Chris Daw

Business Crime & Financial RegulationCriminal LawRegulatoryProfessional Discipline

Chris Daw QC was called to the Bar in 1993 and was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2013. Before taking silk, Chris built his reputation in the criminal courts, acting in high profile trials and appeals, from serious organised crime to commercial fraud. As a QC, whilst maintaining a substantial criminal and serious fraud practice, Chris acts in a broader range of matters, including business, regulatory and professional discipline instructions.

With an entirely private practice, Chris is able to dedicate the time and attention to detail required to service his principal client base of corporations, high net worth individuals, public figures and professionals in various fields. He has extensive experience of acting for the country’s most senior police officers, up to and including the rank of Chief Constable, in criminal proceedings, inquests and misconduct hearings.

Chris takes on only a small number of clients at any one time. Given the pressures on his time he tends to act for those clients who retain him at the earliest possible stage of a case, often in the pre-charge or pre-investigation phase.

In addition to major document-heavy criminal and regulatory cases, Chris has a niche practice advising and representing high net worth individuals in sensitive personal and criminal matters, where the consequences for a client’s reputation may outweigh the gravity of the issues involved. He also advises individuals and corporations on the tactical use of criminal law strategy, such as private prosecution, in both personal and commercial disputes.

Where appropriate Chris takes an aggressive and proactive approach, before proceedings even begin, drafting representations against charge, and thereafter, vigorously pursuing pre-trial applications on disclosure, abuse of process, exclusion of evidence and to dismiss charges altogether. In addition to appearing in criminal trials, inquests and disciplinary tribunals Chris advises on appeals where he did not appear at trial.

Chris approaches every case with the same high standards of preparation and clients find him direct, honest and passionate about what he does. He works closely with solicitors at every stage of a case and is always available to provide advice and support throughout the preparation of the difficult and sensitive cases in which he is involved.

Chris is a passionate advocate of social mobility, speaking at schools, colleges and other events, encouraging students from state schools to make it into the legal profession.  He is a member of the Bar Council Barristers for Schools scheme and recently judged a sixth form advocacy competition at the Supreme Court, organised by Big Voice London.

Chris accepts instructions throughout the UK and, where necessary, in international jurisdictions.

The Leon School, Milton KeynesUniversity of Manchester, LLB (Hons) 1992Inns of Court School of Law, Bar Vocational Course, 1993