• "Star Individual, Crime Silk of the Year”
    Chambers UK 2023
  • “A magnificent barrister,” “Highly skilful and measured… a master at what he does.”
    Chambers UK 2022
  • “Supremely articulate and possessed of the finest judgement and keenest intellect.”
    Legal 500 2022
  • "The barrister all practitioners should aspire to be... Truly a master at his craft. The Platinum Standard"
    Legal 500 2021
 

Ali Naseem Bajwa KC

  • An exceptionally talented advocate, highly ranked, Ali Bajwa KC is held in the highest regard by clients, juries, his peers and the judiciary, alike.

    Corporate and Financial Crime 

    Ali is recognised for his expertise in complex and serious financial crime.  He has represented clients against a range of multi-million-pound frauds and circumstances including those involving multiple jurisdictions.  Ali is intelligent, creative and diligent in his preparation and decisive and elegant in his advocacy, presenting the most complex of cases to great effect. 

    Crime

    Ali is renowned for his defence work in the most serious, complex and high-profile cases across the full spectrum of offences.  He has experience of all levels of the legal system from pre-charge to appeal.  He often represents those with public profiles and professionals, with reputations at stake.  His work is important, he has acted in landmark cases and addressed complex areas of law in giving evidence to Parliamentary Committees.  Ali is innovative, collaborative and industrious, he has incredible intellect and judgement combined with a warm manner; he is a highly sought-after defence barrister.

    Regulatory

    Ali has focused his career on the defence of individuals.  This specialism has extended to the representation of professionals throughout parallel proceedings, including criminal, disciplinary/fitness to practise hearings, inquisitorial (inquests, inquiries) and administrative and public law challenges.  He has experience throughout multiple stages of various tribunals, regularly appearing at appeal.

    Public Law 

    Ali employs his specialist expertise in the defence of individuals to represent them through the various strands of parallel, proceedings.  His experience extends to inquisitorial (inquests, inquiries) and administrative and public law challenges.  He has particular knowledge of human rights and civil liberties, being involved in many of key challenges to the terrorism control order and pre-charge detention legislation.

    Reviews 

    Chambers UK 2024: Crime - Star Individual

    Legal 500 2024: Crime – Tier 3; Fraud: Crime - Tier 4

    ‘There is no one quite like Ali. His work ethic is legendary but it is the ease with which he approaches even the most complex cases that really stands out. He has a phenomenal legal brain allied with an effusive charm that works with clients and juries alike. He is the star of London without doubt.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

    "Ali is surgical in cross-examination… both his drafting and submissions are exceptional… his ability to absorb and retain the detail in a case and then use it creatively is almost intimidating." Chambers UK Crime (2024)

    Chambers UK 2023: Winner of Crime Silk of the Year award

    'His written advocacy is a pleasure to read, and he manages to take very, very complicated legal points and put them into simple terms for people to understand' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    ‘Ali is the most skilled and tactically talented counsel I know. His style and flair add to his immeasurable confidence.’ Legal 500 Crime (2023)

    'A magnificent barrister,’ ‘Highly skilful and measured… a master at what he does.’ Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'A truly gifted advocate… his knowledge, even of the most complex of law and procedure is totally amazing. He is a formidable opponent for the most high-ranking of lawyers. He often will outclass his opponents in both knowledge and style.’ Legal 500  Crime (2022)

    ‘Supremely articulate and possessed of the finest judgement and keenest intellect.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2022)

    ‘His reputation as an excellent barrister is well-deserved. He is known as much for his intellect as his elegant advocacy. Extremely effective in front of a jury, who invariably like him and judges, who inevitably trust him.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2021)

    ‘The barrister all practitioners should aspire to be. Supremely intelligent. His advocacy is clear, reasoned, precise and delivered with such courtesy and charm to all parties it is devastatingly persuasive. Truly a master at his craft. The Platinum Standard’ Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    Professional Memberships 

    • Criminal Bar Association 
    • Criminal Appeal Lawyers Association 
    • Fraud Lawyers Association
    • Health and Safety Lawyers' Association

    Education

    • LLB (Hons), London School of Economics 

    Languages 

    • Punjabi 
    • Urdu 

            

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Ali Bajwa KC and Polly Dyer successfully defend Cicero in a Charity Moot Trial at the Supreme Court.

      This year the charity Classics for All put Cicero in the dock of the Supreme Court, charged with murder and misconduct in public office. Ali Bajwa KC and Polly Dyer of QEB Hollis Whiteman were tasked with defending him.Cicero stood trial for acting illega...

      ...
    • Ali Naseem Bajwa KC wins Crime Silk of the Year Award at Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022

      We are delighted to announce that Ali Naseem Bajwa KC has been awarded Crime Silk of the Year at this year's Chambers UK Bar Awards.Ali is described by Chambers UK as “A magnificent barrister,” “Highly skilful and measured… a mast...

      ...
    • Ali Bajwa QC joins QEB Hollis Whiteman Chambers

      QEB Hollis Whiteman is pleased to welcome Ali Bajwa QC as a new tenant. Ali joined Chambers on 4 January 2022.Ali was called to the Bar in 1993. He was appointed as Queen’s Counsel in 2011. He also sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court. Ali is recog...

      ...

    Articles

  • Corporate and Financial Crime

    Keen intellect, fine judgement, and exceptional advocacy, Ali Bajwa KC specialises in the strategy, preparation and presentation of complex financial crime cases.

    Overview 

    Ali is recognised for his expertise in complex and serious financial crime.  He has represented clients against a range of multi-million-pound frauds and difficult circumstances including those involving multiple jurisdictions.  Ali is intelligent, creative and diligent in his preparation and decisive and elegant in his advocacy, presenting the most complex of cases to great effect. 

    Experience

    Ali has vast experience of fraud and corruption in multiple contexts.  These have included those involving the international film industry, financial traders, sports professionals, intellectual property, and Ponzi schemes, amongst others.

    Ali has defended against various prosecution authorities, including the SFO.  His cases are often remarkable in their size and value, on numerous occasions having been noted as the largest of their time.

    Notable Cases 

    R v SS - Multi-million-pound immigration fraud using front of Bollywood film industry.

    R v Sovu - Manufacturer and supplier of device and software for massive card reader fraud

    R v Balogun - £1.3 million false mandate fraud.

    R v Singh - £11 million missing trader VAT fraud.

    R v Butt - Pakistan cricketers spot fixing trial.

    R v Pillai - UK's largest set top box fraud.

    R v Grove - SFO prosecution of £60 million 'Ponzi scheme' fraud.

    R v Bane - Multi-million-pound hand car wash fraud.

    R v Mahtani - Mastermind of UK's largest credit card fraud and many others.

    Reviews 

    Legal 500 2024: Fraud: Crime - Tier 4

    Legal 500 2023: Fraud: Crime - Tier 3

    ‘He is supremely articulate and possessed of the finest judgement and keenest intellect. He is the barrister every practitioner should aspire to be.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2022)

    ‘His reputation as an excellent barrister is well-deserved. He is known as much for his intellect as his elegant advocacy. Extremely effective in front of a jury, who invariably like him and judges, who inevitably trust him.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2021)

  • Vast knowledge of the most complex of laws and procedures, Ali Bajwa KC is a devastatingly persuasive and elegant advocate, recognised as a leader in serious and complex crime.

    Overview 

    Ali is renowned for his defence work in the most serious, complex and high-profile cases across the full spectrum of offences.  He has experience of all levels of the legal system from pre-charge to appeal.  He often represents those with public profiles and professionals, with reputations at stake.  His work is important, he has acted in landmark cases and addressed complex areas of law in giving evidence to Parliamentary Committees.  Ali is innovative, collaborative and industrious, he has incredible intellect and judgement combined with a warm manner; he is a highly sought-after defence barrister.

    Experience

    Ali is a specialist in criminal defence and advocacy. He acts in significant and media sensitive cases.  Past cases of note include: the 'Skyman' brainwashing murder trial; R v Michael Piggin; the Leicester house fire trial; the 'Southwark rapist' trial; the Pakistan cricket spot fixing trial; the 'airline liquid bomb' trial; two control order appeals in the House of Lords; the '21/7' failed London bombings trial; and the 'dirty bomb case'. Ali is frequently instructed to represent high net worth individuals and professionals in helping them defend sensitive and potentially damaging allegations.

    Ali writes and speaks widely on legal issues, including giving evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, contributing to the Legal Network Television educational DVD, The Law on Terror and addressing a number of human rights and counter-terrorism conferences.

    Ali is a Crown Court Recorder, a Gray's Inn bencher, and an advanced advocacy trainer and is a former Master of Students. He has undertaken appeal work, including advice, CCRC applications and Privy Council cases.

    Notable Cases 

    HOMICIDE:

    R v BT - Murder of a drug supply rival.

    R v MD - Murder of one-month-old baby (ongoing).

    R v Rogers - Double murder of drug-debt rivals

    R v Labinjo-Halcrow - Murder by stabbing of boyfriend; mother of Arthur Labinjo-Hughes.

    R v Flanagan - Missing body murder.

    R v Weir - Historic double jeopardy murder and a further murder in 1998.

    R v Tarin - Double murder of ex-partner and her mother.

    R v Beckford - Gang-related murder by shooting.

    R v Gordon - Encouraging suicide.

    R v Chowdhury - Filicide; the 'Skyman' case.

    R v Parker - Leicester home fire; four counts of murder.

    and 40 others

    TERRORISM:

    Operation Cowlick - Far-right terrorism, 15-year-old in Leeds cleared of planning terrorist bombing.

    Operation Dowl - Plot to murder Theresa May, represented Naa'imur Zakariyah Rahman.

    Operation Exactness - Conspiracy to murder a police officer or soldier; represented Suhaib Majeed.

    Operation Incorruptible - Travel to fight in Syria; represented David Souaan.

    Operation Coronagraph - Travel to fight in Syria; represented Yusuf Sarwar.

    Operation Saxifrage - Full Sutton prison siege; successful defence of necessity.

    Operation Spruce - 'Far-right teen', Michael Piggin, cleared of planning 'new Columbine'.

    Operation Movie - Preparing to commit acts of terrorism; represented Richard Dart.

    Operation Overt - Trans-Atlantic airline liquid bomb conspiracy; represented acquitted defendant, Donald Stewart-Whyte.

    Operation Vivace - 21 July 2005 failed London bombings; represented main defendant, Muktar Said-Ibrahim.

    Operation Rhyme - US/UK terrorism conspiracy involving key US financial institutions, 'Gas Limos Project' and 'Dirty Bomb Plot'; represented main defendant, Dhiren Barot.

    DRUGS & PROCEEDS OF CRIME ACT:

    R v Doda - 7-defendant conspiracy to supply class A drugs.

    R v Marku - Cannabis supply; UK's Strongest Man 2009.

    R v Beqiri - £2 billion cocaine importation conspiracy.

    R v Sarasia - £10 million heroin importation.

    R v Tascon - £100 million Columbian 'drug baron' case.

    SEXUAL OFFENCES:

    R v Person A - Acquittal of eight counts of sexual assault against four complainants.

    R v Truelove - Acquittal of three counts of rape against fellow social worker.

    R v Wallis - Acquittal of rape against co-worker.

    R v Stratton - Acquittal of rape against former partner (to whom he had written apologising for raping her).

    R v Worboys - The Black Cab Rapist.

    R v White - Possession of indecent photographs of children and extreme pornographic images.

    OTHER CRIME:

    R v Agyemang - Conspiracy by drill music artist Kwengface to shoot rival gang member.

    R v Stephenson - Conspiracy to transfer firearms and ammunition.

    R v Uddin - Tamara Ecclestone blackmail case.

    R v Jahan - 'Riots hero' GBH trial.

    R v Roberts - 'The Southwark Rapist'/'Beast of Bermondsey'.

    Reviews

    Chambers UK 2024: Crime - Star Individual

    Legal 500 2024: Crime – Tier 3

    "Ali is surgical in cross-examination… both his drafting and submissions are exceptional… his ability to absorb and retain the detail in a case and then use it creatively is almost intimidating." Chambers UK Crime (2024)

    ‘There is no one quite like Ali. His work ethic is legendary but it is the ease with which he approaches even the most complex cases that really stands out. He has a phenomenal legal brain allied with an effusive charm that works with clients and juries alike. He is the star of London without doubt.' Legal 500 Crime (2024)

    Chambers UK 2023 Crime - Winner of Crime Silk of the Year award.

    'His written advocacy is a pleasure to read, and he manages to take very, very complicated legal points and put them into simple terms for people to understand' Chambers UK Crime (2023)

    ‘Ali is the most skilled and tactically talented counsel I know. His style and flair add to his immeasurable confidence.’ Legal 500 Crime (2023)

    'A magnificent barrister,’ ‘Highly skilful and measured… a master at what he does.’ Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    'A truly gifted advocate… his knowledge, even of the most complex of law and procedure is totally amazing. He is a formidable opponent for the most high-ranking of lawyers. He often will outclass his opponents in both knowledge and style.’ Legal 500  Crime (2022)

    ‘Supremely articulate and possessed of the finest judgement and keenest intellect.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2022)

    ‘His reputation as an excellent barrister is well-deserved. He is known as much for his intellect as his elegant advocacy. Extremely effective in front of a jury, who invariably like him and judges, who inevitably trust him.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2021)

    ‘The barrister all practitioners should aspire to be. Supremely intelligent. His advocacy is clear, reasoned, precise and delivered with such courtesy and charm to all parties it is devastatingly persuasive. Truly a master at his craft. The Platinum Standard’ Legal 500 Crime (2021)

    Recent Cases

    News

    • Ali Bajwa KC and Polly Dyer successfully defend Cicero in a Charity Moot Trial at the Supreme Court.

      This year the charity Classics for All put Cicero in the dock of the Supreme Court, charged with murder and misconduct in public office. Ali Bajwa KC and Polly Dyer of QEB Hollis Whiteman were tasked with defending him.Cicero stood trial for acting illega...

    • Ali Naseem Bajwa KC wins Crime Silk of the Year Award at Chambers UK Bar Awards 2022

      We are delighted to announce that Ali Naseem Bajwa KC has been awarded Crime Silk of the Year at this year's Chambers UK Bar Awards.Ali is described by Chambers UK as “A magnificent barrister,” “Highly skilful and measured… a mast...

    • Ali Bajwa QC represents man acquitted of gang-related shooting

      At close to 7pm on 7th July 2019, in a park in Tokyngton, north-west London, Kwasi Mensah-Ababio died from a single shot fired into his head from close range. That event was a gang-related revenge attack for the shooting two days earlier of a prominent ga...

    • Ali Bajwa QC and Charlotte Godber represent Benoni Thomas, acquitted of drug dealer's manslaughter.

      On 17 September 2020, a drug dealer by the name of Jean Loeike Guei was found dead on Mitcham Common. His body was on fire. He had been killed two days earlier inside the flat of another drug dealer named Raphael Kokkinos. Present with Kokkinos when Guei ...

    Articles

  • In various facets of regulatory law, Ali Bajwa KC has taken his intellect, strategy, judgement, and expertise in advocacy, and applied it to professional discipline, representing professionals when they have the most at stake. 

    Overview 

    Ali has focused his career on the defence of individuals. This specialism has extended to the representation of professionals throughout parallel proceedings, including criminal, regulatory, inquisitorial (inquests, inquiries) and administrative and public law challenges.  He has experience throughout multiple stages of various tribunals, regularly appearing at appeal.

    Experience 

    Ali utilises his vast experience in criminal defence to represent professionals in their respective disciplinary and regulatory proceedings.  He has particular expertise in representing sports people, most notably cricketers at the ICC against allegations of corruption.  His work has taken him to appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport.

    Ali also has experience of regulation and discipline in the field of education. He has represented students against expulsion, after criminal proceedings.

    Notable Cases 

    A University and MG - Disciplinary and Fitness to Practise proceedings for medical student cleared of all allegations, including having taken and shared on social media a photograph of a cadaver in the dissection lab and then having pressured the student complainant to lie about it.

    ICC v Lokuhettige - Appeal to Court of Arbitration for Sport against finding of corruption by ex-Sri Lanka international cricketer; arguments of jurisdiction based on contract law.

    ICC v Zoysa - Successful defence at disciplinary hearing of alleged corruption by ex-Sri Lanka international cricketer during a cricket tournament in 2017.

    ICC v Butt - Disciplinary hearing in Doha, Qatar of Pakistan cricketers spot fixing case.

    A University and MG - Disciplinary and Fitness to Practise proceedings for pharmacy student convicted of possession of indecent images of a child.

    Reviews

    ‘A magnificent barrister,’ ‘Highly skilful and measured… a master at what he does.’ Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    ‘A truly gifted advocate… his knowledge, even of the most complex of law and procedure is totally amazing. He is a formidable opponent for the most high-ranking of lawyers. He often will outclass his opponents in both knowledge and style.’ Legal 500 Crime (2022)

    ‘Supremely articulate and possessed of the finest judgement and keenest intellect.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2022)

    ‘His reputation as an excellent barrister is well-deserved. He is known as much for his intellect as his elegant advocacy. Extremely effective in front of a jury, who invariably like him and judges, who inevitably trust him.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2021)

    ‘The barrister all practitioners should aspire to be. Supremely intelligent. His advocacy is clear, reasoned, precise and delivered with such courtesy and charm to all parties it is devastatingly persuasive. Truly a master at his craft. The Platinum Standard’ Legal 500 Crime (2021)

  • Inquests, Inquiries and Public Law

    An effortless grasp on the most complex of issues across the various proceedings that can face an individual, Ali Bajwa KC is frequently engaged in the most important and challenging aspects of this field.

    Overview 

    Ali employs his specialist expertise in the defence of individuals to represent them through the various strands of parallel proceedings.  His experience extends to inquisitorial (inquests, inquiries) and administrative and public law challenges.  He has particular knowledge of human rights and civil liberties.

    Experience

    Ali’s practice extends to Adminstrative and Public Law.  He has advanced experience of representing individuals and their rights against State intervention, particularly in the context of alleged terrorist activity.  He has experience of Terrorism Prevention and Investigation Measures (TPIMs) and of Control Orders made by the Home Secretary to protect the public from an anticipated risk of terrorism.

    Ali’s work also extends to representing interested parties in inquests, including Article 2 Inquests.  He has represented individuals and organisations at coronial hearings that are exploring medical professional and health and safety failings.

    Ali writes and speaks widely on legal issues, including giving evidence to the Joint Committee on Human Rights, contributing to the Legal Network Television educational DVD, The Law on Terror and addressing a number of human rights and counter-terrorism conferences.

    Notable Cases

    Re Shivalkar - Acted for family in Article 2 inquest concerning death of a 78-year-old woman during elective revision hip replacement surgery. Verdict of unlawful killing against consultant anaesthetist.

    Re Kua – Acted for family in inquest concerning mother and five children killed by fire in home. Narrative verdict that fire caused by failure of freezer component and Rule 43 report.

    Secretary of State v CD - Terrorism Prevention Measure.

    Secretary of State v AE - Control order served on Iraqi, damages claim for unlawful imposition of control order.

    Secretary of State v MB - First control order served on British citizen.

    Reviews 

    ‘A magnificent barrister,’ ‘Highly skilful and measured… a master at what he does.’ Chambers UK Crime (2022)

    ‘A truly gifted advocate… his knowledge, even of the most complex of law and procedure is totally amazing. He is a formidable opponent for the most high-ranking of lawyers. He often will outclass his opponents in both knowledge and style.’ Legal 500 Crime (2022)

    ‘Supremely articulate and possessed of the finest judgement and keenest intellect.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2022)

    ‘His reputation as an excellent barrister is well-deserved. He is known as much for his intellect as his elegant advocacy. Extremely effective in front of a jury, who invariably like him and judges, who inevitably trust him.’ Legal 500 Fraud: Crime (2021)

    ‘The barrister all practitioners should aspire to be. Supremely intelligent. His advocacy is clear, reasoned, precise and delivered with such courtesy and charm to all parties it is devastatingly persuasive. Truly a master at his craft. The Platinum Standard’ Legal 500 Crime (2021)