Who? Maria Theodoulou, partner and criminal defence lawyer at Stokoe Partnership, London.

Why is she in the news? Acted for Carl Wood, 58, in relation to last year’s £14m Hatton Garden jewellery raid.

The heist, described as the ‘largest burglary in English legal history’, took place at Hatton Garden Safe Deposit in London’s jewellery quarter over the Easter weekend last year. Following a trial at Woolwich Crown Court, Wood, 58, of Elderbeck Close, Cheshunt, Hertfordshire, was found guilty of conspiracy to commit burglary and conspiracy to conceal, convert or transfer criminal property. He had denied the charges. Four ‘ringleaders’ had already pleaded guilty to their part in the raid.

Thoughts on the case: ‘It is difficult to go into too much detail because we won’t be sentenced until 7 March [after which] we will be looking at certain points in detail, including any appeal issues.’

Dealing with the media: ‘The coverage in this case has made parts of it appear comedic and there has been a lot of press about a film being made. But it’s a serious case and these men are looking at potentially lengthy sentences.’

Why become a lawyer? ‘I thought the law would be something that would keep me interested and it has. I wanted to practise in criminal defence because I didn’t think I’d get bored of it and I haven’t. I get to meet all sorts of people from all walks of life and that suits me.’

Career high: ‘A client’s acquittal in the Securitas case was a real high. He was an older gentleman of good character who spent more than 12 months in custody, so it felt good when he was acquitted.’

Career low: ‘This morning I had an unsuccessful bail application for a man of good character. It is a low point visiting him in prison when he should not be there.’

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