue lights when responding to local emergencies.
Representing a policeman charged with excess alcohol, three and a half times the legal limit following errors in obtaining blood samples at hospital. Found not guilty on the submission of no case to answer.
Representing a student involved in a head on collision whilst over the legal limit and who was acquitted on the basis of a procedural error by the Prosecution.
Representing a former RAF Pilot accused of excess alcohol who was acquitted when the blood sample was not properly dealt with.
Not guilty verdict for a motorcyclist alleged to have been speeding at 63mph in a 30mph area as a result of inadequate signage being present at the scene.
Avoided a custodial sentence for a client charged with dangerous driving in what the Judge described as an “appalling” piece of driving which was captured on a dashcam. press report here.
Successful appearance before the Court of Appeal reducing the sentence of a driver found guilty of causing death by dangerous driving, to 18 months from three years.
Successful defence of a charge of causing death by driving without due care and attention by turning right across traffic as a result of the speed of the other driver involved.
Successfully argued that a defendant should not receive a custodial sentence for dangerous driving despite crashing his BMW M4 having been involved in a high speed pursuit by police and suspected of being drunk having failed to provide a specimen. Press report here
Not guilty verdict for a police officer who was on duty, found to be over the legal limit but acquitted due to procedural errors.
Not guilty results for many drivers where notices of intended prosecution under S172 of Road Traffic Act 1988 have not properly been served.
R versus PD
Representing a Polish national assisted By Polish speaking Trainee Solicitor working at Burton Copeland
Client faced an allegation of driving with excess alcohol but as a result of technical errors in the Police procedure conducted at the Police Station was able to be acquitted for all charges
R versus MH
Representing former chairman of large industrial company based in South Wales in a trial in Cardiff magistrates court.
Client was facing almost certain disqualification for six months but after a technical defect pointed out to the prosecution, they offered no evidence before the Case even began
R versus JK
Represented former professional rugby player accused of Traffic related matters facing possible disqualification
Eventually, after a trial of the magistrate court acquitted of everything
R versus HM
Representing a civil servant who faced an allegation of no insurance which should come about because of an Internet based scam eventually able to persuade the court not to impose any penalty points and to not have any fines either .
The client commented that the firm truly exceeded expectations with Gwyn Lewis and Nick Terry handling the case brilliantly from start to finish everything was managed
efficiently, precisely and promptly.
R v AW
Representing former Ceo of Major motor manufacturing company
Client faced disqualification but after mitigation was able to keep his driving license
Gwyn Lewis: Testimonials
“I had need to call upon the services of Burton Copeland and in particular Gwyn Lewis. I can say that I am more than happy with the thoroughly professional way in which they brought my matters to a successful conclusion.”
Shaun Wright-Phillips (Former England international and Queens Park Rangers footballer)
“I accept that I have had more than my fair share of appearances in Court. Burton Copeland have always been there for me and have provided me with sound advice.”
Joey Barton (Former Footballer – Now manager and pundit)
“Burton Copeland is the first call I make if I have any motoring related questions, as they are always quick to reassure me and put me at my ease.”
Bradley Walsh (Star of many TV programmes including Coronation Street, Law and Order, Dr Who and The Chase)
My first contact was with Lisa Nevitt who was friendly and helpful before Gwyn Lewis took control of my case. I immediately felt at ease and in good hands. Gwyn was helpful, informative and was able to handle any questions I had. I can’t thank you enough for bringing matters to a prompt and successful conclusion.
Mr G – South Wales
“My wife and I used Burton Copeland solicitors a few months ago. We had the pleasure of Gwyn Lewis and Jonathan Wall. Both exceptional men who know the in’s and out of the job. We were blown away at court with the result, due to the exceptional knowledge of Mr McMahon who again was outstanding. I cannot thank you enough. My wife was quite low with the work situation and then the court appearance but after this she has a new lease of life and I do not really think you understand the impact your kindness, honest approach and availability to put her mind at rest has had on her life. Thank you and best wishes for the future. I will of course not hesitate in forwarding your details to any needy colleague!”
David McDonald (Oldham)
What a fantastic service in received from Burton and Copland Gwyn Lewis was fantastic with me helped me all the way to winning my case not forgetting his secretary Lisa Nevitt who helped me with organizing everything and nothing was too much thank you so much highly recommended.
Daniel Marshall – Google review
Gwyn and Lisa were amazing! Supportive, superbly knowledgeable, helpful and super honest, even to their own detriment. A good result for me as well, I’m super happy! Thanks!
Zali Fordsham – Google review
Where does one start when you want to share your story about a company and a man who made a massive impact on your life. Well, it has to be the beginning of the story I guess.
Having been driving for nearly 40 years and not having any motoring offences blemishing my licence I made a very, very bad judgement call and committed quite a bad speeding offence and was set for prosecution by the courts, April 2021. Due to the seriousness of the offence I was facing a Ban to which means my job as a delivery driver, my sole income was at risk.
Distraught with the thought I scoured the internet looking for a law firm who could represent me to which I sent out emails to various companies.
The very next morning whilst at work I received a phone call in response to one of my emails from a firm called Burton-Copeland, based in Manchester. I did eventually get replies from all the other law firms but with Burton-Copeland it was instantaneous. On the other end of the phone was a calm and very resourceful man advising me of what to expect from my motoring offence.
From this very first phone call I was lucky enough to be talking to a solicitor called Mr Gwyn Lewis, who is a senior partner at Burton-Copeland.
Mr Lewis throughout my case was always there with advice and what was happening with my case and court date. Due to Mr Lewis and his expertise I am not only grateful but I feel very lucky to have had the pleasure of dealing with this man who literally saved my job and livelihood. This was a motoring offence but I noticed that Burton-Copeland handle many types of legal situations, so if you are in need of help they should be your first port of call. Professionalism from a company I found that I could trust.
Many, Many thanks Burton-Copeland and especially to Mr Gwyn Lewis – who got me a fantastic result in not receiving a ban.
David Lowe – Google review
Amazing, professional and great legal service provided from Burton Copeland in particular our solicitor Gwyn Lewis. Mr Lewis deserves all the praise- honest, friendly and worth every penny of his work. So much effort put into our case and every last detail is thought through.
Staff very friendly and easy to communicate with.
If you want the best legal service in Manchester then look no further, Mr Lewis & Burton Copeland will always have your back
Doonyia Ismail
I couldn’t recommend Burton Copeland more highly, particularly Mr Gwyn Lewis himself. The service he provided was both professional and personal! With his knowledge and meticulous attention to detail lead to a positive outcome for my case, which I couldn’t have done with out him! Can’t thank him enough, he came recommended and wow am I so grateful!
Sarah Taylor – Google review
Gwyn is in a class of his own. If you want a safe pair of hands that will conduct himself professionally this is who you need on side! Great service, very knowledgeable and at a reasonable price compared to others. Would highly recommend.
Mehul Nathwani – Google review
I would like to leave a review for my solicitor Gwyn Lewis, Mr Lewis was professional kind and compassionate through out my case and kept me informed of everything through out the whole ordeal. Mr Lewis really helped to put me at ease and was so thorough, his wealth of experience in motoring matters is most definitely apparent and I would recommend him to anybody. Mr Lewis found a legal loophole which prevented me receiving points on my license today. I was acquitted of all charges despite driving over the speed limit. I would recommend him to anybody that may require an experienced, well spoken and extremely knowledgeable solicitor. I cannot recommend him enough, so thankful he was my solicitor today.
S Khan – Google review
Gwyn Lewis and the team at BC offer a fantastic legal service. Truly second to none and I wouldn’t hesitate to use them time and time again. They get results!
Jim Murray – Google review
Mr Lewis came like an angel at my worst times. I’d 2 cases where Mr Lewis was helping me. 1st case was dropped at the initial stage (i wasn’t the driver). 2nd one was dismissed after the hearing. I’ll remember his help for a long time. Very professional. His words will put you at ease from the very first conversation you’ll have with him. His secretary Lisa is another person I will always admire. Very hard working, often working very late. They will reply to any queries you’ll have in timely manner. Mr Nick was another man at the firm, very helpful. Both Mr Lewis and Mr Nick both are true gentlemen. I’ll recommend them to all my colleagues at my taxi farm when they are in need. Mr Lewis, Don’t wanna be in a position where I’ll need you again, but if I do, I’ll sprint back to you without hesitation 😀. Again, A big THANKS from me for your help 🙏.
Tareq Chowdhury – Google review
Representation from Mr Gwyn Lewis himself has been more than 5 stars, I could not express how grateful I was and still am for his support and dedicated hard work. I cannot recommend him enough! Thank you very much for everything!
Jessica McMullen – Google Review
I found Gwyn extremely helpful and efficient giving you the confidence that you have an expert in his field who really care about you!!!
Chaim Meiselman – Google Review
I’d like to thank Burton Copeland, specifically Gwyn Lewis who dealt with my case. Excellent service provided throughout. Communication was brilliant. My case was resolved and very happy with the outcome. Thank you again
Michael Wilton – Google Review
Thank you to Burton Copeland, specifically Gwyn Lewis with the help of Lisa. Having previously dealt with a different solicitor, who let me down in several ways leaving me in a really difficult spot, Gwyn was more than happy, and capable of saving the day. Gwyn was always there to answer any questions we had and dealt with everything throughout with a touch of class. I would absolutely recommend Gwyn and am so grateful for what Burton Copeland have done for me.
RM – Google Review
Great, Professional solicitors!!! They wanted to ban me for driving and Mr Lewis saved the day with no fine or penalty points. Highly recommended!!
Colside Ltd – Google Review
Many thanks to Gwyn, Nick, Lisa and Sharlene, professional, kept me in the loop and we got the right result. Well recommended.
Mark Jones – Google Review
Gwyn Lewis was professional and approachable. You are usually going through a difficult time if you need a defence lawyer so it is important that you they make you feel valued, explain everything honestly without jargon and reassure you wherever they can. Gwyn had the perfect balance of all the legal and personal skills required. A big Thankyou for a job very well done.
Jane Milligan – Google Review
I am writing to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding legal representation provided by Gwyn Lewis, who defended me in a recent serious driving charge.
Having been let down from another firm Gwyn was recommended to me at the 11th hour. From the outset, Gwyn demonstrated a high level of professionalism, legal expertise, and dedication to my case. Their meticulous attention to detail and thorough understanding of the intricacies of the law significantly contributed to the positive outcome of my case.
Throughout the legal process, Gwyn exhibited excellent communication skills, keeping me well-informed and providing clear explanations of the legal proceedings in both Magistrates and Crown Court.
In addition to their legal prowess, Gwyn exhibited empathy and understanding, making what could have been a stressful experience more manageable. He was approachable, responsive to my concerns, and always took the time to address any questions I had.
I firmly believe that the favourable resolution of my case would not have been possible without Gwyn’s expertise and tireless advocacy on my behalf. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome, and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone seeking a highly skilled and reliable legal representative.
Tracey Torr – Google Review
I can’t thank Burton Copeland LLP enough I have had an amazing experience especially with Gwyn Lewis who has helped me with my case, he has been amazing he guided and helped in every possible way but did not stop until we got the result that we hoped to get, I can’t thank Gwyn enough,
THANKYOU GWYN for your help and support
I definitely recommend Burton Copeland 100 percent
