James McLernon > The 36 Group > London, England > Barrister Profile

James McLernon

Work Department

36 Crime

Position

James is an established and highly sought after criminal practitioner. He has built a reputation as skilled advocate who brings to every case rigorous analysis, meticulous preparation and an eye for detail.

James is a member of the Crown Prosecution Service ‘Grade 3’ panel and is regularly instructed by regional Complex Case Units to prosecute serious offences including murder, large scale frauds, gang associated firearms offences and people trafficking / modern slavery.

His defence practice includes representing clients charged with large scale Class A drugs conspiracies, armed robbery and serious sexual offences.

James has been praised for his excellent client care skills, in particular when dealing with clients who are vulnerable due to their age, mental health problems, substance abuse or learning difficulties.

James is adept at marshalling large volumes of material spanning communications data, cell site analysis, covert surveillance, ANPR and DNA evidence and distilling it for juries in a succinct and persuasive manner.

James was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2015 and joined the PPS Panel of Prosecution Counsel for Magistrates’ Court and County Court Appeal work. He has been instructed to defend both as led junior and junior alone in cases involving serious violence and supply of drugs at Antrim Crown Court.

James’ Northern Ireland practice also extends to civil litigation, employments tribunals and Family Court proceedings.

Career

Call: 2007.

Areas of experience:

Serious Sexual Offences
Criminal Judicial Review

Memberships

Crown Prosecution Service ‘Grade 3’ Panel
PPS Panel of Prosecution Counsel

Education

LL.B (Law & Politics) (Queen’s, Belfast): First Class
Bar Vocational Course: Outstanding