Our Expertise

Farringdon Chambers has carved out an enviable reputation in the field of criminal law, from the most serious allegations of murder, firearms and violence to modern slavery, sexual offences and dishonesty.

With a wealth of talent including one home-grown Queens Counsel, Farringdon is recognised in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for the quality of its advocates. We have particular skill in major criminal investigations and are sought-after in heavy-weight fraud and county-lines drugs conspiracies. Members of chambers have been instructed in some of the largest conspiracies of their type in the UK and Europe.

From the opening phase of a case our barristers take a hands-on approach, ensuring every client receives the highest level of care and attention. Our barristers combine empathy and knowledge with a tough approach to negotiation and trial strategy.

Our barristers are highly sought-after in the field of white collar crime and financial offences. Members have defended in many significant high-profile frauds and money laundering cases up and down the country, in cases lasting many weeks or months.

Our barristers are often happy to advise at pre-charge stages, drawing on a wealth of experience within chambers to suggest the best strategy going forward to trial in the Crown Court or up to the Court of Appeal.

The Proceeds of Crime Act (POCA) has transformed the legal landscape in recent decades, providing the state with draconian powers to deprived those convicted of crime of assets which they have or are assumed to have.

Our barristers have great expertise in avoiding or mitigating the worse of these provisions, giving reassurance to clients about their own position and those of the loved ones they are eager to protect. Our members are keenly aware that it is often these third parties who bear the brunt of confiscation proceedings, often in the loss of family homes, savings and property.

Our barristers apply themselves to this difficult area by advising clients, preparing legal submission and involving other experts such as forensic accountants and drugs’ expert evidence to ensure that the fairest and best outcome is achieved.

Our barristers are instructed by companies and individuals (and often both in a single case) who are charged with regulatory offences. These include the following by way of example:

• Environment Protection Act 1990;
• The Fire Safety Order 2005;
• Health and Safety at Work Act 1974;
• Licensing Act 2003;
• Gambling Act 2005;

This is not an exhaustive list so please contact our clerks for further information and any assistance as required.

Cash forfeiture does not always stem from criminal proceedings but it can have a serious impact on any outstanding or future criminal case. Early professional advice is paramount because forfeitures can be used in later proceedings to the detriment of the accused.

We have a dedicated team of barristers ready to assist and advise clients from an early stage and then fearlessly fight their corner. Our barristers explain the process and give sound, robust advice so as to achieve the best available outcomes.

Early successes can and have come in written representations to the Police Commissioner, resulting in the return of cash even before a hearing. Should matters proceed to a full hearing our members have the experience and tenacity to achieve the best results possible.

The freedom to drive, or to continue driving, is often the primary concern for those charged with motoring offences. Our barristers are acutely aware of this and are ready to advise and defend in cases where the outcome may turn upon very technical legal points and submissions.

At Farringdon we have an excellent team ready to assist clients at all levels in relation to driving offences, from causing death by dangerous driving to low-level motoring offences which may still have a financial impact or effect the client’s ability to drive in the future.

Our barristers regularly defend in the following:

• Causing death by dangerous or careless driving
• Dangerous Driving;
• Driving without Due Care,
• Drink-driving or other ‘Driving whilst Unfit’ offences
• Failing to provide a specimen (breath, urine or blood);
• ‘Totting’ offences, where defendants are in danger of being disqualified by virtue of the number of points on their licence;
• Driving whilst Disqualified or uninsured;
• Speeding offences;
• Using a phone whilst driving
• Failing to respond to Section 172 Notices of intended Prosecution.

Even more than the fear of imprisonment, the threat of extradition has the power to wreck the lives not only of the person involved but their family and loved ones.

Our members have substantial experience in defending in extradition proceedings and take cases from both category 1 (EAW) and category 2 countries. These can be at first instance or on appeal to the High Court.

Our members also accept instructions in appeals to the High Court where European Convention rights are engaged, such as under Article 8 (the right to private and family life), Article 6 (fair trial protections), Article 5 (the right to liberty) and Article 3 (freedom against torture and inhuman and degrading treatment).

Chambers has the benefit of a wide pool of experienced counsel, many with their own specialisms honed over years of practice. These include the following:

• Judicial Review
• Inquests
• Employment Law ( representing both employees and employers at all levels from Employment Appeal Tribunal down to disciplinary hearings and advising on compromise agreements)
• Mental Health
• Prison Law
• Immigration
• Housing
• Contract/Commercial disputes

This list is not exhaustive. Please ask our clerks if you would like advice on a particular case or specialism.