30 Park Place

Peter Donnison specialises in serious crime and regulatory law.

Called to the Bar in 2012, he joined 30 Park Place in 2015, following pupillage under Tracey Lloyd-Nesling and Max Davies. He has since developed a strong and varied practice. Peter is recognised for his skill, judgement and commitment across a wide range of complex and serious cases.

Peter is regularly instructed as junior counsel in the most serious criminal matters, including murder, manslaughter, attempted murder, serious sexual offences, complex fraud and large-scale drugs conspiracies. He has acted as leading junior, led junior and junior alone, and has appeared in high-profile multi-defendant trials. He also represents individuals before regulatory bodies and at inquests. His contribution to Operation Queen, a major immigration fraud, was recognised with a Certificate of Commendation from the Home Office and the National Crime Agency.

Recommended by The Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners, Peter is known for his diligence, strategic focus and client-centred approach. Instructing solicitors value his thorough preparation, calmness under pressure and willingness to tackle difficult issues directly.

Peter studied Law at Cardiff University, where he also completed the Bar Professional Training Course with the highest grade of ‘Outstanding’. He holds an LLM in Legal Practice and has previous experience working in both legal and advocacy roles, including with Hugh James Solicitors and Christian Aid.

Peter is a keen runner, musician and tennis player, he enjoys attending a local Church in Cardiff and is committed to learning the Welsh language.

Peter was called to the Bar by Lincoln’s Inn in 2012 and became a tenant at 30 Park Place in 2015 following successful completion of pupillage under the supervision of Tracey Lloyd-Nesling (Crime) and Max Davies (Family and Civil).

Peter is rapidly developing a busy practice and has been Junior counsel in significant cases including those of Murder, Attempt Murder, Complex Fraud, Drugs Conspiracies and Inquests.  In November 2018 he received a Certificate of Commendation from Home Office Immigration Enforcement and the National Crime Agency for his significant contribution as Junior counsel in Operation Queen, a complex multi handed immigration fraud.  His ability has also been recognised by his approval as a Level 3 Crown Prosecution Service Advocate Panel advocate after just three years in practice and his membership of the CPS Specialist Fraud Panel.

Peter has particular interest in criminal law, regulatory matters, and civil litigation and has quickly gained appreciation for his diligence, dedication and judgment. His determination, thorough preparation and commitment to his cases has been recognised by those instructing him and he seeks to provide an approachable and professional style, tackling issues head on and dealing with difficulties as they arise.

During his pupillage, Peter gained valuable and in depth experience across all Chambers’ practice areas and spent considerable time with other members of Chambers. He now regularly appears in the County, Magistrates’ and Crown Courts (both prosecuting and defending); and represents clients at hearings before various regulatory bodies.

Peter was educated in Cardiff and Halesowen in the West Midlands before returning to study Law at Cardiff University.  He remained in Cardiff for the Bar Professional Training Course where he obtained the highest grade of ‘Outstanding’ and received a number of awards for his performance. Prior to starting pupillage Peter obtained a distinction in the LLM in Legal Practice for research into the law of evidence, and he worked at Hugh James Solicitors in the Nursing Care Department, gaining valuable experience assisting and speaking for clients at NHS Review Panels. Peter then went on to work for the international development charity Christian Aid as the Wales Regional and Legacies Coordinator, developing his advocacy and speaking at numerous campaigning and fundraising events.

Outside of work Peter enjoys music, running, playing hockey and attending his Church. He is also a committed Welsh language learner.

Welsh

Member of the Criminal Bar Association

Called to the Bar by The Honourable Society of Lincoln’s Inn (2012)

LLM in Legal Practice (Distinction), Cardiff University (2013)

Bar Professional Training Course (Outstanding), Cardiff University (2012)

LLB Law Degree (2.1), Cardiff University (2008-2011)

Practical Certificate in Intermediate Welsh, University of Wales Trinity Saint David (2015)