James Wood QC > Doughty Street Chambers > London, England > Lawyer Profile
Doughty Street Chambers Offices
Doughty Street Chambers
53-54 DOUGHTY STREET
LONDON
WC1N 2LS
England
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James Wood QC
Work Department
Position
Enormously experienced, driven, gutsy, calm and determined, James has a broad based crime practice, concentrating on domestic and international criminal trial and appellate work, but also practices in inquests, police actions and inquiries.
Career
James’s extensive trial and appellate experience means he is fully aware of and has litigated issues involving many of the investigative techniques likely deployed in the course of complex police, SFA and SOCO investigations. This always informs his detailed and careful pre-trial preparation on issues of disclosure and abuse of process, and his approach to pre-charge advice. He is inclusive when leading a team and will always encourage, and be open to, lay and professional client involvement and participation in core pre-trial decision making. As an advocate he is forceful, incisive and strong. The bulk of his work concerns allegations of grave crime, be it homicides, corporate fraud, money laundering, serious drugs, terrorism, or organised crime. Recent instructions include murders, grave terrorism, complex fraud and large-scale money laundering.
Other areas of practice include Public Inquiries, Extradition, International crime, civil actions against the police, Inquests and Regulatory and Disciplinary work. He is on the list of approved counsel for the International Criminal Court and welcomes instruction abroad. He is authorised for direct access work.
Languages
French.
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association (co-opted executive member)
Liberty
Justice
Forensic Science Society
South Eastern Circuit
Supporter and donor to the Koestler Foundation supporting art amongst prisoners.
Education
Haileybury College; Warwick University (1974 LLB 2:1).
Leisure
Water colour painting, sailing, travel.
Lawyer Rankings
London Bar > Crime
(Leading Silks) Ranked: Tier 3James Wood QC –Doughty Street Chambers ‘Tactically very good and has an excellent manner with clients. He will always stand his ground on issues and will take difficult points with relish. Incredibly bright and formidable in court. Fearless as an advocate and brilliant at tactics. Very approachable, works incredibly hard and keeps in close contact. Turns work around immediatley and totally reliable.’