Inverness · Criminal Defence

Experience & Discreet.

Chapman Solicitors has defended clients across Scotland's courts for over three decades. Every case is handled personally by a senior solicitor from first contact to conclusion.

Chapman Solicitors was founded on a single principle: that anyone facing a criminal charge deserves the same standard of defence, regardless of the offence alleged. We bring complete commitment to every case, from police station to High Court.

  The firm

Three decades of criminal defence

Based in Inverness, Chapman Solicitors has built its reputation on meticulous case preparation and senior level attention at every stage. We work across the full spectrum of criminal law, from road traffic and summary proceedings to the most serious High Court cases including murder, culpable homicide, and major sexual offences.

We are regulated by the Law Society of Scotland and are listed with the Scottish Legal Aid Board. Both Legal Aid and private fee arrangements are available, and all fees are agreed in advance with no hidden costs.

30+
Years in criminal practice
2
Senior solicitors, every case
All
Enquiries strictly confidential
  Why Chapman

What sets us apart

Criminal defence requires more than legal knowledge. It demands experience, judgement, and the ability to build trust under pressure.

Over 30 years in criminal practice

A deep track record across Scotland's courts, from Inverness Sheriff Court to the High Court sitting in Glasgow and Edinburgh. Experience that only comes from decades of doing this work.

In house Solicitor Advocate

Michael Chapman holds rights of audience in the High Court as a Solicitor Advocate, meaning your case stays with us at every level. You are never passed to an outside advocate.

Advice from your first contact

Whether you are being interviewed under caution, have been charged, or are simply concerned about a situation, we provide expert guidance from the very first conversation, not once proceedings are underway.

Strictly confidential, always

Every enquiry, every conversation, and every piece of information you share with us is treated in the strictest confidence. This is a legal obligation we take seriously and personally.

  The team

Senior solicitors on every case

Your case is never handled by a trainee. You will always work directly with an experienced solicitor from the outset.

Michael Chapman

LLB (Hons), NP, SSC, Solicitor Advocate

Principal

Michael has over 30 years of experience in criminal practice, with a substantial part of his career spent in Glasgow before returning to practise in Inverness. He holds full rights of audience in the High Court of Justiciary as a Solicitor Advocate, a status recognised by the Law Society of Scotland, and regularly appears in the most serious cases, including murder, culpable homicide, major sexual offences, and serious organised crime.

Michael is also regularly instructed by other firms to appear for their clients at High Court level, bringing an additional dimension of recognition and trust within the Scottish legal community.

Pauline Chapman

LLB, Dip LB

Solicitor

Pauline qualified in 1983 and brings over four decades of legal experience to the firm. She served as a Principal Prosecutor before moving to defence work, giving her a rare and valuable dual perspective on criminal proceedings that benefits clients at every stage of their case.

Her expertise spans High Court preparation and supervision across complex criminal matters, and she plays a central role in the meticulous case preparation that Chapman Solicitors is known for.

  Regulated

Authorised and regulated

Chapman Solicitors is regulated by the Law Society of Scotland and is listed with the Scottish Legal Aid Board.

Law Society of Scotland

All solicitors at Chapman Solicitors hold current practising certificates issued by the Law Society of Scotland, the independent professional body for Scottish solicitors.

Scottish Legal Aid Board

We are an approved Legal Aid provider. You may qualify for Legal Aid even in full time employment. Contact us to check your eligibility without obligation.

Free initial consultation

Free initial consultation. Call us today.

01463 240477

All enquiries treated in the strictest confidence.

Call 01463 240477