Barristers

Abbas Lakha KC

Abbas Lakha KC

9BR Chambers, London

Position

Abbas Lakha KC is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most successful and respected leading silks, with a heavyweight practice which encompasses a broad range of specialist areas. He is regularly instructed to advise upon and defend in the most challenging and high profile cases. He is particularly sought after to advise in International financial crime cases, representing clients both in the UK and around the world.

He is retained as a Consultant to the Sabra Defence team in the Hague, who are defending an accused alleged to have been complicit in the assassination of the Lebanese Prime Minister, Mr. Rafik Hariri.

Abbas has experience in all forms of Civil and Criminal Fraud and asset forfeiture work, including restraint and confiscation, and appears before the Tax Tribunals (First Tier and Upper Tier) in respect of VAT and Tax cases. He is highly respected for his advocacy, his attention to detail and his negotiating skills. Regularly instructed to advise at the pre-investigative stages of cases, Abbas has extensive experience of representing high profile individuals for whom reputation management is a significant concern.

Rated in Chambers UK and Legal 500 directories as a leader in the fields of international crime, murder, terrorism, financial crime and asset forfeiture, Abbas Lakha KC is noted for his detailed preparation, incisive examination and strong jury advocacy. He is particularly skilled in handling international money laundering cases, bribery and corruption prosecutions, VAT frauds, missing trader frauds and insider dealing cases.

Career

Kings Counsel (2003)

Bencher of the Honourable Society of the Inner Temple (2009)

Inspector for the Department of Trade and Industry (2000)

The Criminal Bar Association of England & Wales Co-opted Committee Member

The Bar Council of England & Wales VHCC Fees Committee

Member of the Crime Editorial Board of LexisNexis

Languages

Gujerati, Swahili.

Memberships

The Bar Council of England and Wales,

The Criminal Bar Association

The European Criminal Bar Association

International Bar Association

The International Criminal Defence Attorneys Association

The Society of Asian Lawyers

The Society of Black Lawyers

Education

BA (Hons), Leeds Beckett University, 1980–83

Barrister at Law, Bar School, Council of Legal Education, 1983–84

Mentions

London Bar

Crime

Leading silk3
Abbas Lakha KC – 9BR Chambers 'Abbas is an exceptional advocate. He has real presence in court and inspires confidence in clients. He is able to instantly respond and adapt to the often dynamic nature of proceedings and has the ability to readily grasp and master complicated technical evidence, often involving expert evidence. Abbas is a brilliant negotiator and is able to achieve incredible outcomes for his clients.'
London Bar

Fraud: crime

Leading silk3
Abbas Lakha KC – 9BR Chambers ‘Abbas has great strategic vision and superb judgement. A fantastic leader with wonderful client handling skills, and his advocacy is targeted, persuasive and effective.'