We are Critical Friends
Critical Friends offers a discreet professional service to both corporate and individual clients.
Critical support when you need it
Crisis Management
We assist organisations and individuals to assess risk, identify and remove any imminent threat and formulate a practical strategy to move forward. You will receive expert analysis of your specific situation and tailored legal advice detailing your options and available solutions.
Professional Investigations
Our discreet Investigation service is a cornerstone of the service we provide to our clients. We are proud to be linked to the Association of British Investigators, a benchmark of quality and reassurance that you can rely on to deliver proportionate and evidenced-based enquires.
Criminal Justice Support
We recognise every victim’s right to access justice whether corporate or individual and have an excellent track record at overturning unfavourable decisions made by the police and Crown Prosecution Service.
Legal Support
Our combined backgrounds enable us to tailor our services to provide both practical intelligence led legal solutions to the problems our clients face.
Online Security
An online cyber risk assessment is an essential tool in any organisation's risk management. We are able to identify security vulnerabilities and provide practical solutions to mitigate the threat to online security both for the organisation and individuals.
Real World Security
As part of an ongoing security and harm reduction programme, we complete security assessments for both individuals and organisations alike to identify security threats and the practical arrangements required to mitigate.
Meet the Critical Friends team
Andy Nightingale
After 9 years serving in the armed forces, Andy enjoyed a successful career in the Police Service spanning 25 years where he achieved the rank of Detective Chief Inspector. 12 years ago, Andy embarked on a third career in the commercial security and investigations sector.
Ashleigh Harold
Is a highly regarded practising solicitor with over 20 years’ experience representing well known corporate clients and high net worth individuals with critical incident management advice in the most challenging of circumstances.
Trusted Partners
Our work and reputation in this field positions us with the ability to draw upon a cohort of subject matter experts, at the top of their respective fields from Kings Counsel to industry leaders. We provide bespoke all-service advice for the challenges unique to you or your business.
Confidential & Discreet
We are people-centred and focused on delivering the best possible outcome for our clients.
Badges & Awards
Ashleigh Harold provides legal services through firms authorised and regulated by the Solicitors Regulatory Authority. The ABI is the only association to work with the Law Society of England & Wales and is included in the approved supplier scheme of the Law Society of Scotland. These are the benchmark for professional bodies in the UK, and our membership of the ABI is your reassurance of the quality and integrity of our investigational services.
What our people say about us...
At a time of real personal crisis both Ashleigh Harold and Andy Nightingale of CFL provided me with outstanding service and support, when I reached out to them for help. Their caring attitude, empathy toward the situation I was in and their ability to put me at ease through a very difficult period was truly exceptional.
Company Director
Sector business
I have known Andy for over 30 years and can confirm his outstanding police service and commercial career. Andy is one of the most outstanding investigators, managers and human beings I have ever worked with. I have absolutely no doubt about his honesty, integrity and professionalism.
Former Senior Police officer and Superior
Sector business
Ashleigh is an eminently regarded lawyer who I have co-defended on many cases over the years. She brings a vast wealth of experience to her casework and a meticulous attention to detail. Easy to work with, her empathy and desire to achieve the best possible results for her clients is exceptional.
Hayley Saunders
Head of Regulation, Business Crime and Compliance Shoosmiths
Get in touch with us