Mr David Birrell > Exchange Chambers > Liverpool, England > Barrister Profile
Exchange Chambers Offices
ONE DERBY SQUARE
LIVERPOOL
L2 9XX
England
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Mr David Birrell
Work Department
Criminal; Regulatory
Position
“David’s attention to detail is extraordinary.” (Legal 500, 2023)
“His patience and understanding make him stand out from others.” (Legal 500, 2023)
“Nothing is ever too much trouble” (Legal 500, 2023)
Ranked as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500 2023, David specialises in serious crime. He handles cases in all areas of the criminal law including homicide, drug trafficking, terrorism, high value fraud and money laundering, and rape and sexual abuse. He has experience of leading teams in complex and sensitive cases.
He is regularly instructed in long running and high-profile cases which attract widespread media coverage. He defended as leading junior in R v Green and others, described by the BBC as ‘the UK’s biggest drugs conspiracy’. He also defended in R v Barton and others, a year-long fraud trial in which his client was the only defendant to be acquitted.
Hardworking and dedicated, David goes the extra mile for his solicitors. His lay clients appreciate his calm, patient and sympathetic manner. His advocacy, particularly his cross examination of witnesses, is devastatingly effective.
Despite his criminal background, David sits as a part time civil judge, which is testament to his intellectual versatility and his ability to quickly grasp the key issues and evidence in any given case.
Career
Called 2006
Languages
English
French
Memberships
- Northern Circuit
- Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers
- Criminal Bar Association
- Young Fraud Lawyers (North West) Association
Education
- Saint Edward’s College, Liverpool
- University of Liverpool
- L’Université Paris 1 – Panthéon-Sorbonne
- Nottingham Law School
Leisure
David enjoys drama and has performed in a number of plays and productions in theatres in Liverpool.
He is a keen footballer and plays for the Liverpool Ramblers. He also enjoys road cycling.
Having lived, studied and worked in Paris, David speaks French fluently.
Lawyer Rankings
Regional Bar > Northern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 3David Birrell – Exchange Chambers ‘David can master a case immediately upon instruction and is always fully prepared in advance of conference, having digested all evidence in the case and having identified the issues immediately. He is always available to deal with issues on a case or to provide advice, his preparation of his cases lead to successful legal argument, and his advocacy is incredible.’
Exchange Chambers is praised as a ‘veritable Northern powerhouse’ with an ‘array of highly-respected practitioners’. The crime team in chambers defends and prosecutes at all levels, covering the entire spectrum of serious crime, including murder, financial crime, alleged serious sexual offending and drug offences. The set is home to John Jones KC, who has a thriving practice working exclusively for the defence in serious crime, fraud, money laundering, and insider trading cases; he acted for the defendant in a gangland murder case concerning the execution-style murder of a rival drug dealer in a public street in broad daylight in Liverpool. Gordon Cole KC has a well-established and varied practice, having acted in murder and manslaughter cases, and Ben Myers KC has substantial expertise in high-value fraud and money laundering cases. The set also houses Richard Littler KC, who has significant experience in cases concerning terrorism, fraud, and organised crime – he is acting for a defendant in a drug importation case stemming from the interception of 350kg of cocaine, 90kg of heroin and 150kg of cannabis. Mark Rhind KC is strong in high-value MTIC and tax fraud cases. Imran Shafi KC also primarily defends in serious and high-profile cases regarding murder, terrorism, and drug conspiracies – he represented a woman who was acquitted on charges concerning her alleged membership of an extreme-right group planning violence using, among others, 3D-printed firearms. Turning to the set’s juniors, David Birrell was sole counsel for a defendant who played a leading role in a case concerning the supply of 180kg of Class A drugs, involving a significant amount of Encrochat evidence. James MacAdam was appointed to the circuit bench in September 2023 as was Ian Harris in October 2023.