David Jeremy KC

One of the giants of the Criminal Bar, David Jeremy KC never fails to impress; his performance in court is a masterclass in advocacy.

Overview 

David Jeremy KC has spent his career prosecuting and defending serious, sensitive and high-profile crime. He has used the skills he has developed from one side to enhance the other, becoming the most complete of advocates. His instruction on opposing sides and his position sitting as a Recorder gives him a perspective and tactical advantage that can be used to transform a criminal trial.

His ability to identify early the decisive issues in a case means that he knows which points to take and which to concede. He understands the importance of maintaining credibility in the eyes of the judge, winning the respect of his opponent, and thus how to obtain the best outcome for his client.

As an advocate, David demonstrates both technical skill, and a capacity for hard work. He "speaks" to both judges and juries. He is a persuasive speech-maker and a destructive cross-examiner. David’s practice derives most frequently from referrals from other advocates with or against whom he has done criminal trials; he is an advocates' advocate. 

Experience 

A heavy-weight in general crime, David is the go-to Silk for serious offences often sensitive and high-profile in nature.

His practice has been centred on serious drug offences, armed robbery, terrorism, murder and serious and historical sexual offences.

David has extensive experience in PII, covert surveillance and disclosure generally. He has particular expertise of dealing with cases involving supergrass informants and of difficult scientific evidential issues including those arising from DNA.

His experience and expertise is demanded where complications of law exist or intricate expert evidence is needed; David is regularly instructed in cases involving novel issues of law and evidence.

In silk, his practice has expanded into fraud/corruption work (prosecuting in R v R and S – corruption case at the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development); judicial review (representing the Home Office in BSG v SFO & SSHD); and predominantly privately funded criminal defence work. He is also instructed by many regulators for specialist criminal advice (such as disclosure).

Known for his advocacy he is regularly called upon to take a case over at sentence or appeal to produce the most desirable result for the client.

Notable Cases

R v MP Fiona Onasanya (2019)
David Jeremy QC prosecuted MP Fiona Onasanya for perverting the course of justice.  She was convicted and sentenced to three months imprisonment.  She was the first sitting MP to be jailed in 28 years.

R - v - Benjamin Field (2019)
David Jeremy QC defended Benjamin Field on murder and conspiracy to murder charges.  He was  found guilty of murdering 69 year old Peter Farquhar, but was cleared of a charge of conspiracy to murder and also acquitted of attempted murder relating to 82 year old Ann Moore-Martin.  David Jeremy QC is currently appealing the conviction.

R v Selvarajan & Others (2017)
Acting for the defence in a two month trial involving a cut-throat defence with the co-defendant. Client acquitted of murder.

R v Lim (2016)
Woman acquitted of all offences in murder allegation involving stabbing her husband to death. 

R v Cripps (2016)
Representing the defence in a joint-enterprise murder. The defendant was involved in a dispute between two brothers and friends, which resulted in the victim being stabbed to death. Client acquitted of murder. 

R v Cuffy (2016)
Defending a man charged with terrorism offences. The defendant was acquitted of being an armourer for a terrorist assassination plot.

R v Drake (2014)
David Jeremy QC prosecuted the defendant, 16, after he had stabbed the victim, 17, seven times, causing him to die. 

R v Jonathan King (2001)
David Jeremy QC prosecuted the pop mogul for molesting school boys.  He was sentenced to 7 years.

Reviews 

Legal 500 2024: Crime - Tier 2

Chambers UK 2023: Crime - Band 1

Legal 500 2023: Crime - Tier 2

'David is a supremely confident advocate, with a great legal brain and an excellent command of his brief. He commands the courtroom in every way. He is a strong character who is fearless in the defence of his clients.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

'A courtroom pugilist who fights his cases extremely hard.' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

'David has a formidable presence in the courtroom and commands attention from the outset. He is at the top of his league.’ Legal 500 Crime (2023)

'A measured advocate who only takes good points. He is unflappable and utterly reliable.' Chamber UK Crime (2022)

'David is a powerful and authentic advocate who persuades both judges and juries with advocacy that is honest and compelling - judges trust him, and juries look to him. He never takes a bad point - his cross examinations and speeches are targeted and lethal. He's the kind of quality brief that co-defendants end up wishing they had on their team.' Legal 500 Crime (2022) 

'A charming man but an absolutely brutal cross-examiner, he works hard and is an excellent advocate. A strong performer who stands up for his clients robustly. His closing speeches are always highly persuasive.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

'David has a wonderful style in front of a jury. He is eloquent and understated. His integrity really helps to set him apart from others and juries feel that they can trust him, which counts for a great deal indeed.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

‘Polished, steely and commanding.’ ‘He is exactly what an old fashioned brief's brief should be; he has real talent.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

‘He has a commanding courtroom presence.’ Legal 500 Crime (2020) 

‘One of the best cross-examiners in the business.’ Legal 500 Crime (2018)

‘His ability to apply forensic skill and judgement to crimes of serious violence is excellent and he has an engaging manner with client, judge and jury.’ Chambers UK (2018)

‘Very thorough and someone with a great eye for detail, he's also very good with clients.’ Chambers UK (2018)

‘He is like a dog with a bone – when he has a point, he won’t let it go and will fight it through to the end.’ Legal 500 (2017)

‘A forensic cross-examiner.’ Legal 500 (2016)

‘A popular choice for prosecuting and defending in serious crime cases.’ Legal 500 (2015)