Serious and Complex Criminal Defence Barrister in London

Serious and Complex Criminal Defence

I am a criminal defence barrister practising in London, specialising in serious and complex criminal cases, including trials and appeals. I act for privately paying clients and legally aided clients in cases where experience, judgment, and focused advocacy are essential.

I regularly appear in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal and represent clients facing allegations carrying serious legal, professional, and personal consequences.

What Is a Serious or Complex Criminal Case?

A criminal case may be considered serious or complex where it involves:

  • serious allegations or potential custodial sentences

  • large volumes of evidence or disclosure

  • complex legal or procedural issues

  • multiple defendants or linked proceedings

  • significant reputational or professional consequences

Such cases require careful preparation, strategic decision-making, and experienced advocacy throughout.

Experience in Serious Criminal Defence

My practice focuses on defending clients in serious criminal proceedings, from the earliest stages of investigation through to trial, sentence, and appeal.

I am instructed in cases involving:

  • contested trials

  • complex evidential issues

  • substantial prosecution cases

  • appeals against conviction or sentence

I advise clients realistically and robustly, with a focus on outcomes and effective courtroom advocacy.

Serious and Complex Criminal Cases and Direct Access

In appropriate cases, serious and complex criminal matters can be conducted under the Direct Access scheme.

Direct Access allows privately paying clients to:

  • instruct a specialist criminal defence barrister directly

  • obtain early advice on the strength of the prosecution case

  • deal directly with the advocate responsible for the case

  • have clarity about fees and scope of work from the outset

Direct Access is regulated by the Bar Council and is suitable in many, though not all, serious criminal cases.

Where Direct Access is not appropriate, I will advise you at an early stage and explain whether a solicitor should be instructed.

👉 Further information about instructing a barrister directly is available on my Direct Access page.

Serious Criminal Trials

Serious criminal trials often involve:

  • extensive witness evidence

  • expert evidence

  • detailed legal argument

  • careful jury handling

As trial counsel, my role includes:

  • advising on plea and trial strategy

  • challenging prosecution evidence

  • presenting defence cases clearly and effectively

  • cross-examining witnesses robustly and fairly

Effective advocacy at trial can be decisive in serious criminal cases.

Appeals and Post-Conviction Advice

Serious and complex criminal cases frequently give rise to issues on appeal.

I advise and represent clients in relation to:

  • appeals against conviction

  • appeals against sentence

  • post-conviction advice

  • review of trial conduct and fresh evidence

Private representation is commonly used in appellate cases, including proceedings in the Court of Appeal.

Regulatory and Disciplinary Proceedings

In addition to criminal courts, I represent clients in professional regulatory and disciplinary proceedings, where allegations may overlap with criminal investigations or prosecutions.

Such cases often require careful handling due to their potential impact on professional standing and future employment.

Fees and Funding

Fees in serious and complex criminal cases are agreed in advance and depend on:

  • the nature and seriousness of the allegations

  • the stage of proceedings

  • the work required

I aim to be transparent and proportionate in relation to fees. Where legal aid may be available, I will advise you accordingly.

Legal Aid and Serious Criminal Cases

I act for legally aided clients when instructed by a solicitor.

Legal aid is not available by way of Direct Access. However, if you are unsure whether legal aid may be available in your case, you are welcome to make contact to discuss your position.

Making a Confidential Enquiry

If you are facing a serious or complex criminal allegation, you may contact me for an initial confidential discussion.

I will consider whether Direct Access or private representation is suitable and explain the available options clearly.

All enquiries are treated in confidence and without obligation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do serious criminal cases require specialist representation?
Serious and complex criminal cases often involve significant legal, evidential, and procedural issues. Specialist experience can be critical in such cases.

Can serious criminal cases be dealt with under Direct Access?
In many cases, yes. However, some serious cases require a solicitor for litigation support. This will be assessed at an early stage.

Can you represent me at trial in a serious case?
Yes. I regularly represent clients in serious criminal trials in the Crown Court.

Can you advise on appeals in serious cases?
Yes. I advise and represent clients in appeals against conviction and sentence, including proceedings in the Court of Appeal.

Experience

I am a criminal defence barrister practising in London, specialising in serious and complex criminal cases, including trials and appeals. I accept Direct Access instructions from privately paying clients and act for legally aided clients where appropriate.

I appear regularly in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal and also represent clients at professional regulatory and disciplinary hearings.

I practise from 2BR (formerly 2 Bedford Row).

London