Rob Moussalli
Senior Associate Solicitor, Higher Rights Advocate & Head of the Youth Crime Department.
Member of the Youth Justice Legal Centre.
Defence Representative on Greater Manchester Youth Court User Group 2019 – date.
Defence Representative on Greater Manchester Youth Remand Project 2024-2026.
Robert is arguably the pre-eminent Youth Court lawyer in the Greater Manchester area, with 30 years in criminal defence and over 20 years of specialising in Youth Court work and is Head of the Youth Crime Department within Burton Copeland .
Robert is well respected by the Magistrates and by colleagues alike. He is adept at building good relationships both with the young clients and their parents. Robert has attended many courses in person and online on dealing with beuro-diverse children particularly those affected by autism and/or ADHD.
Robert deals with all types of youth crime from the most minor public order or criminal damage offences right through to the most serious of matters such as drugs supply, sexual offences, robbery, serious assaults and wounding.
Robert has a high success rate in trials and an impressive record of keeping young people out of custody.
Notable Cases
R v DR, Rv BA, R v NW – all cases where a young person was charged with rape. Robert represented at trial against specialist Prosecution Counsel and achieved Not Guilty verdicts.
R V RH- a case where the young person was found to have been supplying knives to a dangerous individual. Robert mitigated and avoided a custodial sentence for the young person.
R v F – acted on the very first witness anonymity application made by the Crown Prosecution Service in Manchester. Robert successfully opposed the application in a case of dwelling burglary and as a result other charges were dismissed.
R v X – acted in a rare case of attempting to acquire a biological toxin. As a result of Robert’s efforts, the young client received a non-custodial disposal at the conclusion of the case. Press Coverage
R v D – represented a young person with significant emotional and behavioural difficulties charged with a very large number of offences. As well as maintaining a good relationship with the client, Robert successfully argued for a non-custodial disposal despite the large number of charges brought.
R v L – client charged with making threats to go on a “shooting spree” at school. Case concluded at first appearance by way of a referral order.
R v W – client facing 6 different sets of proceedings and ended up being sentenced for approximately 25 offences committed over a 3 month period. The client suffered with complicated emotional and behavioural issues, after plea in mitigation received a Youth Rehabilitation Order.
Rob Moussalli: Testimonials
Just to say thanks for all your help Robert [Moussalli] – you’re a diamond.
Mrs M
Thank you [Rob Moussalli] for everything you have done for my sons over the last couple of years. I don’t know what we would do without you. I recommend you to all my friends.
Ms D
You’re the best solicitor around Rob [Moussalli]. I tell all my mates to ask for you.
Master J
You [Rob Moussalli] are the best. I never use anyone else and never will.
Master H
Rob is an excellent solicitor. [My son] has special needs and he explains everything clearly.
Mrs Q
I recently used Burton Copeland for an allegation against my son. This was an extremely upsetting and difficult time for us as family and we were fortunate enough to receive help and advice from Rob Moussalli. I cannot thank him enough for his support and professionalism throughout the time we needed assistance. There is not enough praise I can give him that would do justice to how much he helped us. You are an amazing solicitor Rob and a lovely man thank you again !
K Hudson – Google review
[Rob] thanks for your invaluable help and counsel over the years…you are the best solicitor I could have hoped. Never forget that. You are more amazing than I feel you give yourself credit for. Again. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I am forever in your debt for my freedom.
Mr F. Manchester
Dear Rob,
I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for your exceptional professionalism and support during a difficult time. When my son, who was 17 at the time and carrying a knife, found himself in a challenging situation, your presence and guidance were invaluable.
Your calm demeanor and ability to navigate this sensitive issue, even as he turned 18 while waiting for police caution, reassured us greatly. Your dedication to ensuring his safety and well-being was evident throughout the process, and I cannot thank you enough for your assistance.
Your commitment to your profession and genuine concern for individuals in crisis make you a true asset. We are fortunate to have had you by our side during this ordeal. Thank you once again for your outstanding support.
Ms P – Manchester
Thank you cannot begin to express our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Rob Moussalli. As soon as we met him, he made us feel confident that we had found a professional advocate who cared. He had a natural warmth and an ability to communicate on a personal level. He was easy to contact and always quick to respond. Throughout, he was fair and firm when needed, whilst always talking with compassion. He explained everything thoroughly and in a way that we could understand. It was very clear that he knows his job inside and out. We were so very grateful to know that we were so well supported and felt secure in the knowledge that whatever the eventual outcome, we had someone who we felt would go above and beyond and give us the very best representation there is. At every stage, we could not have asked for more, and that was incredibly reassuring. Rob Moussalli worked quietly and diligently in the background and adapted, reacted and responded with total professionalism on the day of the case. We cannot recommend him highly enough ! Throughout our time with him, he was consistent and calm in his demeanour. He delivered updates with kindness and empathy. After a very long and traumatic year he secured for us an outcome that we had not even dared to believe was possible. This was all down to his vast knowledge, remarkable ability and skill. We will never forget what you did for us . Thank you from T P S M .
