Martyn brings 26 years’ combined experience in policing and legal practice, spanning criminal justice, regulatory and public law matters. Before joining the Bar, he spent two decades in policing, holding specialist operational, investigative and training roles at various ranks. He subsequently became Head of Professional Discipline at a nationwide firm of solicitors.
This background gives him practical insight into police emergency driving, investigations, operational decision-making and professional accountability. He holds an expert witness qualification awarded by Cardiff University. His specialist expertise includes police emergency driving and investigations. An experienced law lecturer, Martyn has been involved in police training since 2005, including advanced police driver training. From 2013, he specialised in advanced investigative interviewing and visually recorded interviews conducted in accordance with Achieving Best Evidence guidance.
Today, Martyn maintains a mixed criminal defence and civil practice, with particular expertise in professional discipline and public law. He represents clients in the UK and abroad facing allegations that place their careers, livelihoods and reputations at risk. He is authorised by the Bar Standards Board to conduct litigation and sits on the Bar Standards Board Independent Decision Board.
His professional relationships enable Lloyd James Law to draw on specialist barristers, King’s Counsel, expert witnesses and other professionals where a case requires additional expertise. Martyn maintains personal oversight of the client’s legal strategy and care.
In 2023, Martyn was awarded an international PhD scholarship. His research examines police risk management, focusing on how officers make and rationalise decisions in critical incidents involving suicide and an imminent risk to life. This work informs his understanding of the human factors shaping operational decisions and how those decisions are subsequently scrutinised in legal proceedings. The research has also reinforced his commitment to ensuring that professionals facing formal proceedings receive appropriate welfare support alongside effective legal representation. Lloyd James Law collaborates with specialist therapists to make independent welfare support available to clients at cost-effective rates, separate from their legal representation.
Outside work, Martyn has a collection of carefully restored classic American cars, including a replica of KITT from the television series Knight Rider. He has played the drums since the age of 12 and performs with a working band. Having competed in triathlons across the globe, he continues to enjoy keeping fit.
