James Wood

020 7404 1313 j.wood@doughtystreet.co.uk View profile

Position

James Wood QC is ranked in Band 1 for Crime by Chambers and Partners, and as a leading Silk for both Crime and Fraud in The Legal 500. The editorial from the most recent editions of those guides note him as “A fantastic man to go into battle with and one of the most respected Silks in crime”, and as “fearless and committed, with a ferocious appetite for cases”. 

Career

Called 1975; Middle Temple; QC 1999. 

In a career spanning over 40 years James has acquired extensive experience of leading in cases involving the most serious allegations of terrorism, homicide, serious drugs offences and organised crime, as well as complex and corporate fraud, and large-scale money laundering. He has an extensive appellate practice, including a number of high profile miscarriage of justice cases, and he is regularly instructed to provide “2nd opinion” advices. He is also retained to advise on tactical and other issues pre-charge. James has experience of private prosecutions, and of civil law issues arising out of criminal justice issues such as proceeds of crime and money laundering litigation, and in civil claims for damages against the police. He also appears in overseas jurisdictions for both trials and appeals, notably in Hong Kong, and he is on the International Criminal Court’s panel of Approved Counsel. He has also been instructed for inquests and inquiries, extradition, and in disciplinary proceedings against regulated professionals.

James accepts instructions on a direct access basis.

Languages

French.

Memberships

South Eastern Circuit, Executive committee member of CBA, Forensic Science Society, Koestler Trust, Justice.

Education

Haileybury College; Warwick University (1974 LLB 2:1).

Leisure

Water colour painting, sailing, travel.