187 Chambers

Barrister

Dr Andreas O’Shea is a highly experienced defence barrister specialising in serious criminal cases. Known for his meticulous command of facts and legal principles, he quickly masters complex briefs and provides clear, strategic guidance. His work spans numerous jurisdictions, including the handling of exceptionally intricate international cases.

Dr O’Shea has defended clients facing some of the most serious criminal allegations, including genocide, crimes against humanity, murder, multiple rape, terrorism, drug and human trafficking, immigration offences, firearms charges and domestic & international tax fraud.

Fluent in French and deeply familiar with diverse cultures and legal systems, he excels in cases involving international elements or foreign nationals. His ability to illuminate cultural and contextual nuances helps juries and courts better understand complex cross-border issues.

A tenacious and skilful advocate, Dr O’Shea inspires confidence in his clients by mounting fearless, effective, and persuasive defences. An international lawyer par excellence, he specialises in international crime, transitional justice, and European law, particularly in the areas of criminal, employment, and immigration law.

Renowned as the advocate of choice in cross-border cases, Dr O’Shea brings together international expertise, refined advocacy skills, and unwavering determination. In domestic proceedings, he is particularly suited to cases involving extradition, immunity, human trafficking, immigration offences, drug trafficking, money laundering, international fraud, bribery of foreign officials, terrorism, and war crimes.

Among the most experienced war crimes advocates worldwide, his career has closely followed the evolution of modern international criminal law – beginning with his notable success in securing the acquittal of the former Rwandan Minister of Education on charges of genocide.

European Circuit and the European Immigration Lawyers Network

Publications: His book Amnesty for Crime in International Law and Practice, 2002, is one of the most comprehensive and widely read works on the subject and was described by renowned Professor John Dugard SC as ‘essential reading for scholars and practitioners’.