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Barristers

Sasha Wass KC

Sasha Wass KC

Position

“She is an excellent tactician who always makes the right judgement call in the most delicate of situations. She commands respect from her peers effortlessly. She is an incomparable class act, particularly in the most challenging, sensitive and high profile of cases. Sasha adopts a no-nonsense approach and is always prepared and willing to cut through a deadlock situation. A true barrister of principle, she will stand her ground and fight for what is ultimately right.” Legal 500

Sasha Wass KC has practised at the Criminal Bar for 39 years. Ranked in Chambers & Partners and in The Legal 500 as a Tier 1 Leading Counsel. She was made Criminal Silk of the Year in 2015. In 2021, the Lawyer Magazine selected her as one of the “Hot 100”, describing her as “one of the leading lights of the Bar.”

She both defends and prosecutes and has worked on such notable cases as:-

Rosemary West:  accused of ten murders. Rolf Harris, children’s entertainer convicted of child abuse. Johnny Depp: Hollywood actor involve in libel trial. John Edwards, picture editor of The Sun (News International) Colin Gregg of Greggs Bakers: accused of historic sex offences. Kweku Adoboli, rogue trader responsible for largest British banking fraud $2.3bn. James Ibori, corrupt Nigerian State Governor and his associates involved in the theft if £250 million from the public purse. Roger Levitt, financier involved in large scale company fraud. Ben Butler, accused of baby shaking. Tesco Stores Limited: successfully negotiated £129 million Deferred Prosecution Agreement. Callum Harriott, secured acquittal for ex-Colchester United footballer accused of rape.

Advisory work undertaken including:

Russian Oligarch on Merits of private prosecution Serious Fraud Office: advised on Libor, Rolls Royce. Premier League footballer accused of gang rape Professionals accused of sexual misconduct in the work environment. General appellate work arising out of miscarriages of justice.

Career

Called 1981. Appointed Recorder of the Crown Court 1997; Appointed Queen’s Counsel 2000; Elected Bencher of Gray’s Inn 2003; authorised to try Serious Sex Cases since 2004; Appointed Recorder at the Central Criminal Court 2008; Serious Fraud Office Panel of Counsel 2013; Called to the Bar in Gibraltar and the Cayman Islands.

Memberships

Member of the Fraud Lawyers Association.

Founder member of Women in Criminal Law.

Education

University of Liverpool, LLB (Hons), Law.

Mentions

London Bar

Crime

Leading silk1
Sasha Wass KC – 6KBW College Hill ‘Sasha has a really excellent manner with clients – she is reassuring and explains things very clearly. Clients feel that she is fighting their corner. Her tactical advice is superb and she commands real respect in the courtroom.’
London Bar

Fraud: crime

Leading silk4
Sasha Wass KC – 6KBW College Hill