Alistair took silk, at the age of 41, in 1995. He is amongst the most experienced of counsel working in the fields of commercial crime, crime and regulation.

He has been a Recorder of the Crown Court for over 20 years and is a Master of the Bench of Middle Temple. He is on the SFO panels both for prosecutions and asset restraint.

Alistair is highly recommended in the legal directories year on year:

Chambers & Partners 2025 – “In terms of both fraud and serious crime, Alistair ticks all the boxes.” “Alistair has a wealth of experience and is a formidable opponent.”

Chambers & Partners 2022 – “Fantastic with juries and judges. He’s the best and most natural advocate – he’s simply superb.” “A brilliant trial lawyer.”

Chambers & Partners 2021 – “He is a very skilled silk.” “He is a tactical genius.”

Chambers & Partners 2020 – “A highly experienced silk who excels in complex cases involving allegations of loan, tax and pension fraud, among other matters. He regularly represents the SFO in both fraud and proceeds of crime cases.” “He is a very good advocate.”

Chambers & Partners 2018 – “A very experienced campaigner.” “Extremely able and committed, he is good both in written argument and in his advocacy.” “He’s got a real range of expertise – he’s great on his feet, commands the courtroom but also very, very good with clients in sensitive situations. He’s always available and able to go over ideas. He’s a pleasure to work with and gets great results.” “Extremely able and committed, good in both written argument and advocacy.”

Legal 500 2017 – “Tenacious, fearless and a highly skilled cross-examiner.”

Chambers & Partners 2017 – “A barrister with great interpersonal skills who gets the best out of clients and the judiciary, and is noted for his attractive advocacy style.” “Very user-friendly, and his advocacy shines.” “He produces excellent performances in the Court of Appeal.” “He is very clever, very hard-working and he has very good judgement.” “A fantastic QC.”

Legal 500 2016 – ‘‘An exceptional jury advocate, who is able to very quickly break down complex cases for juries.”

Quotes from past guides include..“ Outstanding intellect”; “Outstanding lawyer”; “First class strategist and tactician”; “Accessible and responsive”; “ Eloquent, brave and effective”.

OVERVIEW

Alistair’s recognised excellence and client care across the spectrum of criminal and criminal related cases has made him an extremely popular choice for clients paying for the costs of their own advice and representation.

As he is one of the country’s most experienced KC’s, it is hardly surprising that his wealth of experience and record of success put him in demand. His breadth of experience means that he has dealt with aspects of fraud not only in the criminal courts, but also in the High Court, the Administrative Court, and the tax tribunals. Added to his experience in proceeds of crime and restraint orders, he is thus able to offer a rare combination of services across the board and to advise with an eye to the consequences beyond the immediate issues presented to him.

Alistair has regularly appeared in the biggest cases to come before the courts, ranging from income tax and VAT frauds through to regulatory offences in areas such as Health
& Safety, Trading Standards and Environmental prosecutions.

He is on the Serious Fraud Office’s panels for both fraud and proceeds of crime which makes him, we believe, unique outside London.

He has successfully represented, on a privately paying basis, solicitors, company directors and other professionals charged with a multitude of offences as varied as fraud by abuse of trust, corporate manslaughter, money laundering and offences arising from regulatory non compliance.

He has successfully challenged both restraint orders and search warrants in relation to cases involving the SFO and SOCA.