Louise Straw
Consultant
Louise initially qualified at the bar and completed her pupillage with David Turner QC at Exchange Chambers in Liverpool.
From there Louise spent over 7 years as a senior crown prosecutor with Greater Manchester Crown Prosecution Service before leaving to join the highly respected team at Burton Copeland in 1995.
Louise is the former Managing Partner of the firm having stepped down in October 2025, handing over the reins to Daniel Weed. Louise continues to carry a full case load in her role as “consultant with the firm” and remains an active member of the Crown Court Team. Louise continues to represent members of the National Fostering Network in respect of both criminal offences and referrals to the Disclosure and Barring Service, including appeals to the Administrative Tribunal ; the preparation of high profile Crown Court cases, including historic sexual offences for which she is recognised in various publications and continues to be a duty solicitor representing both own and duty clients at both the police station and at court.
Louise is especially active in “pre-charge engagement” for her clients, with the aim to avoid prosecution where possible.
She also holds the Higher Court (Criminal Advocacy) qualification.
Louise is a member of The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn and The Law Society. She is a past President of Manchester Law Society (2015) and past Chair of the Legal Education Committee of Manchester Law Society. She is a current Duty Solicitor in Greater Manchester and holds a Criminal Law Solicitors Association (CLSA) qualification.
Notable Cases
R v H (Nottingham)– Foster Carer acquitted of allegations of neglect upon three foster children
R v G (Merthyr Tydfil)– Foster Carer acquitted or sexual assault upon foster child in their care
R V P – Appeal to the Court of Appeal in relation to the sentencing of adult offenders for offences committed as a children
M v Disclosure and Barring Service – leave to appeal granted by the Upper Tribunal against inclusion on the List after a period of 25 years without further offending
R v W – foster parent acquitted of sexual offences relating to a child in his care
R v H – individual acquitted of sexual offences against a child under 16
R v E – individual acquitted of multiple offences of sexual assaults
R v T & W: (Preston) Members of the Salvation Army accused of historical sexual abuse.
R v P (Nottingham) Doctor charged with multiple assaults on patients.
R v G (Manchester) Allegations of both physical and sexual abuse within a closed community.
Police v D (Cumbria) Instructed to act in large scale police investigation into child abuse at Care Homes
R v O’C (Liverpool) & R v C (Chester) Instructed by defendants both accused of rape and having been referred following recommendations on the daftmoo forum.
R (L) v Coroner : For Midland North Shropshire.
R v O : Stalker of David Beckham.
R v Mark Daley : The BBC undercover reporter who exposed racism in Greater Manchester Police. Link to The Guardian report
R v G : Blackmail of the Rooneys – acquitted
Louise Straw: Testimonials
Excellent Service provided by the fostering Network And Louise Straw in Particular. Cannot thank Louise enough for her help, patience and advice during this time and given the circumstances and restriction due to COVID19.
Mr & Mrs A, Monmouthshire
Hannah and Louise were always willing to go through everything with us and to listen to what we had to say and go through all the information we provided. We felt supported.
Mr L – Kent
I found your service very good and very prompt. The solicitors advice was very good and very professional . I felt that my case was important to her and felt reassured in her presence. A personal thanks to Louise.
Mr A – West Midlands
Couldn’t thank Louise Straw and Daniel Weed enough. Efficient and professional. Kept me updated every step of the way, and got me through the most awful year and a half of my life with the best results.
Would highly recommend and I will be forever grateful
Candice Bailey – Google review
I just want to say a big thank you to Louise Straw the solicitor she took time to help me find the right solutions, very helpful and kind I would 100% recommend Louise and this company. Thank you so much
Christina Ahmed – Google review
I recently had a problem with my employer which needed legal help. Louise attended my police interview with me and guided me through the procedure with professionalism. Louise kept in touch with me throughout until I was cleared of the charges. Thank you Louise.
Christine Wood – Google review
The solicitor Louise Straw and barrister Eddison Flint at Burton Copeland were both excellent in relation to my son’s case, going above and beyond for us. I can’t recommend them highly enough. You can have faith they will do their best for you and get the best possible outcome.
Sarah Palin – Google review
I would highly recommend Louise Straw at Burton Copeland for her reactivity and transparency. After a particular argument with a neighbour (ongoing issues), false allegations were made against me. The police turned up on a Friday when I wasn’t in. I therefore contacted a number of Law firms in Manchester for advice early on the Saturday morning. Louise called at 07.15am and provided me with a thorough legal understanding of the situation. As such no further action was taken against me.
Neill Donald – Google review
Excellent professional service offered. I felt completely assured and in very capable hands. Louise Straw was quite simply amazing – fully supportive with superb client care. I would wholeheartedly recommend her and this firm.
Melanie Walker – Google review
Louise Straw did a truly fantastic job for a friend of mine facing a very serious criminal charge. She was sympathetic and supportive and inspired confidence in her ability throughout. The icing on the cake was that he was acquitted. I would recommend her without hesitation.
William O’Brien – Google review
Louise Straw of Burton Copeland was brilliant at preparing the case and offering tremendous support to the family. She was confident with great knowledge and insight to the harrowing experiences of defendants and their families. Support and compassion helped with the whole process.
Maureen Taylor – Google review
Used BC to handle my legal stuff on 2 occasions now. Must say both times been brilliant, wouldn’t hesitate to recommend. Big thanks to Clare and Louise for all your help and support.
