Samir
Moftah

Samir Moftah 

Samir has lived, trained and worked in Kent. Samir trained in 2008, qualified as a solicitor in 2010, and was made a director at a local firm from 2013 until 2021. He joined Manak Solicitors in May 2021. He is a Director and Head of Litigation and Serious crime where he has successfully expanded the departments significantly.

As a multi-disciplinary solicitor, Samir can assist in several areas of law. Clients are at ease with Samir’s confident, friendly, proactive, and positive approach. As an experienced Solicitor, Samir is trusted to give well-considered advice. Having practised extensively in many areas of law throughout his career, Samir has found his knowledge to be an advantage when representing clients, as there are often crossovers. This also allows him to provide clients with continuous service. He will always try to resolve matters as quickly and cost-effectively for clients as possible while offering a high service level. Where early settlement is not possible, Samir can robustly put forward his client's position to assist them in achieving their desired outcome, whether within or outside of court proceedings. Samir is instructed on cases within the High Court, Rolls Building, Royal Courts of Justice, Magistrates’ Courts, Crown Courts and County Courts all over the country.

Areas of Law

Fare Evasion

Samir is a leading fare evasion solicitor. He has been a fare evasion solicitor since 2012 setting up a fare evasion department at his previous firm and has obtained thousands of client settlements. He enjoys 100% success for every train company ( Chiltern Railways, Southeastern Railways, Govia Thameslink, Southwestern Railway, Northern Railway, Southern Railway, Greater Anglia, West Midlands Railway, East Midlands Railway, Transport for Wales, TransPennine Express, C2c, CrossCountry Rail, London North Eastern Railway (LNER) Merseyrail, Great Western Railway - GWR- ), save for Transport for London -TFL- which he still enjoys a high success rate. Samir has consistently since 2012 obtained warnings for clients from Transport for London and is well versed on best arguments.

Cases often involve misuse of freedom passes, invalid or non-existent railcars used with tickets 11-15 oyster cards, child tickets, traveling outside of a zone, short faring, doughnutting (having a partial ticket for some of the journey) or not tapping in/out correctly. Samir has also represented clients who were abusive to rail staff.

His work has helped countless people avoid criminal records and the stress of a prosecution. Samir enjoys excellent and long standing relationships with prosecutors of every rail operator in the country. Samir is a respected leading expert in fare evasion. Samir is able to settle cases extremely quickly with very little client involvement which means he takes away stress and does not require a lot of a client’s time, truly taking the problem away from them and resolving the issue. Samir appeared on BBC News live in 2024 for his views on fare evasion as a recognised leading expert, a video of which can be viewed here - https://manak.co/BBCFareEvasion.

Criminal Law

Samir is a very experienced solicitor who has practised in criminal law for many years at all levels of Court. Samir has great attention to detail and is pro-active. Strategies are carefully considered and implemented. His work is good value for money and prompt. He has successfully defended a number of clients and obtained optimal results. Samir also has great relationships with leading criminal chambers and is able to secure favourable rates for clients through long standing arrangements.

Some of the cases Samir has dealt with are as follows-

2021- Represented a client who was a high level executive and was alleged to have made racially aggravated comments to a neighbour. Samir made representations for a justice of the peace and therefore the client was not prosecuted and avoided a criminal record, which was crucial for his role.

2021- Represented a client who had a physical altercation with a member of the public in a pub which resulted in a serious injury requiring extensive hospital care. Samir was able to show that the client acted in self defence and secured an acquittal.

2022- Represented a prison guard who was accused of assaulting a prisoner. There was CCTV footage which showed the Guard entering the cell and a statement from the prisoner alleging violence. Our client was of a large physical build in comparison to the prisoner. We were able to have the case withdrawn by the prosecution and our client was able to continue in his role.

2022- Represented a client who was accused of assaulting his partner and their daughter. Samir secured an acquittal for the client by showing inconsistency of evidence and motive to not tell the truth.

2022- Represented a client who had met his partner online. Their relationship was volatile. They had decided not to continue their relationship but had drunk alcohol to excess. Our client was accused of assaulting his partner. Samir was able to secure an acquittal for the client demonstrating that the allegations were not true. The jury saw that our client was a truthful witness with no criminal record.

2022- Represented a client who worked in a yard and used a Stanley knife for work. The client had forgotten that the knife was in his work top. With his friends, they had an altercation with another group of individuals. Our client was stopped by the police and panicked, throwing away the knife when he realised his error. We succeeded in obtaining an acquittal for our client and he was able to continue in his work and keep his good name.

2022- Represented a nurse who was accused by her partner of assault. There were multiple statements and this impacted their work greatly in that they were sidelined in their role whilst the case went on. We were able to secure a not guilty plea for our client which meant she could continue in her career. This also related to her children act proceedings and meant that she was the main carer of her children.

2023- Represented a Hospital worker who was accused by a patient of sexually assaulting her. We represented the client at the police station and secured a NFA (no further action) for the client, preventing the case from affecting our client further.

2023- Represented a client who had viewed significant indecent images and spoke to minors in a chat room. We obtained psychological help for our client and helped them enter a guilty plea. Despite the sentencing guidelines stating that the starting point was a custodial sentence, we secured a suspended sentence for our client.

2023- Represented a client who had viewed and downloaded indecent images of minors. We entered a guilty plea and secured a suspended sentence for our client despite the significant nature of the case. We obtained therapy for our client to assist in prevention work.

2023- Represented a Crystal Palace football fan who had been viewed on BBC making obscene gestures to opposing fans. This individual was chased by fans and apprehended by the police. We represented the client at the police station and obtained a no further action which protected his good name.

2025- Represented client in benefitting from monies which arose from criminal acts carried out by others. We secured a favourable sentence for our client avoiding a custodial sentence and continue to represent in Proceeds of Crime Act proceedings including defending a freezing injunction.

2025- Currently representing a client accused of assaulting police officers. A not guilty plea has been entered and a trial by Jury will take place.

2025- Currently representing a client accused of a high number of sexual assaults and rape of a minor in that this is a historical sex allegation case. A not guilty plea has been entered and this case has been reported in the press.

2025- Currently representing a client accused of sexually assaulting a number of minors which are historical sex allegations. A not guilty plea has been entered and a trial will take place.

Historical cases of significance Samir undertook prior to joining Manak Solicitors

Defended a foster carer who had been accused of rape on many occasions from a historical perspective by the children cared for. Samir forensically assessed the case and secured a withdrawal of the case by the prosecution on the first day of trial.

Defended an individual who was one of many defendants who had been charged with benefitting from trips abroad using council funds fraudulently. Samir’s client was the only defendant found not guilty.

Defended the Bexley Blogger who had been charged under the Malicious Communications Act as he sent offensive messages to a councillor. This case was high profile and tweeted about by Stephen Fry and Simon Pegg. Samir succeeded on Appeal and avoided a conviction for the client.

Defended a trade union representative who had been charged with harassment. Samir had been sought out by the client due to his success in similar cases in the past. The client had been advised by his previous solicitor to plead guilty. Not happy with this advice he sought Samir’s assistance and Samir secured a not guilty plea.

Represented a client in the largest HMO prosecution in history. Samir secured a non-custodial sentence for the client and reduced the fines both in the criminal and civil courts by a large amount. The case was the first of its kind in that the council had admitted they had never seen such a case with so many properties involved and neither had any other council in the country.

Represented a client who had downloaded 50,000 category A indecent images. Samir was able to secure a suspended sentence for the client and obtained psychological help for the client to help with prevention work.

Represented a fifth dan Martial arts expert who had assaulted his partner. Samir secured community service for the client when the starting point was a custodial sentence for sentencing.

Motoring Offences

Samir defends clients for all offences including but not limited to drink/drug driving, speeding, driving without due care and attention, dangerous driving and driving without insurance, failure to stop and failure to report.

2021- Samir defended a client who had been convicted for drink driving for the second time in ten years. Avoided a custodial sentence despite the very high reading and reduced the driving disqualification.

2022- Our client unbeknown to him had been convicted multiple times for speeding in various locations. Samir was able to trace where the convictions took place and details of the incidents. Samir then re-opened the proceedings and had them dismissed as he was able to show the CPS that our client was innocent. This allowed him to regain his commercial licence to drive and continue his work driving.

2022- Defended a client who was driving a large lorry which collided head on with another vehicle causing life altering injuries to the driver and passenger and resulted in the vehicle catching fire. Obtained a non-custodial sentence for the client.

2023- Succeeded in an exceptional hardship argument for a client who had reached over 12 points. Was able to show a vehicle was needed to carry tools, to travel to locations and keep others employed.

2023- Represented a client who had been convicted in his absence for an offence he had not committed. Got the case reopened and gathered evidence to have the case dismissed.

2024- Client had thought they had purchased insurance but had not. Was able to show special reasons were present and had the prosecution withdrawn so the client did not receive any points despite being technically guilty of the offence.

2025- Client charged with driving without due care and attention, failure to stop and failure to report. Our client had his registration plates stolen and maintained he was innocent although he did not report the theft of plates to the Police. Through our submissions, we persuaded the CPS to discontinue the matter which kept our client's licence clean.

Employment Law

Samir has extensive experience representing employers and employees. Samir’s work is both contentious and non-contentious.

Non-Contentious work- Samir has drafted a high number of staff handbooks, contracts of employment and settlement agreements. Samir believes that prevention is better than cure and is pro-active with strategies to avoid costly litigation and help manage businesses. Samir advises employees and employers on a high number of settlement agreements and has done so since 2010 in high volumes. Samir always protects rights and ensures the agreements are drafted correctly.

Contentious Work-

Samir advises a very large construction company with over 1,000 employees on all internal and external cases. Samir has assisted in successfully making staff redundant, investigating grievances, defending Tribunal proceedings and assisting with performance/sickness management.

Samir represented a wealth management business where two individuals left and solicited clients persuading them to sign up with them taking significant contract monies with them. Samir obtained an injunction and sued them for breach of contract. This resulted in all clients returning to the business, all losses being paid back and full costs being obtained in the High Court.

Samir represented a transport business whereby five employees had brought claims for TUPE rights. Samir through submissions was able to persuade the law firm representing the employees to withdraw the Tribunal case which resulted in significant savings for the client.

Samir represented a high level transport employee was who a whistleblower and had been constructively dismissed. Samir secured a significant settlement for the client which was negotiated after Tribunal proceedings were brought.

Samir represented an employee who had been accused of making inappropriate comments to staff. It was our client’s view that this was false and done to force them out of the company. Samir negotiated a substantial exit package and secured a reference for the client.

Samir represented a large wholesaler in Tribunal proceedings and was able to persuade the employee to withdraw their claim. Samir was able to raise technical arguments such as the wrong company being sued which assisted in obtaining an excellent result.

Samir represented a high level city finance worker who as accused of conflicts of interest and a breach of trust and confidence.

Litigation

2025- Represented an executor over many years whereby the deceased faced a property law claim as well as a partnership dispute. This was a complicated case in which fraud was alleged within the property dispute. Samir was able to prove that the fraud allegations were false and succeeded on the majority of the case at trial.

2025- Represented a client in insolvency proceedings in which a s243 application was defended. This involved whether a declaration of trust was effective and whether this transaction was intended to avoid paying debts due.

2021- Successfully settled a trespass and nuisance case for a client who had disputes over a shared garage and access.

2021- Successfully defended a client in a building breach of contract dispute where we had the case dismissed and obtained several costs orders against the other party.

2021- Obtained a favourable settlement for a client relating to a jointly owned property where we were able to negotiate a buy out of the share. Issues included the other party attempting to significantly undervalue the property.

2022- Advised a client as to Terms of business in which the other party were a Premier League club.

2022- Settled a contested probate case in which we acted for the executor at mediation. A claim for reasonable provision was being made under the inheritance act.

2022-2024- Represented the England Kabaddi Federation (UK) in a contested matter which involved removal of monies by an unauthorised person and arguments over the constitution. Samir successfully defended a High Court claim brought by the other party and obtained a significant costs order. Samir also secured a favourable outcome at the county court with the other party filing a notice of discontinuance just before trial.

2023- Obtained a large judgment for payment of a loan for a client who had a charge on the property. Arguments around the loan being a gift were defended successfully.

2023- Secured a commercial property back for a freeholder against a large betting company. Proceedings were issued by the other party but withdrawn when we were able to demonstrate that the property was required back for a business to be run.

2023- Represented clients who were living a property but the alleged owner was attempting to gain a possession order against them to remove them from their home. They had invested monies into the property for improvements. Samir secured settlement for the clients and costs orders against the other party.

2024- Secured a settlement for a client in regards to their share of the proceeds of sale in a TOLATA claim and secured agreement for sale of the property despite non engagement from the other party.

2021-ongoing Obtained a high number of possession orders for landlords securing their properties for them.

Samir’s Reported Cases

Samir has worked on four reported cases encompassing Criminal, family, and employment law.

His most recent reported case was Wade & Anor v Singh & Ors [2024] EWHC 1203 (Ch) (24 May 2024). Samir’s meticulous preparation in this complex case was praised by the Judge, who stated - Before departing from this judgment, I should like to pay tribute to how both sides' current legal teams dealt with this trial. It was clear that a great deal of urgent work had been done on both sides in the days preceding the hearing to ensure that an effective trial could take place, and the parties' focus remained on that goal as the hearing commenced. The matter was impressively and economically argued by counsel on both sides. Although I recognise that the outcome of this judgment will be a considerable blow to the Defendants, they can be assured that their case could not have been advanced at trial to better effect than it was by Mr Grant KC, Ms Pugh and their current solicitors.

Samir can assist with any queries relating to;

Litigation including but not limited to contractual disputes, property disputes, landlord and tenant and contested probate Employment Law Settlement Agreements Landlord and Tenant Contested Probate All Crime, including motoring offences and fare evasion, in which he represents clients in the Magistrates and Crown Courts nationwide. In his spare time, Samir is a long-suffering Tottenham Hotspur fan who hopes they will win a trophy one day!

Client Testimonials

Samir has hundreds of reviews from clients whilst working for Manak Solicitors and has hundreds at his previous firm also. Samir consistently receives five star reviews on Google and Trustpilot from grateful clients who have appreciated his work, tenacity and strategic and empathic approach.

Here are a selection but you are invited to read the reviews online.

Thank you Manak Solicitor! An especially huge thank you to Samir! He was very quick and efficient in sorting out my case. Really appreciate him guiding us through the whole process as it was pretty complicated and difficult to get your head round the details. He made it very easy to navigate and there was no stress with his help as his advice was straightforward.

Date of experience: 05 February 2025

I am writing to express my profound gratitude to Samir and his Team at Manak Solicitors for their diligent representation in my recent Fare Evasion case. The level of stress had skyrocketed !!!

Samir’s unwavering support and professionalism not only won my case but also brought great relief during a challenging time. His professional demeanour and dedication not only provided me with security but truly went above and beyond my expectations.

I am deeply appreciative of Manak Solicitors' hard work and will highly recommend their services to others !!!

Thank you Manak Solicitors.

Date of experience: 20 February 2025

Samir and his team have been incredibly helpful throughout the whole process. Samir is very professional and reassuring. He got on with my case just an hour after I provided the necessary details. His swift action put me at ease, and thanks to his expertise, I received the anticipated outcome within a week. The right choice for fare evasion cases!

Date of experience: 17 February 2025

Samir and Holly were emotionally intelligent in their engagement with an empathetic understanding that was matched by a razor-sharp legal perspective. They were solution-focused in protecting my best interests and were honest and realistic with my outcome every step of the way. Simply we felt in very safe hands. I am so grateful for their help and for their amazing work in navigating my difficult situation. I could not recommend them highly enough.

Date of experience: 03 January 2025

I had an excellent experience with Samir at Manak Solicitors. His high level of professionalism, great service, and reassurance throughout the process made a real difference. He was highly effective in handling the matter at hand and maintained clear and prompt communication at all times. I would definitely recommend his services to anyone in need of expert legal assistance

Date of experience: 04 February 2025

Samir and Holly have been fantastic helping walk through the options open following a prosecution by TFL. Clear advice, and honest assessments of a chance of success and cost of each stage, never over promising what they could deliver.

This has helped a stressful event be managed better than I could do without their help, their knowledge of the process had helped get to a positive outcome.

Date of experience: 24 January 2025

Samir was extremely helpful throughout the process and advised us at every opportunity. the process was made easy using Samir and helped take a lot of stress and worry out of the situation. Would highly recommend

Date of experience: 10 January 2025

Samir at Manak Solicitors is an exceptional Solicitor, kind, supportive, realistic, we will always use his services or that of Manak and Co for any future legal matters. Thank you as always Samir.

Date of experience: 10 January 2025

I contacted Manak Solicitors about a fare evasion issue and was thrilled with the support I received from Samir and his team. Samir was professional but compassionate and my case was settled out of court a week after I instructed Samir. I cannot recommend their services highly enough, thank you!

Date of experience: 16 December 2024

I’m extremely pleased with the support I received from Manak Solicitors for my fare evasion case. My case was solved in 6 weeks and settled out of court successfully. From the start, Samir and team provided clear, practical advice and guided me through the process with professionalism and care.

Their communication was excellent, always prompt and easy to understand, which helped reduce my stress. Thanks to their expertise and strategic approach, my case was resolved efficiently with a favourable outcome.

I highly recommend Samir for anyone in need of reliable legal representation.

Date of experience: 02 September 2024

Samir from Manak Solicitors is great! I was very worried after receiving a letter, but he was very relaxed and calm - reassuring me that he is sure he would get the matter settled. After three weeks, he got back to me to confirm this.

Whilst, it wasn't cheap, he offers some of the best prices for legal services in this field, and is one of the best in this area. The many other reviews he has proves this. I would highly recommend Samir if you have any issues.

Date of experience: 10 December 2024

Samir was incredibly helpful in resolving my train fare evasion issue. He handled the case and solved within a week. Their professionalism and expertise were invaluable. I highly recommend their services. Thankyou

Date of experience: 19 November 2024

Many thanks to Samir, he helped arrange an out of court settlement for multiple cases of short fares across a couple of years. He was incredibly professional, fast and helped make a stressful time easier.

Date of experience: 22 November 2024

We went to Manak Solicitors specifically for Samir due to his reputation in handling fare evasion cases, in our case TFL regarding misuse of a high value card. He was professional, thoughtful and understanding throughout, letting us know the realistic outcomes. Based on the circumstances, he suggested we only had a 30% chance of avoiding prosecution and would have to obtain a psychologist report. However, exactly a week after our response to TFL, we received an email saying we had been let off with a warning. Would highly recommend to anyone dealing with similar cases!

Date of experience: 20 November 2024

It was a great experience dealing with Manak Solicitors. I contacted them based on reviews I saw online and was not disappointed. Mr Samir was able to resolve the issue promptly.

Date of experience: 19 November 2024

Thanks to Samir my evasion case was settled within 3 weeks like he said it would be! Great service!

Date of experience: 13 November 2024

We approached Samir with regards to our issue (short tickets) and we had 10-15 minutes consultation. During that time, Samir advised us what exactly we must do and guided us to what documents to prepare and submit. He is very professional and quick to respond to our queries. After exactly one week, he managed to settle our case out of the court. This is big relief for us and huge thanks to Samir and the Manak team (Holly and Sarah) for the help and support. I advise that you should approach Manak solicitors immediately to save time and to reduce anxiety.

Date of experience: 16 August 2024

Samir and Holly were incredibly helpful in resolving my train fare evasion issue. They efficiently handled the case, securing an out-of-court settlement within a week. Their professionalism and expertise were invaluable. I highly recommend their services."

Date of experience: 08 November 2024

Contacted Manak Solicitors and Mr. Samir was realistic about my expectations of charged with using Freedom Pass. He sent letters Mitigation to TFL was repentant of my actions as have had tough times in my Life. Miraculously TFL sent warning letter and never charged me

Date of experience: 24 September 2024

I called up Manak Solicitors when I was extremely panicked about a fare evasion issue. I am so grateful to the team - from the minute I asked for a callback and emphasised I need urgent assistance - they did everything to help me within a very short window of time. Samir took the time to speak with me and help me understand the situation/legalities in our initial consultation which I really appreciated. He was kind, positive and understanding. His confidence made me feel better and the issue was resolved within 1-2 days! I still can’t believe how quickly this was dealt with and the promptness/organisation of Manak Solicitors. Samir you’re a star! Thank you.

Date of experience: 21 October 2024

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