Mr James Bloomer > 23ES > London, England > Barrister Profile
23ES Offices
1 Gray's Inn Square
WC1R 5AA
England
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Mr James Bloomer
Position
James is an experienced Leading Junior, with a heavyweight and complex practice for his call. Whilst the majority of his work has, for some years, been in Hampshire and Surrey, he continues to practice over a wider geographical area.
He has a particular specialism in defending those with complex mental health problems and/or learning difficulties charged with serious offences; an area calling for a particular blend of approachable, patient, careful client-facing skills, plus the robust forensic skills and diligence solicitors have come to know him for, over a period of years.
Current instructions include 2 multi-defendant paedophile ring allegations, 2 separate allegations of attempted murder (one as Leading Junior, and one alone), a baby-shaking, allegations of rape by an 11 year old, and numerous cases involving large scale dishonesty, kidnapping, serious violence of every kind and serious sexual allegations.
Although the overwhelming majority of his practice has long been in defence work, James has also prosecuted for the Crown Prosecution Service, the Department of Work and Pensions, and various Borough Councils.
Career
Called 2000.
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association, South Eastern Circuit.
Lawyer Rankings
Regional Bar > South Eastern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2The barristers at 23ES are well-known for representing clients in the full range of serious criminal offences, from multi-handed murder, gangland killings and rapes to money laundering and fraud. Eloise Marshall KC defended a man in a four-defendant murder trial stemming from a gangland shooting, while Kate Lumsdon KC defended a teenager accused of killing a vulnerable adult in his home. James Bloomer represented a defendant accused of a bomb hoax and possessing an imitation firearm in a bank.
London Bar > Crime
(Leading Juniors)Ranked: Tier 2James Bloomer – 23ES ‘James is thoroughly prepared and an extremely fastidious barrister. His written arguments are comprehensive and compelling even in the most complex and detailed of cases. His advocacy is clear, well planned, fastidiously researched and persuasive. James is a first choice counsel for matters of complexity and seriousness.’
23ES is ‘a very well established and highly respected set’ with a ‘breadth of talent‘. Prior to her December 2023 appointment to the Circuit Bench in November 2023, Allison Hunter prosecuted a thirteen-defendant drug conspiracy involving 1000kg of cocaine in a case featuring Encrochat evidence. Elisabeth Acker prosecuted alone in a case in which the defendant was convicted for importing and selling endangered species, specifically jewellery containing elephant parts, contrary to CITES – the matter involved arguments on the adequacy of expert opinion, the appropriate method of scientific testing, the admissibility of evidence obtained from abroad, and on the statutory interpretation. James Bloomer was instructed for the defence in the case of a young man of previous good character accused of a bomb hoax and possession of an imitation firearm following a bungled attempt at a bank robbery – the case turns on the psychiatric evidence, assessing whether he was in the grip of a psychotic episode at the relevant time as well as the admissibility of a quasi-confession given during interview.