Barristers

James Dawes

James Dawes

Position

Leading silk at 2 Harcourt Buildings and a Recorder in the Crown Court

Career

James  specialises in the areas of Murder, Complex Fraud and Organised Crime. The short case profiles below represent some ongoing and recently completed cases that James has prosecuted, defended and advised upon. The profiles give a snapshot of the broad range of criminal allegations with which James has expertise. The range includes allegations of Homicide, Fraud including Bribery, Money Laundering and Cyber-Crime, Historic Child Abuse and Organised Crime with an international dimension. James has a mathematical mind and as a Physics graduate; he retains an interest in recent scientific advances.

R v ** 2024, James was instructed in a 10 week  trial of 3 attempted murders. The Defendant who cannot be named, was a schoolboy at Blundell’s School in Tiverton, Devon.

R v JA 2024, James prosecuted an allegation of importation of a poison and the manslaughter of an 11 year old girl by poisoning by the release of the gas Phosphine.

R v KW and two others 2024, James led for the prosecution in an 8 week, 3 handed allegation of a murder of a 22 year old stabbed on the street in Croydon.

R v KP 2023, James defended in a 6 week trial of a father accused of murdering an 11 week old baby.

James is currently instructed to prosecute allegations of bribery against 7 persons. The case is ongoing.

Mentions

London Bar

Crime

Leading silk4
James Dawes KC – 2 Harcourt Buildings 'James is never underprepared. He is direct and determined. His cross-examination is forceful and effective and his legal submissions are uncompromising. Despite his strong approach to prosecution he is delightful company and has a great sense of humour.'