6KBW College Hill

Alex is currently serving as Lord Chancellor & Secretary of State for Justice and is the former HM Solicitor General for England & Wales. He was formerly Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Justice. Prior to his election as the Member of Parliament for Cheltenham, Alex prosecuted and defended in the most serious cases, including terrorist bomb plots, international fraud, multi-handed rape cases and murder. Instructing solicitors have included the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority, and Alex has provided pro bono advice – including to Nasrin Sotoudeh, a prisoner of conscience held captive in Iran. Alex is not accepting any work while in office as the Solicitor General.

Melanie Cumberland KC

Melanie Cumberland is a leading junior with a broad range of practice areas, including crime, extradition, confiscation, mutual legal assistance, administrative law, public inquiries and inquests. Melanie has extensive experience appearing in the higher courts, in cases before the Supreme Court, Court of Appeal and High Court. She also regularly acts on behalf of individuals and the Government in cases before the European Court of Human Rights. She has been instructed in some of the most complex and sensitive criminal and quasi-criminal cases of recent years, including a challenge to the refusal to issue arrest warrants against Tony Blair, Jack Straw and Lord Goldsmith for their participation in the Iraq War (R (on the application of Al-Rabbat) v. Westminster Magistrates’ Court); Supreme Court appeals concerning a challenge to search warrants issued in reliance on sensitive material (R (on the application of Haralambous) v. St Albans Crown Court); and sentences of imprisonment for public protection based on their alleged breach of the principle of lex mitior (R v. Docherty). Melanie was first appointed by the Attorney General as junior counsel to the Crown in 2009, and has been on the A Panel since 2016. She undertakes a range of high profile work for a variety of government departments and has particular expertise in national security work, inquests, public inquiries and judicial review proceedings raising issues of principle under the criminal law. She has acted in many of the most important public inquiries and inquests of recent years including the Westminster Bridge Inquests, the Litvinenko Inquiry, the inquest into the death of Alexander Perepilichnyy and the Al Sweady Inquiry. She has also been instructed in a number of judicial review and civil damages claims arising from the Government’s military involvement in Iraq and Afghanistan; for example, in claims brought by Rahmatullah, Al-Sweady and Al-Saadoon, and in appeals before the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, arising from those claims.

Jacob Hallam KC

Jake is recognised as an expert in the conduct of substantial high-profile cases involving complex areas of fact, law and public interest in the Crown Court, High Court and Court of Appeal. His ability to take control of large amounts of complex material and craft it for the purposes of trial or other litigation is well-known, as are his talents for the presentation of such evidence in a way that is comprehensive and easily-accessible. His precise and measured courtroom manner makes him a persuasive advocate. He has developed a particular reputation for the presentation of legal arguments and for being an impressive cross-examiner. He has appeared in many of the highest profile criminal trials in the country in recent years, involving homicide, corruption in public office, historic sexual abuse, diamond robbery, cybercrime and international criminal conspiracies. In addition to his work in the criminal courts, Jake has developed an expanding practice in family law, advisory work, judicial review, extradition, and libel law. He brings the skills he has mastered in the preparation and presentation of complex criminal cases to these wider fields, helping lay and professional clients to focus on the core issues that concern them whether that be helping to redress the effects of identity takeover or online fraud, contesting a judicial review application, or representing individuals in fact-finding hearings in the Family Court. Before his appointment as Treasury Counsel, Jake was a grade 4 prosecutor and a member of the specialist serious crime panel. He is a member of the faculty of advocacy teachers at Gray’s Inn, of the Bar Council’s Education and Training Committee, and of the Kalisher Trust. He is a training Facilitator in Vulnerable Witness Advocacy Training. Litigation and Appeals Criminal litigation has been at the core of Jake’s practice since he came to the Bar. In that time, his criminal practice has developed to the level that it now exclusively involves the most complex, serious and high-profile criminal cases which are reported on the national and international stage. He is an acknowledged expert within his field at the preparation and presentation of such cases, of identifying the key issues to be litigated, and in oral and written advocacy at the Crown Court and Court of Appeal. In the appeal courts he has developed a practice conducting appeals against sentence and conviction in cases in which he did not appear at first instance. Jake brings that experience, and the skills he brings to that field of expertise, to other aspects of litigation and advisory work beyond the criminal sphere. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Jake has detailed knowledge of both Part One and Part Two of the Extradition Act 2003. He acts for requesting judicial authorities and governments, as well as for requested persons. He has appeared in cases at first instance and before the Administrative Court, and has a broad knowledge of the appellate process. Human Rights Human rights law flows through all aspects of Jake’s work, from advising on the use that can be made of information contained in documents, to the review of decisions made by a prosecuting authority, or from the rights of a person whose extradition is sought, to the use of evidence in adversarial proceedings. International Criminal Law Jake’s work in criminal law has led to an increased involvement in international cases, and cross-border litigation. Examples include work involving law enforcement agencies in the USA, the West Indies, South America and the Middle-East, as well as with those in Europe. Media and Information Jake has worked with a number of media clients for many years. He regularly advises the entertainment industry on aspects of libel law. He worked as the legal consultant for the 2021 BBC drama “Showtrial”. Public and Administrative Law Jake has developed a practice which includes work in public and administrative law, advising on and appearing in case of judicial review, including decisions taken by prosecuting authorities and by tribunals. Family Law Since taking silk, Jake has developed a practice in Family Law, bringing his skills in case analysis and cross-examination to this field. He has represented the principal party in a 2-year-long fact-finding hearing relating to an alleged paedophile ring. The case was the subject of an appeal, with leave being granted on all grounds, and a re-hearing. Ultimately no disputed findings were made against his client, and all allegations relating to child abuse were rejected by the court.

Miranda Hill KC

Appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2022 and awarded Crime Junior of the Year at the Chambers UK Bar Awards 2017 , Miranda is “a very clever lawyer with an instinctive touch for the right approach in difficult and challenging circumstances”. “Sought out to advise corporations implicated in financial crime” and recommended by the legal directories as a New Silk in financial crime, financial crime (corporates), general crime and investigations, Miranda has a wide range of experience as a criminal practitioner. Specialising in business and corporate crime, she is particularly renowned for her ability to master substantial and complex cases. Corporate Crime and Investigations Described as a “newly appointed silk who was widely regarded as the best junior in this field of work”, Miranda has unparalleled experience in relation to business and corporate crime. She represented both Rolls-Royce and Amec Foster Wheeler in deferred prosecution agreement proceedings (led by David Perry KC and leading Katherine Hardcastle) and advised News Group Newspapers Limited and News UK in respect of the phone hacking and misconduct allegations (which concluded with no criminal proceedings being brought against either company). Since acting for BAE Systems Plc in respect of the proceedings brought by the Serious Fraud Office, Miranda has advised other household names from the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors in respect of allegations of corruption and other aspects of business crime. She led an internal investigation into allegations of corrupt behaviour by employees of a FTSE 100 company and has been instructed on behalf of two major high-street banks to advise on matters relating to fraud, Financial Services and Markets Act and Companies Act offences. Miranda also has experience of advising individuals in connection with cartel offences and the leniency provisions. Cybercrime Miranda has experience of advising companies in respect of ‘cybercrime’ offences, committed in the context of industrial espionage and by present and former employees. She has advised, amongst other matters, in respect of offences relating to the obtaining, transfer and destruction of confidential data and also with regard to counter-surveillance measures. General Crime Miranda has been led both for the Prosecution and for the Defence in numerous homicide cases, including those of unusual factual and/or legal complexity. As sole advocate, she has successfully represented individuals accused of rape, serious offences of violence and driving offences involving fatalities, amongst other matters. She also represented the four Uber drivers who were privately prosecuted by the Licensed Taxi Drivers’ Association in connection with the dispute about whether the Uber App amounted to a taximeter for the purposes of the legislation. She also has considerable experience of prosecuting: this includes prosecuting both single and multiple defendants accused of a range of offences including child cruelty, sexual offences, offences of serious violence and robbery. Fraud Miranda is recognised in the legal directories as a New Silk in the field of fraud. Having been instructed early in her practice in commercial litigation between Sumitomo and Credit Lyonnais Rouse, she was instructed subsequently by the Serious Fraud Office in one of its largest investigations into a multi-million pound, multi-jurisdictional fraud within the metal trading industry. The case involved calling defendants convicted in the US, who had co-operated under formal agreements with the US Department of Justice, as prosecution witnesses. This has given Miranda a unique understanding of the US system regarding co-operating witnesses, plea bargaining and sentencing. Restraint Miranda has both prosecuted and defended in cases of money laundering and has experience of advising in relation to suspicious activity reports. She has experience of appeals against forfeiture orders made under the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 and of complex confiscation hearings. Inquests Having acted on behalf of a number of the senior police officers at the inquest into the death of Jean Charles de Menezes, Miranda has experience both of Article 2 and non-Article 2 compliant inquests and has represented the interests of families of the deceased as well as those of persons whose behaviour might be criticised. Independent Counsel Miranda has been instructed by the Financial Services Authority, the Serious Fraud Office and the Jersey Law Officer’s Department as Independent Counsel to review material and determine whether it is subject to legal professional privilege.

Paul Humpherson

aul’s practice incorporates both courtroom advocacy in the Crown Court and Court of Appeal, and more academic engagement with the law through his work as a university law tutor and his current secondment to the Law Commission. He also has considerable practical experience in financial crime and regulation. Paul is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend in Crown Court cases involving serious violence, sexual offences, theft and fraud. He has recently appeared successfully in a number of reported criminal appeals in both the Court of Appeal and the High Court. Paul has diverse experience of financial crime and regulation, having undertaken secondments with the Financial Conduct Authority, Serious Fraud Office, Stephen Platt Associates LLP (a financial regulation and compliance consultancy based in the Channel Islands), WilmerHale (a City law firm), and the Welfare, Rural and Health Division of the Crown Prosecution Service (where he prosecuted benefit fraud and regulatory offences).

Paul is a first-rate advocate with a thriving practice as both a leader and a junior alone in cases of substance and complexity. He is a Junior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court, appointed by the Attorney General in 2017 to prosecute the most serious offences including murder and terrorism. In that role Paul accepts instructions from all divisions of the Crown Prosecution Service and from the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority. Alongside prosecuting, Paul maintains a busy private defence practice, mainly in the areas of corporate and financial crime, cybercrime, serious sexual offending and motoring offences, where his expertise is sought at all stages of proceedings. Paul has particular expertise with regards to the proceeds of crime and judicial review. He also has a sizeable appellate practice. In the last few years he has appeared as sole junior counsel in over one hundred cases before the Court of Appeal. Paul is the joint editor of Millington & Sutherland Williams on the Proceeds of Crime, and Kingsley Napley & 6KBW College Hill: Serious Fraud, Investigation & Trial, and a contributor to Blackstones’ Criminal Practice and Taylor on Appeals. He is a case commentator for Lloyd’s Law Reports: Financial Crime, and a regular contributor to the Criminal Law Review and Archbold Review.

Louis is a recognised leader in the fields of criminal litigation, corporate investigations and human rights. He has an international reputation for providing expert strategic analysis, and frequently acts in cases with a multi-jurisdictional dimension. Louis has acted in numerous cases in the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights, and recently appeared for the Department of Justice in the High Court of Hong Kong in the territory’s largest corruption trial. Louis was appointed Senior Treasury Counsel in 2015, and Queen’s Counsel in 2017. Criminal Litigation Louis’s specialism in the field of criminal litigation is dealing with cases, at first instance and on appeal, that are complex, high profile and sensitive. Recent cases include: HKSAR v Hui, Kwok & others (Court of First Instance, Hong Kong) Louis was admitted to the Hong Kong Bar and acted for the Department of Justice in the prosecution of the territory’s former Chief Secretary for taking bribes from property developers. Parliamentary Expenses Scandal Louis prosecuted the six Members of Parliament charged in connection with the Parliamentary expenses scandal. The litigation included the landmark constitutional case of R v Chaytor and others in the Supreme Court, on the scope of Parliamentary Privilege and Article IX of the Bill of Rights. Isle of Wight Council v Platt (Supreme Court) Louis represented the Secretary of State in the high profile Supreme Court case concerning the prosecution of parents who take their children on holiday during the school term. R v Hurley Louis represented the Crown in the Court of Appeal in a case where fresh evidence was called to challenge the safety of a murder conviction dating back 25 years. R v Walker Louis represented the Crown in the Court of Appeal in a case which clarified the means by which the DPP grants consent to prosecute. R (Kenward) v DPP (High Court) Louis represented the Attorney General in the litigation challenging the DPP’s policy on assisted suicide. R v McLoughlin (Court of Appeal) Louis represented the Crown and the Attorney General in the Court of Appeal in a case concerning a challenge to the compatibility of whole life sentences with Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Other recent cases include advising on the scope of the privilege against self-incrimination under Hong Kong law; the prosecution of the man who interrupted the Boat Race for public nuisance; the prosecution of the Bulger killer Jon Venables after he re-offended; and numerous murder trials at the Central Criminal Court. Corporate Crime and Investigations Louis specialises in cases involving allegations of bribery, corruption, cartel activity and financial or corporate misconduct. He has recently advised on the coercive powers of the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission, and on the criminal and extradition exposure of UK corporate officers in connection with conduct in an Asian jurisdiction. Other recent cases include: London Whale Affair Louis is acting for one of the involved in the London Whale affair, arising from JP Morgan’s announcement of a US$2 billion trading loss in 2012. Litigation has taken place in Spain; there are ongoing criminal and civil proceedings in the US involving the US Department of Justice and the US Securities and Exchange Commission; and the UK litigation includes proceedings against the FCA in the Upper Tribunal, Tax and Chancery Chamber. Akcine Bendrove Bankas Snoras v Antonov Louis acted for a major Lithuanian bank in the Commercial Court in proceedings concerning the application of the privilege against self-incrimination and Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights to disclosure in civil proceedings. JPMorgan v SFO Louis represented JP Morgan and a number of other City banks in the High Court, challenging the lawfulness of a section 2 (CJA 1987) Notice to produce documents, issued by the SFO at the request of an overseas prosecutor. SFO v BAE Louis acted in relation to the SFO’s investigation into BAE’s global business dealings. Human Rights and Public Louis has represented the UK Government in numerous cases in the European Court of Human Rights, including the following cases in the Grand Chamber: Ibrahim v UK Concerning whether the questioning of terrorist suspects under domestic legislation violated Article 6 of the Convention. Vinter v UK Concerning whether the domestic scheme of whole life sentencing was compatible with Article 3 of the Convention. Al-Khawaja v UK Concerning whether the domestic legislation in relation to hearsay evidence was compatible with Article 6 of the Convention.

Megan has a varied criminal and public law practice, with particular experience of public inquiries and judicial review proceedings. Many of her cases involve issues at the intersection of those areas. In August 2024, she was appointed to the Attorney General’s C panel of counsel. Megan is often instructed in high-profile and complex cases. Current and recent highlights of her practice include: Junior counsel to the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry (led by Jason Beer KC). Junior counsel to the Andrew Malkinson Inquiry (led by Sophie Cartwright KC). CIUC v DPP: Junior counsel advising the Director of Public Prosecutions of an overseas jurisdiction in judicial review proceedings concerning a decision not to prosecute (led by David Perry KC). Junior counsel representing the National Association of Care & Support Workers in the UK Covid-19 Inquiry (led by Adam Payter). Sole counsel representing a witness in the Undercover Policy Inquiry. Peterkin & Mehmet v CPS: Sole counsel in joint appeals against conviction concerning the dishonesty of a senior police officer with conduct of the case. CC v CPS: Second junior counsel representing the Crown in an appeal against conviction following a reference by the Criminal Cases Review Commission (led by James Curtis KC and Lucy Organ). Megan was called to the Bar of Northern Ireland in 2023.

Duncan Penny KC

Duncan has expertise in all aspects of the criminal law including corruption, high-end commercial and banking fraud cases; cartel investigations and corporate manslaughter. Recent work includes the representation of two bankers, each of whom were acquitted, in separate trials in the Euribor proceedings; the first prosecution to trial of a corporate charged with corruption (in which he represented the company Chairman); the first major cartel trial to go to a jury; the prosecution of Hashem Abedi, the brother of the Manchester Arena bomber; the prosecution for corruption of the former Premier of the Cayman Islands and the election petition for bribery and corruption brought against the former Mayor of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. He defended in the BA/Virgin ‘price-fixing’ case and represented one of the defendants charged in the phone hacking trial. Duncan prosecuted the first case under the Corporate Manslaughter and Corporate Homicide Act 2007 and the recent trial involving the death of seven year old Harvey Tyrell involving gross negligence manslaughter and health and safety offending. Duncan regularly acts in an advisory capacity for private clients. He has, for example, been instructed by a bank to conduct an investigation into and report on allegations of corruption; advised high net-worth individuals in connection with allegations of corruption made in matrimonial proceedings; and has appeared in and advised in respect of a number of private prosecutions. He conducts forfeiture applications, restraint proceedings, worldwide freezing orders and other criminal aspects of civil and commercial litigation. He is currently retained by the SFO in an ongoing investigation into the affairs of a high profile company. He has also advised the CMA, OFWAT and OFCOM. He has appeared in many cases in the Supreme Court and, formerly, in the House of Lords, including as Leading Counsel. Duncan regularly appears in the Court of Appeal and as the former First Senior Treasury Counsel he has advised Her Majesty’s Attorney General in respect of criminal matters. He also regularly appears in the Divisional Court in judicial review proceedings issued in connection with the investigation and prosecution of crime or regulatory matters. Duncan was First Senior Treasury Counsel between 2018-2020.

Legal 500 describes David as “in the very highest rank” in this field.He has appeared in most of the important criminal appeals of recent years and is regularly instructed to appear in the Supreme Court, Privy Court and Court of Appeal. As a former Treasury Counsel, he acted in a wide range of high profile criminal trials. David also appears in the criminal courts of Hong Kong, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, Gibraltar and Northern Ireland. He frequently acts on behalf of the United Kingdom government in cases before the European Court of Human Rights. David is regularly instructed in relation to overseas bribery and corruption investigations into house-hold name companies. He continues to enjoy the confidence of individuals and corporates in some of the most important and demanding cases currently being investigated. David represented Rolls-Royce in the deferred prosecution agreement proceedings and has advised other household names from the manufacturing, pharmaceutical and financial services sectors in respect of allegations of corruption and other aspects of business crime. David has acted on behalf of many overseas governments and appeared in the High Court, House of Lords and Supreme Court in the leading cases. He has acted as an expert consultant to the Commonwealth Secretariat on international co-operation and has advised overseas governments on the drafting and implementation of their domestic legislation. In 2012, together with Lord Justice Scott Baker and Anand Doobay, David was appointed to conduct the Home Office’s Independent Review of the UK’s extradition arrangements. The review formed the basis of changes to the Extradition Act 2003. He frequently appears in proceedings by way of judicial review on behalf of claimants and defendants. David has appeared in a number of high profile inquests and has also appeared in shipping inquiries. He has advised the Government in relation to a number of public inquiries in England, Wales and Northern Ireland.

He just gets it right every time. He has great, sound judgement…” “A very good black-letter lawyer who is highly responsive to those that instruct him.” “He has an understated yet extremely effective advocacy style and is superb with clients.” “He’s incredibly calm but authoritative, and inspires confidence in clients through his very measured and reasoned approach.” “Simon is very experienced and always on top of the law and facts of any given case. He immediately wins the trust and confidence of lay clients and any tribunal.” “Has a lovely manner with judges and clients.” Simon is a sought after and highly regarded criminal advocate with market-leading expertise in serious and complex litigation. He has appeared in several of the most high-profile cases in recent years, with a practice focused on work for private clients whose prominence and professional status gives rise to particular sensitivities. Simon has been ranked as a Band 1 leading junior by Chambers & Partners every year since 2016, and market sources praise him for his ‘ability to mop up a huge amount of material and get to grips with it’, as well as the ‘experience and skill’ he brings to private cases. Simon’s practice incorporates the full criminal spectrum, and he has particular expertise in financial crime. He is regularly instructed by City clients, large international law firms, and large corporate clients, and is on the Serious Fraud Office’s A Panel of counsel. Simon is praised for the clarity and effectiveness of his written and oral advocacy, and his ability to provide strong, strategic advice on complex legal issues. It is notable that Simon’s expertise is sought by other members of the legal profession to advise on sensitive issues affecting firms and individuals. Work highlights include: Leading counsel advising the SFO in a complex overseas bribery investigation involving corporate and individual suspects. Acting on behalf of six directors of an international advertising agency under investigation for tax fraud. Defending the former head of compliance at Alstom, the multi-national energy and engineering company, who was acquitted of corruption following two trials in the Crown Court. Instructed as leading counsel to provide sensitive advice to two major international law firms about serious internal misconduct, appropriate interaction with UK law enforcement and regulators. Instructed to provide strategic advice and draft a major report into a FTSE350 company under extraordinary time pressure and with real risk to the company’s future. Instructed by Allen & Overy on behalf of a key former officer of Quindell Plc under investigation by the SFO and under threat of private prosecution. Defending the former CEO of Hotcha Ltd charged with a fraud to secure £7.5millon of venture capital. Instructed by Clifford Chance to act on behalf of officers and employees of an international corporation in a harassment claim in the High Court against an activist investor. Leading counsel in the defence of the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Coldstream Guards who in 2022 was acquitted of a conspiracy to supply stolen army ammunition. Defending Chris Cairns, the former New Zealand cricket captain who was found not guilty of perjury and attempting to pervert the course of justice in connection with his successful libel claim to refute allegations of match fixing. Appearing as junior defence counsel for the entertainer Rolf Harris. Corporate Crime and Investigations Simon has particular depth of experience advising corporate clients, law firms and enforcement authorities on the full range of corporate criminal offences. Simon also advises corporate clients in connection with internal investigations and other compliance-related issues, in a way which is practical, efficient, and sensitive to clients’ commercial needs. In the last 18 months Simon was instructed (as leading counsel) to provide sensitive advice to two major international law firms about serious internal misconduct, appropriate interaction with UK law enforcement and regulators. One concerned serious client fraud by a senior associate, with huge reputational risk for the firm. In 2021 he was instructed to provide strategic advice and draft a major report on behalf of a FTSE350 company under extraordinary time pressure and with real risk to the company’s future. Simon is advising the SFO on corporate liability for two UK companies under investigation in connection with offences under the Bribery Act 2010. Simon has worked with magic circle law firms to advise on corporate criminal liability. His work includes acting for a major international corporation to conduct a review of potential criminal conduct within its UK subsidiary, and the potential liability of a Swiss company under the Bribery Act. Simon has advised a City firm on the preparation of a manual for their international corporate clients and overseas lawyers on UK anti-money laundering requirements. He was instructed for a period of two years by Linklaters and Arnold & Porter on behalf of News Corp in connection with the phone hacking and misconduct in a public office investigation. The role included providing advice on complex questions of legal professional privilege and data protection issues. He has also been involved on behalf of the companies in the SFO investigations into Glencore and GSK. Other recent corporate clients have included Uber, a car-industry marketing and sales data company, well-known charities and a UK hedge-fund in connection with an overseas cum-ex trading investigation. Simon has also acted on behalf of the former CEO of Cambridge Analytica and provided advice ahead of his Parliamentary Select Committee appearance. Fraud, Bribery and Corruption Simon has a particular specialism in cases involving serious fraud and corruption. Notably, he is one of a small number of barristers with experience of negotiating on behalf of a defendant with the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority under the Attorney General’s Guidelines on Plea Discussions in Cases of Serious or Complex Fraud. Current instructions include representing the former CEO of Hotcha Ltd in connection with a £7.5m venture capital fraud. Simon has a track record of guiding and advising professional people through complex financial investigations. Examples include: acting on behalf of six directors of an international advertising agency under investigation for tax fraud; advising a key individual in the SFO’s investigation into Quindell Plc; representing a key individual in the SFO’s investigation into the £236million collapse of London Capital & Finance. In each case the investigations concluded without criminal charges being brought. Simon was instructed by Wilmer Hale to defend the former head of compliance at Alstom, the multi-national energy and engineering company, who was acquitted of corruption following two trials in the Crown Court. He has also received recognition for his work on market abuse cases. Cases include representing an equities trader prosecuted by the FCA for insider dealing (Operation Tabernula). Other notable cases include the defence of the former CEO of a City re- insurance broker, prosecuted by the Serious Fraud Office for offences of overseas corruption. Simon is a member of the Serious Fraud Office A Panel and notable cases include the prosecution of fraud offences arising from the collapse of a litigation funding company, involving allegations of fraudulent trading with a loss to international investors of £80 million. In 2015, he was instructed in the SFO prosecution of a £20m conspiracy to mis-sell green energy pension investments and fraudulent trading. This case included the first Bribery Act charges brought by the SFO. In 2016-2018 he was instructed to advise on the investigation into Lloyds HBOS following the LIBOR scandal. Currently Simon is instructed as leading counsel advising the SFO in a complex overseas bribery investigation involving corporate and individual suspects. Criminal Litigation Simon has vast experience of working at the highest level in all types of serious criminal litigation, both for the defence and the prosecution, including cases of murder, attempted murder, organised crime, serious assault, rape and serious sexual offences. His experience includes addressing issues arising under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000, the Data Protection Act 1998 and the Computer Misuse Act 1990. He has particular experience of defending in allegations of sexual misconduct with an emphasis on sensitive and privately funded cases. He regularly appears in cases of homicide at the Old Bailey and elsewhere. Simon is regularly instructed as leading counsel, appearing alongside and against silks. Recent notable recent examples include: leading in the defence of the Regimental Sergeant Major of the Coldstream Guards who in 2022 was acquitted of a conspiracy to supply stolen army ammunition; and leading in the prosecution of a defendant for encouraging the suicide of a fellow patient on a mental health ward. This followed an earlier instruction in the first case of assisting suicide prosecuted in the UK where the defendant met the deceased through online suicide forums. Throughout his career, in addition to his defence work, Simon has been instructed by specialist divisions of the Crown Prosecution Service to conduct cases involving computer piracy, conspiracy to defraud, corruption, misconduct in public office, international drug trafficking, money-laundering and election offences. Between 2013 and 2021 Simon advised the CPS on criminal liability for undercover police officers who adopted the identities of dead children. This included difficult questions of aliases and sexual consent. This was an issue of great public concern. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Simon has considerable experience in confiscation, including proceedings arising from multi-million pound money laundering, drug trafficking and fraud cases. He has experience of cases involving asset tracing in multiple jurisdictions. He appeared in the Court of Appeal in R v Del Basso and Goodwin [2010] EWCA Crim 1119, a case concerning the relationship between legitimate business expenses and “benefit” for the purposes of the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. It is common for Simon’s cases to involve parallel financial restraint proceedings. In 2020 he successfully resisted multiple bank account freezing orders on behalf of a network of international cosmetic sales companies. Appellate Work Simon frequently appears in the appellate courts for both the Prosecution and the Defence. He is instructed regularly by the Appeals Unit of the Crown Prosecution Service. Simon provides specialist advice to the Association of Chief Police Officers and police forces on police powers and statutory interpretation including on questions of technical road traffic law. Extradition and Mutual Legal Assistance Several of Simon’s cases for both the defence and prosecution have involved complex international investigations giving rise to multi-jurisdictional questions of evidence and disclosure. He has particular experience in cases involving parallel investigations by UK law enforcement agencies and the US Department of Justice. As a result, Simon has experience for both the prosecution and defence of dealing with issues arising from evidence obtained via Letters of Request in several jurisdictions and of negotiating with the US Department of Justice over complicated disclosure arguments. In addition, Simon has advised on the comparisons between United States procedure on plea-bargaining and the regime in this jurisdiction for the acceptance of bases of plea and judicial indications as to sentence. Simon has provided advice to the Supreme Court of the Canton of Bern on a question of jurisdiction and equivalence in English/Swiss law; and has also provided advice to the Swiss government concerning potential fraud offences by a British citizen against Swiss interests. Simon has appeared for both defendants and requesting states in extradition proceedings at first instance and in the High Court. Public and Administrative Law Simon has appeared in several cases in the appellate courts involving important principles of human rights and public law. In 2020, he was instructed for the Director of Public Prosecutions (led and alone) in a series of High Court cases involving the extension of custody time limits because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The case was of significant public importance, given the extraordinary pressure on the criminal justice system. In 2022 he appeared in a significant decision of the High Court concerning the jurisdiction of the Youth Court in rape cases where the defendant turns 18 during the course of the proceedings. Simon was instructed as junior to David Perry KC to prepare submissions on behalf of the Advocate to the Court in the appeal to the Supreme Court from the High Court decision on police powers of detention in Hookway. Simon also appeared in R v Davis [2008] UKHL 36, the decision of the House of Lords on anonymous witnesses that led to the passing of the Criminal Evidence (Witness Anonymity) Act 2008. He has expertise in the area of the retention of DNA samples, fingerprints and Police National Computer records. Inquests and Public Inquiries Simon appears in Inquests. His experience includes the representation of a CCTV camera operator arrested and interviewed under caution for gross negligence manslaughter at a subsequent Coroner’s inquest. He has also appeared on behalf of London Underground staff in an inquest into a death at an underground station Disciplinary Tribunals and Regulatory Crime Simon has extensive experience of professional disciplinary tribunals and regulatory cases. In R v B&S Ltd & others, Simon led in a case at the Old Bailey that involved complex and novel questions of EU and domestic law. The defendants (two companies and three people, one a Romanian barrister) unlawfully advised hundreds of clients, asserting that they had found a lacuna in UK immigration legal services regulation. He defended a corporate defendant charged under the Cancellation of Contracts made in a Consumer’s Home or Place of Work Regulations. The case involved questions of interpretation of UK and European Community legislation. Simon appeared in the Court of Appeal in R v Clarke [2008] EWCA 893 – a case involving the reverse burden of proof in regulatory offences. He has lectured to City solicitors on regulatory crime.

Kate Wilkinson KC

Kate is a highly regarded criminal advocate with experience of all areas of serious crime including murder, armed robbery and fraud. Her engaging manner makes her an effective advocate and popular with clients. She is known for her strong intellect and ability to handle complex cases. Criminal Litigation Kate is an extremely experienced and able criminal advocate. She has defended in sensitive and complex cases ranging from murder and rape to fraud. As a Treasury Counsel monitoree, Kate is also regularly instructed to prosecute serious crime including murder, armed robbery, drugs importation and sexual offences as well as high-profile cases. She has been appointed as a Grade 4 prosecutor on the specialist Serious Crime Group panel. She has also been instructed as a leading Junior in a multi-handed drugs exportation case with terrorist funding connections. Kate has a wealth of experience in difficult criminal appeals both in relation to conviction and sentence, including providing advice to the Attorney General. Cybercrime Kate is experienced in this increasingly important area of advisory and litigation work. She has advised on the international complexities of data retrieval from remote server hosts involved in the commission of terrorist offences using cyberspace and regularly advises officers from the High Tech Unit and Digital Media Exploitation Unit. She is also familiar with the technical details involved in computer, website and file-sharing analysis having defended in Op Ore (indecent images of children) cases. Fraud Kate has an eye for detail and for simplifying complex matters which makes her a versatile fraud practitioner. She has defended in frauds including trademark infringements, benefit fraud and payroll dishonesty. She also prosecuted the largest PAYE tax and National Insurance evasion case where her command of the voluminous exhibits permitted them to be skilfully presented to the jury in both hard copy jury bundles and electronically on screen. Restraint, Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture Kate has been appointed as a Grade 4 prosecutor on the specialist Proceeds of Crime panel and is very familiar with confiscation proceedings. She regularly advises on, and conducts hearings in, complex and protracted cases. Her experience prosecuting such matters makes her an ideal choice for those seeking advice in defending potential confiscation claims. Terrorism Kate is regularly instructed to prosecute by the Counter Terrorism Division and has extensive experience in dealing with extremely complex and sensitive matters of disclosure. She conducts prosecutions alone as well as being led. She is also familiar with advising on how to shape difficult cases and in particular on the use of the Electronic Presentation of Evidence to assist a jury’s understanding of the case. International Criminal Work Kate has appeared in Courts Martial in Germany. She also regularly advises in criminal cases where jurisdictional issues arise from evidence gathered abroad. Media and Information Law Kate has advised individuals involved in the police enquiries into practices at News International and has been frequently instructed by publishing companies to assess video material for potential defamation claims. Kate has lectured on the topic of how the media can influence legal proceedings. Public and Administrative Law Kate has conducted judicial review proceedings in respect of several matters including a decision not to prosecute a youth for rape. She has also conducted appeals by way of case stated in respect of matters such as the proper procedure for providing a sample at the police station for alcohol tests and the criteria to be met before imposing a hospital order in the Crown Court. Disciplinary Tribunals Kate advises and prosecutes for the Bar Standards Board and is therefore familiar with conducting hearings before disciplinary tribunals. Regulatory Given her work advising and prosecuting for the Bar Standards Board, Kate is well versed in regulatory proceedings. Civil Litigation Kate has experience of appearing in the First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) and is instructed by HMRC to act as Respondent in VAT appeals.

Tom is a sought-after practitioner ranked in the Legal 500 and in Chambers and Partners, specialising in criminal litigation, extradition, corporate crime and public law. Criminal Litigation Tom is an experienced advocate appearing both for the prosecution and the defence in homicide and other serious criminal cases. His recent experience includes a convicted murderer’s ultimately unsuccessful attempt to mislead the Court of Appeal by fabricating an alibi long after his trial (R v Peter Jones & others, Basildon Crown Court, led by Kate Wilkinson); an armed robbery in Upminster which ended with the shooting of an eleven-year-old child (R v Antony Lascelles & others, Snaresbrook Crown Court, led by Alistair Richardson); a sophisticated conspiracy involving a corrupt police officer intercepting money paid to drug-dealers and cash-couriers, whilst he was wearing his police uniform and driving a marked police vehicle (R v Kashif Mahmood & others, Southwark Crown Court, led by Peter Ratliff); and a bomb hoax outside Downing Street during lockdown, shortly before the Health Secretary, Matt Hancock, arrived to deliver one of the televised national COVID-19 briefings (R v Toby Champeney, Southwark Crown Court). Tom has particular experience in terrorism prosecutions at the Central Criminal Court, including: the first police officer to be convicted of a terrorism offence (R v Benjamin Hannam, led by Dan Pawson-Pounds); a teenager in Essex who, immersed in right-wing propaganda during lockdown, became involved in the manufacture of two working guns with a 3D printer and arranging for a consignment of firearms to be sent to the UK in a shipping container (R v Matthew Cronjager, led by Alistair Richardson); and one of the oldest members of National Action, whose involvement in the extreme far-right group was only identified several years later (appearing alone at first instance and on appeal: R v David Musins [2022] EWCA Crim 1625). Tom has appeared a number of times in the Court of Appeal, both on behalf of the defence and the Crown; in R v Anthony Kirsten [2020] EWCA Crim 1039, a successful appeal against sentence in which Tom was instructed on behalf of the defendant, the Court referred to his submissions as ‘persuasive’ and ‘admirably brief and to the point’. Finally, Tom is experienced in dealing with driving offences in the magistrates’ court, for instance when the court is considering a discretionary or a totting-up disqualification; in the past he has advanced a number of successful exceptional hardship arguments. Extradition Tom regularly appears for both requesting judicial authorities and requested persons at extradition hearings at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, and also has experience of applications for permission to appeal in the High Court. He is a Level 2 advocate on the CPS Extradition Panel. In addition to Part 1 cases, he is familiar with Part 2 requests: he is currently instructed on behalf of the government of the United States of America (led by Richard Evans) in relation to a cybercrime request. Corporate crime Tom has provided advice to individuals and corporates facing charges for offences under the Fraud Act 2006, the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, and arising out of a number of different regulations. Since 2017, he has been instructed to advise a large corporate in relation to potential criminal liability, led by David Perry KC and Miranda Hill KC. His previous experience includes a ten-week mortgage fraud (R v Darren Goulbourne & others, Hull Crown Court, led by Paul Jarvis) as well as defending prosecutions brought by the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority. Public law and inquiries Tom has a real interest in public law work, particularly when there is a cross-over with criminal law. His judicial review experience includes acting for the Director of Public Prosecutions (led by Duncan Atkinson KC) in a crowd-funded challenge to what was characterised by the applicant as a decision not to refer the investigation of Dominic Cummings, the Prime Minister’s Chief Adviser, to the police in relation to his alleged breaches of the Coronavirus Regulations (R (Redston) v Director of Public Prosecutions [2020] EWHC 2962 (Admin), [2021] ACD 50). Tom has been involved in a number of public inquiries, including being instructed in 2017 as second junior counsel acting for the Home Office in the Undercover Policing Inquiry (led by Nicholas Griffin KC and Rosemary Davidson). Contempt and media law Tom has an in-depth knowledge of reporting restrictions in the criminal courts, including orders made under ss. 4(2) and 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1981 and injunctions; he is the author of the ‘Open Justice’ chapter in the most recent edition of Miller on Contempt (4th edn, 2017). He has appeared (led by Alistair Richardson) in an appeal against a finding of contempt in the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division) (R v Satvinder Singh [2021] EWCA Crim 1531). He has also previously been retained to provide pre-publication advice to two newspapers in relation to defamation, privacy, and contempt of court. Prison law Tom has appeared a number of times before the Parole Board, representing prisoners serving life sentences or IPP sentences, and has advised on whether Parole Board decisions should be challenged by way of judicial review. He is also familiar with prison adjudications dealt with by an independent adjudicator.