First Defence was formed by three individuals, Derek Johashen LLB (Hons), Simon Campbell BA (Hons) and Andy Brumhill LLB (Hons)

With nearly 50 years experience between them alone, they lead of group of solicitors that have gained experience and respect through good client care, and good end results.

Derek Johashen– Derek has been a solicitor since 1988. He is a duty solicitor. He was Chairman of Bedford Duty Scheme and a member of the Regional Duty Solicitor Committee from 2001–2006.

Derek is a Higher Court Advocate and is therefore permitted to appear in all criminal courts. He is a member of the Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates. He now spends the majority of his time representing clients in the Crown Court.

From 2002–2006 Derek was the Chairman of the Bedford Citizen’s Advice Bureau.

Simon Campbell – Simon has been a solicitor since 1998, he has developed an extensive criminal defence practice since that time, save for a short time with the Crown Prosecution Service where he gained an invaluable insight into the working of the police and prosecution.

Simon is a Duty Solicitor and has become a Regional Duty Solicitor Committee member as a representative for Bedford since 2006. He is a member of the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation Accreditation Scheme.

In 2007 Simon was elected as President of the Bedfordshire Law Society. He is a member of the Criminal Law Solicitors’ Association.

Andrew Brumhill – Andy became a solicitor in 1996. He has specialised exclusively in criminal defence work and has developed a huge client base. Andy has dealt with a number of high profile murder, fraud and human trafficking cases with notable success.

Andy is well known for working with the disenfranchised and has become increasingly concerned for those suffering from Drug and Alcohol dependency. In 2006 he was appointed as a Trustee for the James Kingham Project which is a community rehabilitation project for people with alcohol problems.

Andy is a Duty Solicitor and is a member of the Law Society’s Criminal Litigation