Jonathan Laidlaw , KC

Whilst Jonathan Laidlaw KC’s practice is predominantly in business and financial crime where he has consistently been ranked by Chambers as one of their star silks, he is now rated in the directories as a leading silk in six practice areas: general crime, private prosecutions, health and safety, inquests and inquiries and professional discipline and regulatory crime. Previously a recipient of the “Crime Silk of the Year” award, the directories have spoken of him being “regularly instructed in headline-grabbing cases” who is, “also eminently well equipped to advise significant individuals on sensitive matters involving reputational issues”. It has been said that he is “an extraordinarily able advocate with great style who can deal with the most difficult of cases with the greatest of ease” and that he has “lethal cross-examination skills and a mean way with closing speeches”. He features in the Sunday Times/Debretts list of the 500 most influential people in Britain today.

Much of his work, both for individuals and companies here and abroad, is pre-charge and advisory in nature and Jonathan Laidlaw KC makes appearances in the Commercial Court, at major inquests and public inquiries and before sporting and professional disciplinary tribunals. He is also asked to produce reports in silk-led inquiries.

He presently acts for a number of individuals who are the subject of SFO, FCA, NCA and DoJ investigations; for the Bank of England; for Pret a Manger; for The FA, for Live Nation; for core participants in the Grenfell Tower, Manchester Arena Bombing public inquiries; he advises a number of leading entrepreneurs considering bringing private prosecutions; and acts on Operation Kenova’s behalf in Northern Ireland.