The Partners of leading North Wales law firm GHP Legal are saddened to announce the death of one of the firm’s most experienced Criminal lawyers.
Henry Hills MA, a Solicitor and Crown Court Advocate specialising in Criminal Law, passed away on Monday 5th August 2024 following a short illness.
Mr Hills was a National Committee Member of the Solicitors Association of Higher Court Advocates, and held memberships of The Law Society Criminal Practitioners Group and the Ministry of Justice Group on AGFS Reform, as well as being a member of Wrexham Methodist Church.
Originally from South Wales, Mr Hills gained a BA Hons degree in Politics and Law in Bournemouth before taking a Post-Graduate Diploma in Social Work at University College, Cardiff, followed by a Masters degree in Crime, Deviance and Social Policy at The University of Lancaster. He completed his post-graduate studies at Staffordshire University Law School.
As a former Chester City Councillor, Mr Hills served on the Housing, Planning, Finance and Personnel Appeals Panels committees between 1990 and 1994. Initially working in the Probation Service, he qualified as a solicitor in 1998 and embarked on a legal career as a heavy end Criminal Defence solicitor in south-east London. In 2009 he qualified as a Higher Courts Advocate.
An experienced trial Advocate, Mr Hills worked mainly in the Crown Court representing clients in a wide range of cases including serious violence, drugs, sexual offences, robbery, and burglary, where he achieved a high success rate across the board. He joined GHP Legal in 2013 and quickly became popular with staff and clients alike, as well as gaining a high respect on the court circuit.
Stephen Edwards, Partner and Head of Crime at GHP Legal said today:
“Henry brought his wide range of experiences of life and people to bear on his work. Ever meticulous in his preparation of cases he strived to achieve a fair and proper result for every client he represented.
“He had a particular aptitude for working with vulnerable witnesses and clients, looking after each and every one with the care and dedication needed to ensure they felt confident that their case was always being advanced in their best interest.
“On behalf of everyone at GHP Legal I would like to offer heartfelt condolences to Henry’s family. He was a highly valued member of the Crime team who was liked and respected by everyone who came into contact with him. He will be greatly missed.”