“Peter is one of the best and most experienced criminal silks in the country, and continues to appear in the most high-profile cases.” – Chambers & Partners, 2025

“Peter is very, very smooth in court.” – Chambers & Partners, 2023

“He has one of the best reputations on the circuit.” Chambers & Partners, 2022

“A phenomenal barrister and a great advocate.” “He is a top-drawer performer with a very big presence in court. He’s a good jury advocate.” Chambers & Partners, 2021

“A devastating cross-examiner.” “A top-quality silk – he has the ear of the judges and is highly intellectual.” Chambers & Partners, 2020

“Known for acting in terrorism, drugs, murder, and serious fraud cases.” – Legal 500, 2017

“High-powered criminal silk whose profile on the Northern Circuit is ‘second to none’. He has appeared in some of the most noteworthy trials of recent years and continues to defend and prosecute headline-grabbing murder, fraud and terrorism cases. Strengths: ‘It’s always good news for me when I don’t have to appear against Peter’, says one peer. ‘His courtroom skills are par excellence’, ‘absolutely top drawer.'” – Chambers & Partners, 2017

”A well-regarded criminal prosecutor” – Legal 500, 2016

“He is an exceptionally bright and brilliantly good. He is a good cross-examiner and an eloquent advocate” “A rock star, one of the top silks on the circuit.” – Chambers & Partners, 2016

“A heavyweight practitioner who regularly features in nationally reported matters.” – Legal 500, 2015

“Has a very strong prosecution practice, and has dealt with a number of matters concerning the serious misconduct of individuals in public office. “He is absolutely fantastic. He prosecutes a lot, often in terrorist cases.” – Chambers & Partners, 2014 “Renowned for handling high-profile and serious cases ranging from murder to terrorism. “He is a big hitter who impresses in court” – Chambers & Partners, 2014

“Highly regarded in cases of the utmost gravity” – Legal 500, 2014

OVERVIEW

Peter Wright is a highly respected and extremely experienced advocate who has appeared in numerous high profile cases. Peter prosecutes and defends in respect of criminal offences of the utmost gravity and complexity including terrorism, murder, drugs and serious fraud.

In September 2006, Peter was appointed Senior Treasury Counsel; the first person ever to be directly appointed to that position. In 2010, he stepped down to return to his defence work, for which he continues to be described as a highly respected senior practitioner, with a wealth of knowledge, experience and gravitas.

Peter has appeared as leading Counsel in the series of trials arising from the alleged corrupt payments to public officials by journalists known as Operation Elveden; an OFT Investigation into International Cartel and Price Fixing Arrangements in the steel abrasives industry; the LIBOR scandal; civil and criminal proceedings arising from the investigation by the SFO into breaches of the UN Oil for Food Programme to Iraq; in addition to his “mainstream” criminal work in Corporate and gross negligence manslaughter; terrorism and murder.

Peter also advises and represents companies and individuals who face investigation or proceedings under Health and Safety legislation, and in related cases such as fatal and other non-fatal accidents arising from incidents in the workplace.