Mr Alistair Haggerty > Chambers of Anna Vigars KC > Bristol, England > Barrister Profile

Mr Alistair Haggerty

0117 930 9000 alistair.haggerty@guildhallchambers.co.uk

Work Department

Crime

Position

Alistair is a specialist criminal and regulatory advocate with a busy Crown Court practice. He undertakes instructions to prosecute and defend in a wide variety of serious cases.

Career

Called 2012.

Alistair is a skillful and persuasive jury advocate. He is a Grade 3 prosecutor, who also prosecutes on behalf of the Welfare, Rural and Health Division, UK Border Agency and the Home Office. In addition, Alistair has a well-established and diverse defence practice. He is frequently instructed to represent defendants in Crown Court and Youth Court trials and to represent prisoners at parole board hearings. He has also appeared in the Court of Appeal in appeals against conviction and sentence.

Alistair prosecutes and defends in the full range of criminal cases, including conspiracy to murder, serious violence, child abuse, fraud, drugs, arson with intent, sexual offences, aggravated burglary, robbery and firearms offences. He is also frequently instructed in cases which arise in a domestic context and has recently lectured on the new controlling and coercive behaviour legislation.

He combines a detailed knowledge of the law and a forensic approach to preparation with a natural empathy and ability to judge the emotional tone of a case. It is this skill which has seen him praised, by judges and instructing solicitors, for his ability with vulnerable complainants and defendants, young witnesses, and those suffering from serious mental health problems.

In addition, Alistair has been instructed, by both individuals and companies, in a variety of driving matters. These include causing death by careless driving, dangerous driving, and driving whilst under the influence of drink and drugs. He is also experienced in successfully advancing exceptional hardship arguments and special reasons for individuals at risk of losing their licences due to the accumulation of penalty points, and appealing to the courts on behalf of individuals who have had their driving licences revoked by the DVLA. Alistair’s comprehensive and practical knowledge of road traffic law has seen him instructed by several high-profile clients.

Prior to commencing pupilage, Alistair worked in Mississippi for six months, where he assisted lawyers representing individuals on Death Row. His work included drafting a petition for clemency to the state governor and investigating pathology reports on shaken baby deaths.

Alistair is a dynamic, meticulous and committed advocate. Whether prosecuting or defending, he thrives on the opportunity to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.

Memberships

• Amicus – Lawyer’s for Justice on Death Row
• Health & Safety Lawyers Association

Education

• • Merton College, University of Oxford – History, BA (Hons)
  • City University, London – GDL
  • Kaplan Law School – BPTC

  AWARDS & SCHOLARSHIPS:

  • Exhibitioner (Inner Temple)
  • Internship Scholar (Inner Temple)
  • Postmaster (Merton College, Oxford)
  • Exhibitioner (Merton College, Oxford)