The 36 Group

36 Crime

Samuel Skinner KC appears in very significant and complex cases. He is one of only a few silks appointed in both criminal and civil law. Recognised as ‘a star in the making’ and ‘one of the best junior barristers at the Bar’ (Legal 500), he is known for his knowledgeable, focussed, and succinct approach.

Criminal Law: Samuel’s criminal law practice encompasses four main areas:

Murder and very serious violence: Handling cases involving children, firearms, multiple defendants, police officers, and military personnel.

Serious organised crime: Expertise in cases related to drugs, modern slavery, firearms, and Proceeds of Crime Act (PoCA) matters.

Financial and business crime: Specialising in complex fraud cases brought by the SFO, HMRC, or the Insolvency Service. Also: cybercrime, asset recovery, and search warrants. Samuel advises both the Crown and companies on industrial espionage or sabotage cases.

Sexual offences: Representing clients in cases involving children, vulnerable adults, and historical allegations. Samuel’s experience ensures sensitive handling of cases that can damage families, careers, and reputations.

When prosecuting, Samuel often works pre-charge and received a Chief Crown Prosecutor’s Commendation in 2019 for his outstanding victim care. Prosecuting authorities also ask him to advise on sensitive investigations, including the prosecution of police officers and high-profile cases.

When defending, Samuel seeks to achieve the best results for his clients (in England and internationally) with the least publicity; an approach commended by his instructing solicitors and clients, most of whom value their privacy extremely. Samuel has previously been called upon to defend senior lawyers facing criminal allegations.

Often in the past, Samuel’s analysis of a case has enabled him to identify weaknesses which have led to it being dropped pre-charge, or dismissed at trial, or stayed as an abuse of process. (E.g. R v X – where Samuel’s written representations led the CPS to drop fraud charges against a HNW individual; R v Warner – murder – case dismissed against Samuel’s client at half time; R v Brown “the Secret Defendant”– fraud – case against Samuel’s client dropped after he put forward an abuse of process argument)

Whether prosecuting or defending, when Samuel’s cases progress to trial he uses his considerable experience to present a clear account to the jury, making it easy for them to follow and interpret highly complex facts, often involving very difficult scientific or financial evidence.

Call: 2007, Silk: 2025.

Career highlights: Prosecutes and defends Appointed to the CPS General Panel of Advocates at Level 4 Appointed to the CPS Rape and Serious Sexual Offences Panel at level 4 Instructed off-panel by the Serious Fraud Office Appointed to the CPS Serious Fraud Panel of Advocates at Level 3 Appointed to the CPS Serious Crime Panel of Advocates at Level 3 Appointed to the Attorney General’s Panel of Regional Civil Counsel 2012-2018 Security vetted Direct Access qualified

Areas of experience: Consumer Cybercrime Economic Crime & Regulation Financial Crime Health and Safety Homicide Licensing Judicial Review Modern Slavery Professional Misconduct & Disciplinary Regulatory Serious & Complex Crime Serious Sexual Offences

Samuel Skinner KC sits as a Crown Court Recorder and is additionally authorised to try rape and other serious sexual offences. He is an advocacy trainer for both Gray’s Inn and the Midland Circuit.

Member of the Midland and South Eastern Circuits

Member of Gray’s Inn

Lord Justice Holker Award holder, Gray’s Inn.

Exhibitioner of Jesus College, University of Oxford.

Viscount Sankey scholar, Jesus College, University of Oxford.

Samuel is a pupil supervisor.

MA (Oxon), Jesus College, University of Oxford
Bar Vocational Course - Inns of Court School of Law
Graduate Diploma in Law- BPP Leeds