Over the years, Cairns has acquired considerable expertise in the field of fraud and in particular revenue fraud (direct and indirect tax frauds) including civil actions.
He has appeared in a number of cases involving prosecutions relating to the trade in military goods under the Export and Trade Control legislation and regulations. This is a complex area of law; UK statutory provisions, EC directives and UN sanctions. He was appeared in most of the leading complex cases in this field; military aircraft parts to Iran, bombs to Sri Lanka, body armour to Iraq.
Cairns has wide experience of defending homicide cases.
In the regulatory field, he recently represented the BSB in an appeal concerning the fairness of the Bar disciplinary processes.
King’s College, London (1986 LLB).
London Bar
Cairns Nelson KC – 23ES ‘Cairns is an exceptional jury advocate, whose ability to cross-examine on complex financial issues is second-to-none. He applies a wealth of experience to engage the jury and his straightforward, stylish approach means that he is a compelling and impressive advocate.’