Why Choose Us

About Us

Our mission

Who We Are & What We Do

Armstrong Solicitors is a niche criminal law practice headed by three directors who together have over 65 years combined experience.

Located by the riverside at Vauxhall, London, our team offers a high quality, dedicated, personal service, with easy access to the courts and police stations across the city.

We pride ourselves on our diligent and innovative approach to criminal defence, combined with composed, yet tenacious representation. This ensures your interests are safeguarded and that the best possible outcome is achieved in what for many can be a high stakes situation.

Using our extensive networks we tailor the choice of barrister to best suit your case. Similarly, we have formed long standing relationships with experts in all relevant fields. We are therefore confident that, if required, the expert reports and possible live evidence, will strengthen the presentation of your defence.

Being the subject of criminal litigation can be overwhelmingly stressful. Even in the most fraught of circumstances, clients and their families are provided with honest, considered, and clear advice by Armstrong Solicitors.

Specialist Support for Your Case

Using our extensive networks we tailor the choice of barrister to best suit your case.

Similarly, we have formed long standing relationships with experts in all relevant fields. We are confident that, if required, the expert reports and possible live testimony, will strengthen the presentation of your defence.

Connect with Us

Building Success Together

The Team

John Armstrong

Higher Rights Advocate

John was called to Bar in 1992 and is a specialist in criminal defence litigation, both as a Barrister and a Higher Court Advocate.

John has represented defendants in complex, contested Crown Court trials, including serious allegations - Murder, Manslaughter, GBH and Arson. Over that period, he has also been a Led Junior in multi-handed conspiracy cases.

Recent work includes as Led Junior defending one of two Defendants in a 1911 Official Secrets Act matter involving alleged spying for the Chinese state. The case was unusually complex and attracted extraordinary levels of media attention. A positive outcome was secured for the client.

John has also recently been involved in several cases involving allegations of very serious violence, including a recent matter when the client was acquitted of attempted murder.

johnarmstrong@armstrongsol.com

Nicola Babb

Solicitor

Nicola is a solicitor with over 30 years experience representing clients in criminal cases and has a reputation for meticulous preparation and attention to detail. She has been involved in matters of all levels of complexity, including to terrorism, murder, violent crime, drugs and dishonesty offences including fraud.

She is an experienced advocate representing clients over many years in London, Brighton and Bedfordshire.

Nicola has a considerable practice in Extradition law, successfully defending extradition requests in the Magistrates Court and appeals to the High Court.

She is the Managing Director and can be contacted to discuss any practice finance issues.

nicolababb@armstrongsol.com

Edward Wykes

Solicitor

Ed is a specialist defence solicitor with over 20 years experience dealing with serious and complex prosecutions. Successes include defending clients charged with: murder, attempted murder, firearms offences, death by dangerous driving, complex fraud matters and historic sexual offences, including rape.

Ed also advises clients facing investigations under the National Security Act (2023).

In September 2025, Ed, together with John Armstrong as Junior Advocate led by James Mulholland KC, secured the acquittal of Chris Berry in the Official Secrets Act, China Spy Case that garnered substantial media attention.

Ed is known for his approachable nature and high client care skills. He is able to deal with high profile, sensitive cases, which require media management in a calm manner. He has a proactive approach, with the ability to analyse cases where there is substantial documentation, to target the central, relevant issues and to coordinate with specialist Counsel and experts to ensure the best results.

He has considerable experience in representing vulnerable clients with mental health difficulties who have been accused of serious crimes. He has extensive knowledge of the application of mental health law in the criminal field. Edward has guided numerous vulnerable clients through Crown Court trials leading to successful outcomes.

Ed is a regular advocate in London’s Magistrates Courts.

edwykes@armstrongsol.com