Amazing result from John and manisha at the old Bailey! Worked so hard for my son and very professional
Manisha Knights
Founder and Director at MK Law, Manisha Knights is a Solicitor-advocate with a reputation for an uncompromising resolve in defence of those accused of serious crimes.
Manisha Knights – biography
Manisha is passionate about her chosen field of law and always knew that she would pursue a criminal defence career. Completing her Masters in Criminal Litigation she began clerking for a Serious Crime firm in Manchester. She then moved to a firm in South East London where she trained and qualified in December 2003. In November 2006 she qualified as a solicitor advocate and began conducting Crown Court Hearings.
The MK Law dream starts
After working at a couple of firms in London she was determined to break the mould and establish a firm that really put the client at the heart of the business. Providing a top-quality legal defence service and doing right by the client needed to be priority number one. Not how much money a client could earn. So, in January 2008 against all the odds Manisha launched MK Law. This was in a bid to create a firm of solicitors and advocates offering a comprehensive service.
Manisha started recruiting reputable lawyers and the firm began to grow both in footprint and in reputation. It quickly became firmly established as one of the most reputable in South East London. By 2016 the firm expanded into North London and is now one of Londons most reputable firms.
Manisha Knights
Managing Director / Solicitor Advocate
manisha.knights@mk-law.co.uk
07976 517 855
Solicitor since: Dec 2003
With MK Law since: Jan 2008
Languages spoken: Gujarati, Kutchi
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She is a member of Solicitors’ Association of Higher Court Advocates and is often invited to join round table meetings. Manisha headlined in the Law Gazette in 2013 with her views about the positive shift in the change in attitude towards solicitor advocates over the years. She was also a guest motivational speaker at the youth for “Inspiring Youth Momentum” in Croydon. Manisha has mentored many young aspiring lawyers guiding them and leading them through the many obstacles and hurdles that young lawyers must get through to attain their goals.
Manisha an all-round lawyer
Regularly instructed in Crown Courts all over London Manisha has defended a wide range of offences. She’s defended several serious rape allegations as well as violent firearms offences and has an enviable acquittal rate. She’s also been instructed on and has successfully defended a number of white-collar allegations most notably a large-scale VAT fraud in Kingston Crown Court where her client was the only one of seven acquitted.
Manisha has also been instructed to represent some high-profile clients in both sports and music industries. As the consummate professional, she has always ensured that those cases are handled with the utmost discretion.
The accolades continue
Manisha has been awarded Criminal Lawyer of the Year at the 2024 Asian Legal Awards, a testament to her outstanding contributions to the field. She has been featured and profiled in The Times Law supplement, recognising her impact on the legal profession.
Beyond her legal practice, Manisha has joined the board of trustees for Who’s Next, a charity committed to addressing the root causes of knife crime and providing young people with the support and opportunities to choose a better path.
She was also honoured to deliver a speech on behalf of Criminal Defence Solicitors at the Valedictory for HHJ Kinch KC. Additionally, she was featured on BBC News, offering insights into the impact of the 2024 riots on the Criminal Justice System.
Just some of Manisha’s reviews
An impeccable display of professionalism
An impeccable display of professionalism and knowledge of the law. Cannot thank Manisha & Kerem enough for their support and help throughout my personal ordeal, in order to be rightly be released without charge.
literally the best law firm ever
This is literally the best law firm ever pls use them. I initially contacted them a Few years ago when I needed help with a case regarding my son they where quick efficient came to the station attended court and we won the case on another occasion the case the solicitor was so amazing with the defence the case was chucked out. They are literally angels and as for manisha knights she is like a guardian angel honesty she is literally the best ever if I ever have any issues I know I can always contact her or the company for help they are amazing I don’t know where my son would be without them. If anyone ia reading this please give manisha knights a big big promotion thank you
Top-notch legal representation
After maintaining a clean record for 15 years, I unfortunately found myself in a situation that required top-notch legal representation. Provoked for about six months, I lost my composure and assaulted two individuals—a decision I deeply regret and could have avoided.
Familiar with MK Law from a horrifying past experiences, I turned to them for guidance, trusting I could not be in safer hands.
I needed to acknowledge my actions but hoped for the court to consider the mitigating circumstances. MK Law’s expertise was crucial in this regard. Despite my cooperative meeting with probation, the pre-sentence report was unexpectedly biased and unfair.
In court, Manisha Knights skillfully showcased that the pre-sentence report was fundamentally flawed. She articulated the context of my offense with clarity and precision. The support from MK Law extended beyond the courtroom—they provided invaluable advice on character references, meticulously proofread documents, and most importantly, guided me in the process of writing to the judge.
Their unwavering support and exceptional legal acumen made a significant difference. Thanks to their representation, I received only 90 hours of community service and 8 RAR days, whereas initially I was anticipating a custodial sentence ranging from one and a half to two and a half years. I highly recommend MK Law as the best law firm in the UK for anyone in need of outstanding legal representation.
One final note to add, my hearing was managed via video link to accommodate my location (Norwich Crown Court, when MK Law is a London based firm).
Communication is 10/10
I’ve been involved in an ongoing case for over a year now and Manisha has been my solicitor throughout. I can honestly say Manisha has gone above and beyond for me and she has massively contributed to improving my mental wellbeing whilst this case has been ongoing. She is always available should I need to contact her, she explains processes to me properly and her communication is 10/10 when there are any updates regarding my case.
Dan
When using MK Law i have always felt like a priority, they deliver an exceptional service second to none
Highly recommend
I would highly recommend MK LAW for there support with my husbands court case. Trissa Always kept us updated about what was going with the case. Manisha supported us all the way anytime of the day we contacted her she was quick to reply.. on the main court day Tom made us feel at ease and explained everything that we needed to no and also asked if we had any questions to ask.. We can’t thank you enough for you’re support..
Amazing, absolutely the best
From the first time I contacted Mk law they have always been there. 100% reliable always respond back to me on the day. Always turnt up to interviews on time or early and always took the lead gave good advice.
Should I ever need a solicitor I will always use manisha knights at Mk law.
Thank you guys
Shahidur
I found my experience with the MK LAW Firm to be extremely professional, and they cared about my needs and requests. The process was simplified for me through minimal face-to-face interaction, step-by-step instructions, and clear expectations. The solicitor (Manisha) made a difficult experience bearable and were highly responsive. I would utilise their expertise again and recommend it to others.
Conor
I had the pleasure of being solicited by Manisha Knights and Johnathan Melody in a very sensitive criminal matter and received the outcome we wanted due to the care and commitment my solicitors showed to me and my case.
Highly professional, insightful and actually care about the client I would recommend them to anyone their service is first class.
Albin
I cannot speak highly enough of the exceptional legal team at MK Law Solicitors. Throughout the entire legal process, I consistently felt comfortable and at ease thanks to the reassuring guidance and support provided by Duncan Burtwell, Manisha Knights and Kimberly Young. Their collective attention to detail and professionalism ensured no stone was left unturned in building a strong case. I never once felt overwhelmed or uncertain, knowing that I had a team who had my best interests at heart. I am immensely grateful for their support and guidance throughout my successful case, and I am confident that anyone who seeks their services will experience the same level of dedication and success. Thank you, Duncan, Manisha, and Kimberly, for your exceptional work!
Amazing absolutely the best
From the first time I contacted Mk law they have always been there. 100% reliable always respond back to me on the day. Always turnt up to interviews on time or early and always took the lead gave good advice.
Should I ever need a solicitor I will always use manisha knights have managing director at Mk law.
Thank you guys
COWBOY GUN WITH INTENT TO ENDANGER LIFE
Mk Law represented me in court and did an amazing job, My case was on the news. I was on trial with seven defendants and was the only one out of seven to be found not guilty.
WELL DONE ALEX RYNN & MANISHA KNIGHTS
Thanks to John & Manisha
My nephew was caught in a very difficult delicate situation which required careful a handling and a good knowledge of the law whilst he was temporarily mentally impaired. I am delighted to say that MK Law provided this service to my nephew and successfully defended him. I would hope I have no need to use MK Law again but if our family needed a solicitor this would be our first call.
Excellent legal representatives
Firstly, I want thank Manisha for her support and great legal representation, she’s very thorough when in Court leaves no Stone unturned in order to get the best outcome for her client. Thank you, MK Law your services are much appreciated.
A suspended rather than a custodial sentence!
Excellent result thanks to MK-Law defending a case of importation of class B drugs. Manisha Knights was very receptive to information, efficient and worked closely with all concerned to secure a suspended sentence against all the odds. She also made an extra final effort to secure bail on the third application.
Some of Manisha’s press features
Voted Criminal Lawyer of the Year at the Asian Legal Awards 2024 and at LCCSA Awards 2025.
Extensive interview with MyLondon about youth knife crime following the success of the series Adolescence.
Appeared on BBC News in relation to riots and the impacts on the criminal courts.
Interviewed by The Times regarding the recommendation on jury-free trials. Subscription required
Some of Manisha’s notable cases
Secured a unanimous acquittal for their client at the Old Bailey on two counts of rape arising from a 2021 Tinder date. The case was beset by serious disclosure failures by the Crown Prosecution Service and lengthy investigative delays, but after a six-day trial in which key inconsistencies were exposed, the jury returned not guilty verdicts on both counts.
Secured six not guilty verdicts for her client following a nine-day trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court on allegations including rape, strangulation and child cruelty, after exposing major inconsistencies and false claims undermined by medical and video evidence. The jury was hung on one count, though it is anticipated the Crown Prosecution Service will offer no evidence; the client had previously been remanded at HM Prison Belmarsh and has not seen his child since his arrest.
Successfully secured a Court of Appeal victory, having her client’s three-year custodial sentence for cannabis production at Woolwich Crown Court reduced and suspended. She successfully argued that her client, acting alone and not part of a wider operation, had been wrongly assessed as having a leading role, when the offence more accurately reflected a significant role. As a result, her client—who had been in custody for some time was released immediately.
Secured a not guilty verdict for a client facing two counts of rape, in a case marked by false allegations and serious police disclosure failures. Vital CCTV footage showing the client and complainant leaving a nightclub together—calm, unharmed, and sober—was not handed over until the fourth day of trial, despite initially being claimed nonexistent. This evidence completely undermined the complainant’s account. After an eight-day trial, the jury deliberated for just 1 hour and 33 minutes before unanimously acquitting the client on both counts, highlighting the importance of proper disclosure in ensuring a fair trial.