• 'A great jury advocate. He's great for proper Crown Court 'bare knuckle'-type cases.' Chambers UK 2023
  • '...identifies problems before they arise and is highly adaptable' Chambers UK 2022
  • 'Adam is an excellent advocate. He is straight-talking and gets to the point, which clients love....respected by judges and opposition alike’ Legal 500 2021
  • ‘'Someone who has real charm; he is well liked by juries...always has everything under control.’ Chambers UK 2021
  • ‘Clients always feel at ease with Adam – he is non-judgemental, irrespective of the alleged facts of the case, and is always approachable.’
    Chambers UK 2020
 

Adam King

  • Counsel with exceptional advocacy skills, astute judgement, and an ability to explain clearly to clients their wisest tactical options, Adam King has focussed his practice on serious and complex jury trials. He has also developed specialisms in several technical advisory areas, such as Restraint of cryptoassets, Legal Professional Privilege, and Contempt, and is a chapter author of Sweet & Maxwell’s “The Law of Artificial Intelligence”. He also occasionally writes for Unherd on legal topics.

    Crime

    Adam is known for thorough preparation, careful tactical decision-making, and adaptable and effective jury advocacy. He predominantly defends – often instructed on a private basis to defend doctors, police officers and other professionals – but is also briefed by the Homicide Unit as a highest-tier member of the prosecution advocacy panel, and by CPS Special Casework, often as leading counsel.

    Corporate and Financial Crime

    Adam has a good knowledge of the corporate legal landscape, having defended a number of corporations facing criminal charges. He has advised the Financial Conduct Authority on several matters, as well as various institutions in relation to the Proceeds of Crime Act.

    Regulatory 

    Adam’s main regulatory specialism is defending Police Officers in the disciplinary tribunals. He has successfully fought cases involving a wide variety of allegations – including driving, dishonesty, violence, sexual misconduct, and offensive communications. He is also experienced in Gambling Law, having acted for both the Gambling Commission and companies seeking to comply with their regulatory obligations.

    Appointments

    • CPS External Advocates Panel – Grade 4

    Professional Membership

    • Criminal Bar Association
    • Fraud Lawyers Association

    Education

    • Bar Vocational Course
    • Post-Graduate Diploma in Law
    • BA (Hons) Philosophy

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Crime - Band 5

    Legal 500 2024: Crime – Tier 3

    Chambers UK 2023: Crime - Band 5

    Legal 500 2023: Crime – Tier 3

     ‘Adam is a highly proactive and creative force in any defence team he is part of. His advocacy is excellent and clients love his calmly authoritative style.’ Legal 500  Crime (2023)

    "Adam was a great lawyer to work with - he had a clear understanding of the brief and identified an effective strategy." Chambers UK Crime (2024)

    'A great jury advocate. He's great for proper Crown Court 'bare knuckle'-type cases.' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    ‘Adam is incredibly effective. He thinks quickly on his feet and relays complex concepts as effectively to lay clients as to the court.’ Legal 500 (2023)

    'He identifies problems before they arise and is highly adaptable.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'Someone who has real charm; he is well liked by juries. He is a very nice advocate to listen to.' 'He gets to grips with the case quickly and always has everything under control.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'Adam is an excellent advocate. He is straight-talking and gets to the point, which clients love. He is great on his feet and well known both for his defence and prosecution work, which is a bonus, and he is respected by judges and opposition alike.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    ‘His cross-examinations are forensic and destructive.’ ‘A bright and determined lawyer who relishes a fight.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

    ‘Clients always feel at ease with Adam – he is non-judgemental, irrespective of the alleged facts of the case, and is always approachable. He is also always highly responsive and thorough in his communications.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

    ‘A confident and skilled advocate in court.’ Legal 500 (2020)

       

    Privacy Notice

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Acquittal for Doctor accused of fraud.

      Adam King this week represented a Doctor charged with Fraud by False Representation after allegedly self-prescribing controlled drugs in breach of his Conditions of Practice. The Crown’s case was that the prescriptions presented were, for various re...

      ...
    • Adam King co-authors the Bar Council's response to the Law Commission's third consultation paper on automated vehicle (AV) law

      Adam King has co-authored the Bar Council's response to the Law Commission’s third consultation paper on automated vehicle (AV) law. The response discusses the many complexities of reforming the law to accommodate automated driving systems including...

      ...
    • Adam King contributes to The Law of Artificial Intelligence

      The Law of Artificial Intelligence, published by Sweet & Maxwell this week, has a chapter on Criminal Law, written by Adam King.The Law of Artificial Intelligence is an essential practitioner's reference text examining how key areas of current civil and c...

      ...
    • Dominic Cummings: Fact-checking the row - Adam King comments for the BBC

      Adam King provides comment to the BBC as they consider the intentions of Durham Police in their investigations of Dominic Cummings and whether he breached Covid-19 regulations.See the article here.

      ...
    • Adam King successfully prosecutes man given 21-year sentence for deliberately driving at a police officer

      Corey Allard hit the officer in Market Square in Aylesbury on 13th February. 

      ...
    • Sean Larkin QC and Adam King talk to the YFLA on Bitcoin

      QEB Hollis Whiteman host a Young Fraud Lawyers Association Educational Event.

      ...
    • Adam King prosecutes head of counter-fraud for defrauding Oxfam

      Edward McKenzie-Green was sentenced to 2 years 5 months imprisonment for stealing £65,000 from leading charity Oxfam whilst he was employed by the charity as Head of Counter-Fraud. For media reports please CLICK HERE  

      ...

    Articles

  • Corporate and Financial Crime

    Experienced in various roles across a number of offences and investigations, Adam King displays impressive knowledge and skills in this field.

    Overview

    Adam King has a depth and breadth of experience prosecuting and defending at all levels within this field.  He is particularly knowledgeable in the law of Legal Professional Privilege.  He represents individuals and companies.

    Experience

    Adam has represented companies accused of VAT fraud, Health & Safety offences, and breaches of Planning Regulations, and is experienced in defending individuals accused of a wide variety of types of fraud.  Adam’s trial experience extends to insurance fraud, banking fraud, and fraud against charities.  He is a former member of the Serious Fraud Office “B” Panel.

    Adam is highly experienced and knowledgeable in the area of Legal Professional Privilege and has been instructed to advise on Privilege claims in a number of Corporate fraud investigations over recent years. Cases in which he has advised include: an SFO investigation into a global pharmaceutical company (instructed by the defence); an FCA investigation into a Spread Betting company (instructed by the FCA to lead a team of Independent Counsel); an FCA search of a solicitors’ firm; and a police investigation into a major banking fraud.  He has attended raids by the Serious Fraud Office, instructed to identify material subject to privilege.

    Adam has a detailed knowledge of Confiscation and Asset Forfeiture under POCA, and has advised companies and public bodies on their liabilities under Acts such as the Data Protection Act and RIPA.

    Led by Ian Winter QC of Cloth Fair Chambers, Adam was instructed in the defence of a firm of Solicitors facing serious fraud allegations.

    Notable Cases

    R v X LLP (2017)

    Solicitors' firm accused of fraud. Instructed for the defence, led by Ian Winter QC of Cloth Fair chambers.

    R v Sin Beti (2017)

    Privately instructed to represent Israeli businessman in Contempt proceedings in the High Court, securing a suspended sentence.

    R v SGV Ltd. (2016)

    Represented a Company accused of fraud, Trading Standards offences, and avoiding Duty.

    News

    • Sean Larkin QC and Adam King talk to the YFLA on Bitcoin

      QEB Hollis Whiteman host a Young Fraud Lawyers Association Educational Event.

  • A powerfully persuasive advocate and tactician experienced in all areas of criminal law, Adam King is sought out for difficult and complex cases.

    Overview

    Adam’s main focus is on serious criminal trial work. He is known for thorough preparation, careful tactical decision-making, and powerful advocacy. He mainly defends – often instructed on a private basis to represent doctors, police officers and other professionals, but is also briefed by the Homicide Unit as a highest-tier member of the prosecution advocacy panel, and by CPS Special Casework, often as leading counsel.

    Experience 

    Adam’s criminal trial work falls into two main categories: defending and prosecuting in serious criminal trials, including murder, death by dangerous driving, sexual offences, and fraud, as well as violent offences usually for private clients; and defending companies and business people facing more technical or unusual wrongdoing – e.g. allegations concerning the Proceeds of Crime, Gambling, Health & Safety, Housing,  Data Protection, Avoiding Duty, Trading Standards, and unlicensed radio broadcasting.

    Adam is committed to the highest standards of advocacy, client care and written work. He has a keen eye for advantageous legal argument, prides himself on offering clients clear and well-considered strategic advice, and above all takes pride in fighting cases with well-planned cross-examination and carefully organised and persuasive speeches.

    Throughout his career Adam has thought carefully about advocacy, conducting a vast number of jury trials in order to develop and hone the skills, tactical understanding and confidence required to maximise the chances of a favourable result for his clients.

    Adam, who has considerable experience defending and prosecuting fatal driving trials, recently wrote the chapter on Criminal Law in The Law of Artificial Intelligence, published by Sweet & Maxwell.  Among other topics, this included an comprehensive analysis of how the law will apply to Autonomous Vehicles. Cases involving unusual defences – issues of causation, necessity, non-insane automatism, and so on, are very familiar to him. 

    In 2009-2010 Adam practised as a defence attorney in the Cayman Islands.

    Notable Cases

    R v Brima & others (2022)
    Leading counsel for the prosecution in this ten-handed fraud prosecution. All defendants convicted.

    R v Ali & others (2021)
    Five-handed ten week murder trial: junior counsel for the Crown – led by Crispin Aylett QC.

    R v G (2022)
    Defence of various serious sexual offences at trial. Privately funded.

    R v AK Ltd (2022)
    Defence of a property company accused of planning breaches. Acquitted of all counts after trial. Privately funded.

    R v Hands & others (2021)
    Sole prosecution counsel in an eleven defendant multi-million-pound cocaine conspiracy to supply, arising from the hacking of the Encrochat network.

    R v Dr A (2021)
    Successful defence of GP accused of issuing fraudulent prescriptions. After a highly technical half-time submission of No Case to Answer, based in part on the results of the cross-examination of the client’s former line manager, he was acquitted.

    Restraint of Cryptoassets under the the Proceeds of Crime Act 2002. (2021)
    Advice to national lead police force on the legality of current practices in relation to the seizure of cryptoassets.

    R v DC A (2021)
    Defence of police officer accused of Causing Serious Injury by Dangerous Driving.

    R v Slabej (2019)
    Successful defence of lorry driver accused of Causing Death by Dangerous Driving.

    R v L (2020)
    Successful defence of man accused of serious sexual offences including rape

    R v Windows (2019)
    Football violence. Leading counsel for the first defendant. Acquitted after three-week trial.

    R v Multani & Others (2018)
    Secured acquittal of young man charged with sexual offences as part of a gang rape in the Midlands.

    R v Sin Beti (2017)
    Privately instructed to represent Israeli businessman in Contempt proceedings in the High Court, securing a suspended sentence.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2023: Crime – Band 5

    Legal 500 2023: Crime – Tier 3

    'A great jury advocate. He's great for proper Crown Court 'bare knuckle'-type cases.' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    ‘Adam is incredibly effective. He thinks quickly on his feet and relays complex concepts as effectively to lay clients as to the court.’ Legal 500 (2023)

    'He identifies problems before they arise and is highly adaptable.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'He identifies problems before they arise and is highly adaptable.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'Someone who has real charm; he is well liked by juries. He is a very nice advocate to listen to.' 'He gets to grips with the case quickly and always has everything under control.' Chambers UK Crime (2021)

    'Adam is an excellent advocate. He is straight-talking and gets to the point, which clients love. He is great on his feet and well known both for his defence and prosecution work, which is a bonus, and he is respected by judges and opposition alike.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    ‘His cross-examinations are forensic and destructive.’ ‘A bright and determined lawyer who relishes a fight.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

    ‘Clients always feel at ease with Adam – he is non-judgemental, irrespective of the alleged facts of the case, and is always approachable. He is also always highly responsive and thorough in his communications.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

    ‘A confident and skilled advocate in court.’ Legal 500 (2020)

    Recent Cases

    News

    • M25 Dartford Crossing protestors convicted. Adam King prosecuted.

       The two Just Stop Oil protestors who climbed the QE2 Bridge in Dartford last October, causing it to be closed to traffic for nearly two days, were today unanimously convicted by a jury. Morgan Trowland and Marcus Decker were found guilty of the new statu...

    • Acquittal for Doctor accused of fraud.

      Adam King this week represented a Doctor charged with Fraud by False Representation after allegedly self-prescribing controlled drugs in breach of his Conditions of Practice. The Crown’s case was that the prescriptions presented were, for various re...

    • Adam King co-authors the Bar Council's response to the Law Commission's third consultation paper on automated vehicle (AV) law

      Adam King has co-authored the Bar Council's response to the Law Commission’s third consultation paper on automated vehicle (AV) law. The response discusses the many complexities of reforming the law to accommodate automated driving systems including...

    • Adam King considers the role of the jury in rape trials in this article for Unherd.

      In this article for UnHerd, Adam King explores whether you can, in fact, trust a jury. Adam considers how the judiciary assumes that the public have misconceptions pertaining to sexual offences and he analyses the new research that suggests otherwise.You ...

    • Adam King contributes to The Law of Artificial Intelligence

      The Law of Artificial Intelligence, published by Sweet & Maxwell this week, has a chapter on Criminal Law, written by Adam King.The Law of Artificial Intelligence is an essential practitioner's reference text examining how key areas of current civil and c...

    • Dominic Cummings: Fact-checking the row - Adam King comments for the BBC

      Adam King provides comment to the BBC as they consider the intentions of Durham Police in their investigations of Dominic Cummings and whether he breached Covid-19 regulations.See the article here.

    • Adam King successfully prosecutes man given 21-year sentence for deliberately driving at a police officer

      Corey Allard hit the officer in Market Square in Aylesbury on 13th February. 

    Articles

  • Adam King brings his powerful advocacy and keen intellect to the defence of professionals in the field of disciplinary law, particularly police officers.

    Overview

    Adam’s regulatory practice is focussed on defending police officers accused of professional misconduct, but he also has experience of the healthcare and education sectors. He has the criminal advocacy skills, tactical good sense and technical knowledge to secure the best possible outcome for those he represents.

    Experience 

    Adam has a long and impressive track record defending police officers in the Police Disciplinary Tribunal, the Police Appeal Tribunal, and the criminal courts. His experience covers a wide range of regulatory and criminal allegations, such as driving offences (including fatal collisions), use of force, sexual misconduct, data protection, harassment, record-keeping, perverting the course of justice, and breaches of speech codes. Adam is an enthusiastic proponent of free speech, and particularly enjoys defending such cases. Where sanction is inevitable he offers clear advice based on a realistic assessment of the evidence, but will always argue strongly and persuasively for a proportionate outcome.

    He has lectured at the National Custody Conference on deaths in custody, and is familiar with the various complex and inconsistent police guidance relating to response driving.

    Adam is also experienced in defending doctors, dentists, nurses, and other healthcare professionals accused of various types of wrongdoing, as well as acting in Security Industry Authority appeals.

    He currently only acts for the defence, but earlier in his career he prosecuted and presented on behalf of the regulators and Professional Standards Departments, which has enabled him to more accurately predict and anticipate the other side’s manoeuvres.

    Adam has advised the Gambling Commission in relation to various regulatory matters, including the application of the Remote Technical Standards, breaches of Licence Conditions, Data Protection, and disclosure in Regulatory proceedings.

    Notable Cases

    Inquest into the death of Miss B (2022)
    Represented an officer as an Interested Party at a jury inquest, following a domestic violence murder.

    Sussex Police v PC R (2022)
    Representing an officer accused of inappropriate behaviour at a football match.

    North Yorks Police v DC N (2021)
    Defence of highly regarded Detective Constable following a near fatal RTC while driving on blue lights. Represented the officer at the Crown Court trial and subsequent Gross Misconduct disciplinary proceedings. The officer remained in the job.

    University of X v Dr A (2021)
    Defence of an academic accused of breaching various university policies after expressing political views in a youtube channel.

    Sussex Police v PC H (2021)
    Defence of Police Constable after an incident of alleged dangerous driving. The officer was driving to assist a colleague when he saw what he believed to be the suspect fleeing the scene. He knocked the man down only to discover he was a member of the public who had been assisting police. Charged with dangerous driving. Acquitted by the jury after trial. Disciplinary proceedings ongoing.

    Devon & Cornwall Police v DC E (2021)
    When a Crown Court trial collapsed because of disclosure failures, an undertrained and overworked junior officer with relatively little culpability was accused of Gross Misconduct - ‘honesty and integrity’. After a hard fought disciplinary hearing, the panel were persuaded to find the charges not made out. 

    Advice on Gambling Act liability (2020)
    Advising a company on the regulatory and legal consequences of a proposed “prize competition” under the Gambling Act 2005.

    Devon & Cornwall Police v PC T (2020)
    Defence of a Police Constable accused of sexual harrasment of a member of the public.

    Surrey Police v PS F (2020)
    Defence of an Police Sergeant accused of having an inappropriate affair with a junior colleague.

    Met Police v PC T (2019)
    Defence of a Police Constable accused of bullying. We admitted Gross Misconduct but successfully argued for a Final Written Warning.

    Recent Cases

    • Defending a Police Officer accused of Gross Misconduct for bullying, racism, and misuse of computers. Following a disciplinary hearing, the officer remained in their post.

    News

    • Acquittal for Doctor accused of fraud.

      Adam King this week represented a Doctor charged with Fraud by False Representation after allegedly self-prescribing controlled drugs in breach of his Conditions of Practice. The Crown’s case was that the prescriptions presented were, for various re...

    • Adam King co-authors the Bar Council's response to the Law Commission's third consultation paper on automated vehicle (AV) law

      Adam King has co-authored the Bar Council's response to the Law Commission’s third consultation paper on automated vehicle (AV) law. The response discusses the many complexities of reforming the law to accommodate automated driving systems including...