Nick James
Call
Call
2001
Expertise
Criminal Fraud
Corporate Crime
Criminal Defence Advocacy
POCA & Asset Recovery
Cryptocurrency & Digital Assets
Regulatory & Disciplinary
Nick is a leading financial crime practitioner, ranked Band 1 in Chambers & Partners, and is instructed to act for directors and professional clients in complex cases with both civil and criminal aspects. Instructing Solicitors describe him as a formidable white collar fraud barrister who combines charismatic advocacy with tactical acumen and excellent client care. Recent cases include successfully defending in high-value SFO and HMRC prosecutions.
Nick has extensive experience in Proceeds of Crime matters including high court civil recovery and forfeiture proceedings concerning bank accounts, cash and crypto, where he is regularly instructed to act for third parties.
He is also instructed in commercial disputes concerning allegations of financial wrongdoing including fraud, contract, professional negligence and insolvency.
Reported cases include Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420 and Byrne and others [2021] EWCA 187, the two leading cases on expert evidence in complex fraud trials, and R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344, consolidated Appeals on refusals to extend the period of postponement in confiscation proceedings and Mouncher & Ors v The Chief Constable of South Wales Police [2016] EWHC 1367 (QB) a claim for Misfeasance in Public Office on behalf of 8 claimants in what was the UK’s largest action against the Police at the time.
Other Language(s)
Other Language(s)
"‘He is fantastic. Tactically aware, hardworking and clients love him"
“Nick is empathetic with clients and impressive in court.”
"On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care."
"‘Nick James is a talented barrister with a reputation for diligence and the provision of impressive advocacy."
'An exceptional advocate with an approach that combines passion for his craft with superb judgement in even the most difficult situations."
“He has the personality and the wit to deal with any client. He tailors his approach to specifically meet the individual client’s needs.”
"He has a knack. He really knows his cases and tactically plays things just right."
"Nick is brilliant. He is on top of every aspect of the case. His advocacy, preparation and judgement are first rate"
"He makes dry material come to life in his delivery and has a char tat sets him apart."
"A highly skilled advocate, his preparation is exceptions and there is no task too much or too little for him."
"‘He is fantastic. Tactically aware, hardworking and clients love him"
“Nick is empathetic with clients and impressive in court.”
"On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care."
"‘Nick James is a talented barrister with a reputation for diligence and the provision of impressive advocacy."
'An exceptional advocate with an approach that combines passion for his craft with superb judgement in even the most difficult situations."
“He has the personality and the wit to deal with any client. He tailors his approach to specifically meet the individual client’s needs.”
"He has a knack. He really knows his cases and tactically plays things just right."
"Nick is brilliant. He is on top of every aspect of the case. His advocacy, preparation and judgement are first rate"
"He makes dry material come to life in his delivery and has a char tat sets him apart."
"A highly skilled advocate, his preparation is exceptions and there is no task too much or too little for him."
"‘He is fantastic. Tactically aware, hardworking and clients love him"
“Nick is empathetic with clients and impressive in court.”
"On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care."
"‘Nick James is a talented barrister with a reputation for diligence and the provision of impressive advocacy."
'An exceptional advocate with an approach that combines passion for his craft with superb judgement in even the most difficult situations."
“He has the personality and the wit to deal with any client. He tailors his approach to specifically meet the individual client’s needs.”
"He has a knack. He really knows his cases and tactically plays things just right."
"Nick is brilliant. He is on top of every aspect of the case. His advocacy, preparation and judgement are first rate"
"He makes dry material come to life in his delivery and has a char tat sets him apart."
"A highly skilled advocate, his preparation is exceptions and there is no task too much or too little for him."
Nick James : Experience & Expertise
Nick is a fraud practitioner, successfully defending in long and complex trials.
He is ranked as a leading junior in the legal directories for Fraud.
View Cases
View Quotes
R v AP & Ors (2025)
Senior Broker in £30m wine investment fraud.
R v LC & Ors (2021)
13 handed multi-million pound MTIC fraud.
R v MS & Ors (2018)
Money laundering of funds from a £3m nationwide banking fraud.
R v MJ & Ors (2021)
20 handed Conspiracy to Defraud the Civil Aviation Authority.
R v MS & Ors (2018)
13 Handed MTIC fraud alleged to have caused a loss to HMRC in excess of £20m.
R v SH & Ors (2016-17)
Defending a company director in a series of 3 high value fraud trials involving allegations of investment fraud, fraudulent trading and defrauding Natwest bank.
R v SZ & Ors (2023)
Cheat on the Revenue and associated money-laundering offences.
R v Byrne [2021] EWCA Crime 107
Represented two former company directors in the joined appeal relating to the discredited carbon credit expert.
R v DF & Ors (2024)
Representing a former Compliance Officer at a company accused of fraudulently marketing and selling a product designed to divest individuals of unwanted timeshares
R v Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420
Appeal for a Barclays trader who had been convicted of Libor rigging.
R v AH & Ors (2018)
Company director charged with carbon credit fraud.
Supreme v MdP & Ors (2021)
Private prosecution of Italian Company and individuals brought by the American clothing brand Supreme for trademark infringements in Europe and China.
R v EE (2018)
US and UK investigation into hacking of US employee pension scheme.
R v YN & Ors (2024)
£20m money-laundering case brought by HMRC.
R v AH & Ors (2022)
Company director in a wine investment boiler room fraud.
R v MB & Ors (2017)
Private prosecution against company directors alleging Fraudulent Trading and Theft.
"An exceptional advocate with an approach that combines passion for his craft with superb judgement in even the most difficult situations."
| Legal 500 2025 Fraud
"| Legal 500 2024 (Fraud)"
| Legal 500 2025 Fraud
"Nick is an engaging advocate who retains a personal and affable manner even when forcefully making points to a judge or jury. He has a wonderfully light touch. He is thorough and hardworking and will not miss points but makes sure that he is always focused on the ultimate issues."
| Legal 500 2025 Fraud
"On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care."
| Legal 500 2023 (Fraud)
Nick has an extensive financial crime practice, often representing those accused of bribery, fraud or money laundering.
View Cases
View Quotes
R v AP & Ors (2025)
Senior Broker in £30m wine investment fraud.
R v PB & Ors (2024)
First defendant in a £20m cheat on the revenue.
SFO v NW & Ors (2022-3)
Company director charged with bribery and money laundering offences by the SFO.
Supreme v MdP & Ors (2021) - Private
Prosecution of Italian Company and individuals brought by the American clothing brand Supreme for trademark infringements in Europe and China.
R v Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420
Appeal for a Barclays trader who had been convicted of Libor rigging.
R v SZ & Ors (2023)
Cheat on the Revenue and associated money-laundering offences.
R v Byrne [2021] EWCA Crime 107
Represented two former company directors in the joined appeal relating to the discredited carbon credit expert.
R v DF & Ors (2024)
Representing a former Compliance Officer at a company accused of fraudulently marketing and selling a product designed to divest individuals of unwanted timeshares
R v PL & Ors (2024)
£54m Money-Laundering Conspiracy.
R v AS & Ors (2022)
12-handed money laundering operation.
R v LC & Ors (2021)
13 handed multi-million pound MTIC fraud.
R v YN & Ors (2024)
£20m money-laundering case brought by HMRC.
R v AH & Ors (2022)
Company director in a wine investment boiler room fraud.
R v MB & Ors (2017)
Private prosecution against company directors alleging Fraudulent Trading and Theft.
"Nick has a really nice manner with the jury. He makes dry material come to life in his delivery and has a charm that sets him apart."
| Chambers and Partners, 2025
"A highly skilled advocate, his preparation is exceptional and there is no task too much or too little for him."
| Chambers and Partners, 2025
"A highly competent fraud specialist, Nick James is very approachable and client-friendly."
| Chambers and Partners, 2025
"Nick James is a talented barrister with a reputation for diligence and the provision of impressive advocacy."
| Chambers and Partners 2024 (Financial Crime)
"Nick is empathetic with clients and impressive in court."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Financial Crime)
"Nick is courageous and unshakable in his commitment to his clients."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Financial Crime)
"He is extremely good in court – a charismatic advocate."
| Chambers and Partners 2022 (Financial Crime)
"Easy to work with, forceful and charismatic. He is very good with juries."
| Chambers and Partners 2021 (Financial Crime)
"A really excellent, hard-nosed brief with a very instinctive sense of the right strategic moves."
| Chambers and Partners 2020 (Financial Crime)
White Collar, Crime & Investigations
Criminal Defence Advocacy
Nick has successfully defended in numerous long and complex serious crime cases, with particular experience in dealing with Encrochat, telephone and digital evidence.
Nick is ranked as a leading junior in the directories for crime.
View Cases
View Quotes
R v KM & Ors (2024)
350kg Class A drugs importation involving Encrochat devices.
R v KK & Ors (2021)
Multi-handed Class A Drugs Conspiracies each operated using Encrochat devices.
R v RK & Ors (2021)
Conspiracy to import a significant volume of cannabis using Encrochat devices.
R v JN & Ors (2018)
Multi-handed conspiracy to commit aggravated burglaries at mobile phone shops.
R v AA
Represented a 16-year-old boy with ADHD accused of murdering his friend over an argument on snapchat.
R v TD & Ors (2023)
First defendant in Class A drugs conspiracies operated using Encrochat devices.
R v MA & Ors (2021)
Complex firearms trial.
R v SD & Ors (2019)
First defendant in a Conspiracy to Supply 500kg of Heroin.
R v JB (2018)
Murder trial involving the deliberate targeting of the victim by a gang.
R v EE & Ors
Three-handed murder trial involved a knife fight between four men which was captured on film and witnessed by numerous members of the public.
"He has the personality and the wit to deal with any client. He tailors his approach to specifically meet the individual clients needs."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Crime)
"Judges are often persuaded by his no-nonsense approach to legal arguments."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Crime)
"In court, Nick never fails to read the situation perfectly, always knowing the best approach to achieve the best outcome."
| Legal 500 2023 (Crime)
"Nick is an intelligent and pragmatic lawyer."
| Chambers and Partners 2021 (Crime)
"Passionate about his clients cases, he will fight hard and make himself available to discuss matters at a moments notice. He has an excellent manner with clients in what can be extremely emotional circumstances."
| Chambers and Partners 2021 (Crime)
"He has an engaging personality and excellent rapport with lay and professional clients."
| Legal 500 2020 (Crime)
Nick is very experienced in all Proceeds of Crime matters with particular expertise in Part 5 civil recovery proceedings, having appeared successfully in numerous asset recovery, freezing and forfeiture proceedings whether they concern listed assets, accounts, cash or cryptocurrency.
View Cases
R v JW (2025)
Acted for victims of Blue Sky fraud in making third-party application in high value and complex confiscation proceedings.
HMRC v S (2025)
Instructed for respondent in forfeiture proceedings relating to £1m cash held by a money service bureau.
ERSOU v C & L (2025)
Resisted application to detain listed assets.
Director of the National Investigation Service v JE [2024]
Obtained Asset Forfeiture Order in respect of multiple bank accounts holding the proceeds of fraudulently obtained Covid loans, money-laundering and tax-evasion.
H v Bedfordshire Police (2025)
Successful third-party interest application in account freezing proceedings. Believed to be one of the first under s303Z17A POCA.
HMRC v X & Z
Instructed for respondents in Part 5 proceedings relating to numerous bank accounts and properties.
R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344
Special Court to consider conjoined appeals re refusals to extend the period of postponement for confiscation.
Nick acts for victims of a large-scale investment fraud in China who are seeking to assert their interest in £5bn cryptocurrency seized here with £3m subject to confiscation proceedings. The case features complex issues of constructive and rescission trusts. There are parallel proceedings in the High Court. The case has attracted media attention with some suggestion the Chancellor should use the cryptocurrency to plug the hole in public finances.
James Watt, then CEO of Brew Dog, brought a private prosecution against Nick’s client claiming she defrauded him and damaged his reputation. Watt successfully sued her in Scotland on the same facts. The case concerned an Instagram account which had been ‘trolling’ Mr Watt. The defendant was a former girlfriend of Watt and was paid £100k in Bitcoin to identify the account user. The prosecution used tripwire technology to link the IP addresses used by the account to the defendant. This was challenged. The case featured expert evidence in relation to cybercrime and cryptocurrency.
View Cases
Chinese Investment Fraud
R v PB & Ors
R v Emili Ziem
Nick has experience of sports and regulatory matters.
View Cases
BR (2025)
Advised construction company regarding HSE investigation.
World Athletics v YM (2023)
Represented the head of the Belarus Athletics Team charged with violations of the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct in what World Athletics described as the most serious non-doping case it had ever brought.
Nick James : Experience & Expertise
Nick is a fraud practitioner, successfully defending in long and complex trials.
He is ranked as a leading junior in the legal directories for Fraud.
View Cases
Quotes
R v AP & Ors (2025)
Senior Broker in £30m wine investment fraud.
R v DF & Ors (2024)
Representing a former Compliance Officer at a company accused of fraudulently marketing and selling a product designed to divest individuals of unwanted timeshares
R v LC & Ors (2021)
13 handed multi-million pound MTIC fraud.
R v Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420
Appeal for a Barclays trader who had been convicted of Libor rigging.
R v MS & Ors (2018)
Money laundering of funds from a £3m nationwide banking fraud.
R v AH & Ors (2018)
Company director charged with carbon credit fraud.
R v MJ & Ors (2021)
20 handed Conspiracy to Defraud the Civil Aviation Authority.
Supreme v MdP & Ors (2021)
Private prosecution of Italian Company and individuals brought by the American clothing brand Supreme for trademark infringements in Europe and China.
R v MS & Ors (2018)
13 Handed MTIC fraud alleged to have caused a loss to HMRC in excess of £20m.
R v EE (2018)
US and UK investigation into hacking of US employee pension scheme.
R v SH & Ors (2016-17)
Defending a company director in a series of 3 high value fraud trials involving allegations of investment fraud, fraudulent trading and defrauding Natwest bank.
R v YN & Ors (2024)
£20m money-laundering case brought by HMRC.
R v SZ & Ors (2023)
Cheat on the Revenue and associated money-laundering offences.
R v AH & Ors (2022)
Company director in a wine investment boiler room fraud.
R v Byrne [2021] EWCA Crime 107
Represented two former company directors in the joined appeal relating to the discredited carbon credit expert.
R v MB & Ors (2017)
Private prosecution against company directors alleging Fraudulent Trading and Theft.
"An exceptional advocate with an approach that combines passion for his craft with superb judgement in even the most difficult situations."
| Legal 500 2025 Fraud
"| Legal 500 2024 (Fraud)"
| Legal 500 2025 Fraud
"Nick is an engaging advocate who retains a personal and affable manner even when forcefully making points to a judge or jury. He has a wonderfully light touch. He is thorough and hardworking and will not miss points but makes sure that he is always focused on the ultimate issues."
| Legal 500 2025 Fraud
"On his feet Nick is an extremely skilled advocate, one of very the best at the Bar, who combines meticulous preparation with exceptional client care."
| Legal 500 2023 (Fraud)
Nick has an extensive financial crime practice, often representing those accused of bribery, fraud or money laundering.
View Cases
Quotes
R v AP & Ors (2025)
Senior Broker in £30m wine investment fraud.
R v DF & Ors (2024)
Representing a former Compliance Officer at a company accused of fraudulently marketing and selling a product designed to divest individuals of unwanted timeshares
R v PB & Ors (2024)
First defendant in a £20m cheat on the revenue.
R v PL & Ors (2024)
£54m Money-Laundering Conspiracy.
SFO v NW & Ors (2022-3)
Company director charged with bribery and money laundering offences by the SFO.
R v AS & Ors (2022)
12-handed money laundering operation.
Supreme v MdP & Ors (2021) - Private
Prosecution of Italian Company and individuals brought by the American clothing brand Supreme for trademark infringements in Europe and China.
R v LC & Ors (2021)
13 handed multi-million pound MTIC fraud.
R v Pabon [2018] EWCA Crim 420
Appeal for a Barclays trader who had been convicted of Libor rigging.
R v YN & Ors (2024)
£20m money-laundering case brought by HMRC.
R v SZ & Ors (2023)
Cheat on the Revenue and associated money-laundering offences.
R v AH & Ors (2022)
Company director in a wine investment boiler room fraud.
R v Byrne [2021] EWCA Crime 107
Represented two former company directors in the joined appeal relating to the discredited carbon credit expert.
R v MB & Ors (2017)
Private prosecution against company directors alleging Fraudulent Trading and Theft.
"Nick has a really nice manner with the jury. He makes dry material come to life in his delivery and has a charm that sets him apart."
| Chambers and Partners, 2025
"A highly skilled advocate, his preparation is exceptional and there is no task too much or too little for him."
| Chambers and Partners, 2025
"A highly competent fraud specialist, Nick James is very approachable and client-friendly."
| Chambers and Partners, 2025
"Nick James is a talented barrister with a reputation for diligence and the provision of impressive advocacy."
| Chambers and Partners 2024 (Financial Crime)
"Nick is empathetic with clients and impressive in court."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Financial Crime)
"Nick is courageous and unshakable in his commitment to his clients."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Financial Crime)
"He is extremely good in court – a charismatic advocate."
| Chambers and Partners 2022 (Financial Crime)
"Easy to work with, forceful and charismatic. He is very good with juries."
| Chambers and Partners 2021 (Financial Crime)
"A really excellent, hard-nosed brief with a very instinctive sense of the right strategic moves."
| Chambers and Partners 2020 (Financial Crime)
White Collar, Crime & Investigations
Criminal Defence Advocacy
Nick has successfully defended in numerous long and complex serious crime cases, with particular experience in dealing with Encrochat, telephone and digital evidence.
Nick is ranked as a leading junior in the directories for crime.
View Cases
Quotes
R v KM & Ors (2024)
350kg Class A drugs importation involving Encrochat devices.
R v TD & Ors (2023)
First defendant in Class A drugs conspiracies operated using Encrochat devices.
R v KK & Ors (2021)
Multi-handed Class A Drugs Conspiracies each operated using Encrochat devices.
R v MA & Ors (2021)
Complex firearms trial.
R v RK & Ors (2021)
Conspiracy to import a significant volume of cannabis using Encrochat devices.
R v SD & Ors (2019)
First defendant in a Conspiracy to Supply 500kg of Heroin.
R v JN & Ors (2018)
Multi-handed conspiracy to commit aggravated burglaries at mobile phone shops.
R v JB (2018)
Murder trial involving the deliberate targeting of the victim by a gang.
R v AA
Represented a 16-year-old boy with ADHD accused of murdering his friend over an argument on snapchat.
R v EE & Ors
Three-handed murder trial involved a knife fight between four men which was captured on film and witnessed by numerous members of the public.
"He has the personality and the wit to deal with any client. He tailors his approach to specifically meet the individual clients needs."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Crime)
"Judges are often persuaded by his no-nonsense approach to legal arguments."
| Chambers and Partners 2023 (Crime)
"In court, Nick never fails to read the situation perfectly, always knowing the best approach to achieve the best outcome."
| Legal 500 2023 (Crime)
"Nick is an intelligent and pragmatic lawyer."
| Chambers and Partners 2021 (Crime)
"Passionate about his clients cases, he will fight hard and make himself available to discuss matters at a moments notice. He has an excellent manner with clients in what can be extremely emotional circumstances."
| Chambers and Partners 2021 (Crime)
"He has an engaging personality and excellent rapport with lay and professional clients."
| Legal 500 2020 (Crime)
Nick is very experienced in all Proceeds of Crime matters with particular expertise in Part 5 civil recovery proceedings, having appeared successfully in numerous asset recovery, freezing and forfeiture proceedings whether they concern listed assets, accounts, cash or cryptocurrency.
View Cases
R v JW (2025)
Acted for victims of Blue Sky fraud in making third-party application in high value and complex confiscation proceedings.
H v Bedfordshire Police (2025)
Successful third-party interest application in account freezing proceedings. Believed to be one of the first under s303Z17A POCA.
HMRC v S (2025)
Instructed for respondent in forfeiture proceedings relating to £1m cash held by a money service bureau.
HMRC v X & Z
Instructed for respondents in Part 5 proceedings relating to numerous bank accounts and properties.
ERSOU v C & L (2025)
Resisted application to detain listed assets.
R v Haden and others [2024] EWCA Crim 344
Special Court to consider conjoined appeals re refusals to extend the period of postponement for confiscation.
Director of the National Investigation Service v JE [2024]
Obtained Asset Forfeiture Order in respect of multiple bank accounts holding the proceeds of fraudulently obtained Covid loans, money-laundering and tax-evasion.
Nick acts for victims of a large-scale investment fraud in China who are seeking to assert their interest in £5bn cryptocurrency seized here with £3m subject to confiscation proceedings. The case features complex issues of constructive and rescission trusts. There are parallel proceedings in the High Court. The case has attracted media attention with some suggestion the Chancellor should use the cryptocurrency to plug the hole in public finances.
James Watt, then CEO of Brew Dog, brought a private prosecution against Nick’s client claiming she defrauded him and damaged his reputation. Watt successfully sued her in Scotland on the same facts. The case concerned an Instagram account which had been ‘trolling’ Mr Watt. The defendant was a former girlfriend of Watt and was paid £100k in Bitcoin to identify the account user. The prosecution used tripwire technology to link the IP addresses used by the account to the defendant. This was challenged. The case featured expert evidence in relation to cybercrime and cryptocurrency.
View Cases
Chinese Investment Fraud
R v Emili Ziem
R v PB & Ors
Nick has experience of sports and regulatory matters.
View Cases
BR (2025)
Advised construction company regarding HSE investigation.
World Athletics v YM (2023)
Represented the head of the Belarus Athletics Team charged with violations of the World Athletics Integrity Code of Conduct in what World Athletics described as the most serious non-doping case it had ever brought.
News from this Barrister
News from this Barrister
News from this Barrister
Nick James involved in Libor/Euribor case
Corporate Crime
Nick James at the London International Investigations and Asset Recovery Conference
Corporate Investigations
POCA & Asset Recovery
Member spotlight - Nick James
Nick James successful in three-month long trading fraud trial
Criminal Fraud
Articles from This Barrister
Articles from This Barrister
AI conquers the human eye: can technology overhaul disclosure in complex criminal cases?
AI conquers the human eye: can technology overhaul disclosure in complex criminal cases?
Content
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address
For a confidential conversation please contact Chief Executive and Director of Clerking, Sam Carter.
“The clerks always go above and beyond to assist. They understand the needs of instructing solicitors, particularly in identifying suitable counsel for cases”
Chambers & Partners
“A friendly and integrated service. The clerks systems and client handling are excellent - with a can-do attitude, enabling easier planning on my side.”
Legal 500
People / Barristers
Address