Brian O'Neill KC > Chambers of Jonathan Laidlaw KC > London, England > Barrister Profile

Chambers of Jonathan Laidlaw KC
2 Hare Court
TEMPLE
LONDON
EC4Y 7BH
England

Position

Now in his fourteenth year in Silk, Brian provides advice and advocacy in private prosecutions (in which he has a particular expertise), business crime, serious crime and sports law.  His expert skills can be applied to any complex situation whether defending or prosecuting across various jurisdictions.

He advises corporate clients in this country and abroad and gives advice to foreign Governments.  He has appeared in numerous high profile cases and has represented a number of professional footballers.

Private Prosecutions: Brian’s expertise in criminal law and his very considerable experience prosecuting serious and complex criminal cases have led to a number of instructions in this area in which he both prosecutes and defends and also lectures.

Business Crime and Financial Services: Brian has appeared in two of the most newsworthy fraud cases to have been tried in this country in recent years: the HBoS corruption scandal – R v Mills & others; and the football bribery case – R v Pagliara & others.

Crime: Brian is instructed in criminal cases of the utmost gravity and seriousness by leading defence solicitors and specialist units within the CPS.  His vast experience has earned him the respect of those who instruct him, his peers and the judiciary.

Sports Law: Brian is instructed by The Football Association, for whom he acted in the Ivan Toney betting case and is a regular contributor to LawInSport.

Career

Year of Call 1987; Grays Inn; South Eastern Circuit; Recorder 2002, Appointed King’s Counsel 2010

Memberships

  • 2020: Appointed to SFO KC Panel
  • South Eastern Circuit
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • Private Prosecution Association
  • Fraud Lawyers Association

Lawyer Rankings

London Bar > Crime

(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 4

Brian O’Neill KC2 Hare Court ‘Brian has a commanding presence and owns the courtroom: when he speaks, people listen.’

London Bar > Fraud: crime

(Leading Silks)Ranked: Tier 2

Brian O’Neill KC – 2 Hare CourtBrian is a true heavyweight. He is a clear, strategic thinker, which is essential in large-scale fraud cases, as well as a robust and persuasive advocate.’