Gul Nawaz Hussain

AREAS OF EXPERTISE Bribery and Corruption Crime Defence Defending Professionals Drugs Financial Crime & Fraud International Criminal Law International Human Rights Law International Law International Law in Domestic Courts Murder & Manslaughter Regulatory Serious Fraud Sexual Offences Violent Crime

Introduction

Year of QC 2018 Year of Call 2000

Naz Hussain QC specialises in high-profile, complex, and serious criminal defence work. He also acts in sport disciplinary and regulatory matters.

Naz has appeared in some of the most high-profile trials in the country alleging murder, terrorism, drug conspiracies, gang land violence, high value fraud, electoral fraud, and serious/historic sexual offences. Naz has represented high net worth individuals, successful businesspeople, professionals and celebrities from the Sporting, Entertainment and Music worlds.

Within his first 3 years of practice Naz was recognised as a leading barrister by Chambers UK and The Legal 500; he has consistently been ranked by them ever since. His exceptional ability and excellence in his chosen fields was officially acknowledged upon his appointment as Queen’s Counsel.

A true jury advocate, the courtroom is where he thrives. In a rape trial where the defendant had fled the country Naz had no client, no proof of evidence and no defence statement. In such circumstances his solicitors thought conviction an inevitability. The defence case rested entirely upon Naz’s cross examination of the complainant and his closing speech. The jury unanimously acquitted.

His skill before a jury is not at the expense of his legal submissions. Chambers UK has recognised his “ability to develop great novel arguments”. In appellate work Naz has enjoyed significant success at the Court of Appeal, particularly when appealing convictions upon the notoriously difficult ground of “fresh evidence”.

Naz has a particular expertise in terrorism trials. He has defended in cases generating national and international interest. He represented, amongst others, the alleged fifth bomber in the 21/7 attempted terrorist bombings in London, the mastermind behind the “Bank of Terror” fraud that allegedly used £1 million to fund extremists travelling to join ISIS and a man charged with the alleged attempted murder of convicted Serb war criminal Radislav Kristic.

Naz also has a remarkably successful sexual offences practice. He has secured acquittals in the most serious cases alleging multiple rapes, familial historic abuse and CSE.

Naz is one of only a handful of barristers to have defended in a case alleging electoral fraud during a General Election. He has successfully defended clients in multi-million-pound fraud trials ranging from vishing scams to those involving professionals.

Naz’s life experiences have impressed upon him the importance of standing up and speaking fearlessly for those who are unable or unwilling to do so themselves.

Naz is regularly invited to speak and comment upon topical legal issues by the media, universities, and large organisations. For example together with Lord Burnett of Maldon, The Lord Chief Justice of England & Wales, Naz addressed students, practitioners and members of the judiciary at Sheffield University on modernising the justice system. He regularly speaks to and advises grass roots, community, and protest/issue groups.