James Lewis KC

Joint Head of Chambers

Call: 1987 / Silk: 2002

"Very sharp-witted and a barrister with outstanding tactical judgment.”

Chambers UK 2023: Crime

"A class act who's authoritative and gets the job done. He is rightly regarded as being at the top end of the extradition tree."

Chambers UK 2023: Extradition

"James is one of the leading players in this field."

Chambers UK 2023: Financial Crime

"… he is excellent ... He is generally regarded as one of the leaders."

Chambers UK High Net Worth 2023: Extradition

“James is incredibly intuitive and a very lateral-thinking true leader in the field.”

Legal 500 2022: International Crime and Extradition

James Lewis KC is a specialist in both civil and criminal cases, and was appointed Joint Head of Chambers in 2020.

This is demonstrated by the stellar array of leading cases in which he has appeared and shows that his experience and judgment is highly sought after.

Vastly experienced in criminal, civil and commercial fraud, extradition, regulatory work, contempt, public international law and judicial review matters. He appears frequently at first instance, the Court of Appeal and in the Privy Council and the Supreme Court as well as other foreign jurisdictions being additionally called ad hoc to the bars of Hong Kong, Gibraltar, Cayman Islands, Brunei, Trinidad and Tobago and Ireland.

Often used as an experienced litigation strategist and advocate who can advise and represent governments, companies and individuals in respect of commercial, regulatory and criminal issues, particularly those with an international dimension. He excels in complex and difficult cases. Described by a judge as a Rolls Royce advocate.

In commercial fraud matters between 2015 and 2019 he was senior leading counsel for the SFO investigation into the $5.3 trillion-a-day foreign exchange market (‘FOREX’ Fines of £1.7 billion were imposed on the banks). He advises the FCA in the ongoing actions against Barclays Bank and others. Other substantial commercial fraud cases include HRH Prince Jefri of Brunei ( $30 billion); Masri ($150 million); Snoras Bank v Antonov ($1 billion); Bogolyubov v Pinchuk ($1.5 billion); Al Gosaibi v Saad ($7 billion); Phoenix v Gerald Smith & Oths (£200 million).

He is currently (2019) lead counsel for the SFO in the Airbus investigation, one of the largest investigations ever conducted by the SFO. He is advising Huawei in Canada in the extradition of Madam Meng. He is the leading expert on Unexplained Wealth Orders and Asset freezing Orders.

Recent Supreme Court cases he has appeared in are R (on the application of B) v Westminster [2015] AC 1195 involving closed procedure material; Lithuania v Bucnys [2014] AC 480 involving European Union Law; VB v Westminster Magistrates Court [2014] UKSC 59 involving closed material procedure; extradition; a nd witness anonymity orders; and R (British Sky Broadcasting Ltd) v Central Criminal Court [2014] AC 885 involving civil procedure; criminal evidence; civil evidence, and production orders.

To see James Lewis in action in the Supreme Court this is a link to one of the latest Supreme Court appeals he has conducted in 2019; R (Hutchings) v Director of Public Prosecutions of Northern Ireland UKSC 2018/0040.

He can be seen making submissions to the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council (from 1hr 52 mins) during the morning session.  His submissions were concluded during the afternoon session.

Legal Expertise

Commercial Fraud overview

Notable Commercial Fraud cases

Akcine Bendrove Bankas Snoras v Antonov Queen's Bench Division (Commercial Court) [2013] EWHC 131 (Comm)

Civil procedure; Banking and finance; Freezing injunctions; Non-disclosure; Privilege against self-incrimination; Stay of proceedings; Variation.

Independent Trustee Services Ltd v GP Noble Trustees Ltd [2012] EWCA Civ 195 Court of Appeal (Civil Division)

Trusts, Pensions, Equity, Civil Procedure.

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2011] EWCA Civ 21; [2011] CP Rep. 20; (2011) 108(6) LSG 19; [2011]

Civil procedure; civil evidence; affidavits; case management; committal for contempt; disclosure; judgment debtors; private investigators; receivers; specific disclosure.

Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL v Masri (Costs) CA (Civil Division), [2011] EWCA Civ 64

Civil procedure; appeals; case management; costs; payment into court; prejudice.

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL QBD (Commercial Court [2011] EWHC 409 (Comm)

Civil procedure; foreign nationals; judgments and orders; jurisdiction; receivers.

Terrorism overview

Notable Terrorism cases

R v Ibrahim and others [2008] EWCA Crim 880

21/7/05 London Bombings.

United States of America v Kadir & Othr (Trinidad) CV 2007-3062

Conspiracy to bomb JFK airport in New York

Ramda v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Anor [2005] EWCH 2526 (Admin)

Bombing of the Paris Metro and TGV.

R v Zardad (2005)

Afghan warlord convicted in UK for torture and hostage taking in Afghanistan.

Argentina v Hadi Soleimanpour (2004)

Bombing of Jewish centre.

Public Law & Extradition overview

Notable Public Law & Extradition cases

Re: Hutchings' Application for Judicial Review, Supreme Court [2019] UKSC 26

Criminal procedure; Armed forces; Administration of justice.

National Crime Agency v A, [2018] EWHC 2603 (Admin)

Unexplained Wealth Orders.

R (on the application of Corbiere Ltd) v Secretary of State for Justice (Administrative Court), 19 September 2017.

Civil procedure; Immigration; Criminal procedure.

Rwanda v Nteziryayo, Queen's Bench Division [2017] EWHC 1912 (Admin)

Extradition; Human rights; Criminal procedure, double jeopardy; Extradition orders; Genocide; Right to fair trial.

R (on the application of Southwark LBC) v London Fire & Emergency Planning Authority, Divisional Court, [2016] EWHC 1701 (Admin)

Local government; Bias; Conflict of interest; Decisions to prosecute; Fire and rescue authorities; Health and safety offences.

Crime overview

Notable Crime cases

R v Lama (Kumar), Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)[2017] 3 WLR 469

International law; Autrefois convict; Immunities; Service personnel; Torture; United Nations.

R (on the application of British Sky Broadcasting Ltd) v Central Criminal Court (Administrative Court) 20 December 2011

Option NTC Ltd v Revenue & Customs Commissioners, First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber) (2011)

Serious Organised Crime Agency v Hymans, Queen's Bench Division (2011)

R v Nazir (Azhar), Court of Appeal (Criminal Division), [2009] EWCA Crim 213

Murder; confessions; joint enterprise; jury directions; murder; witness anonymity orders.

Contempt overview

Notable Contempt cases

Xu v Corbiere Ltd, Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2018] EWCA Civ 1899

Administration of justice; Intellectual property.

Coll v Floreat Merchant Banking Ltd Queen's Bench Division, 03 June 2014 [2014] EWHC 1741 (QB)

Administration of justice; Civil procedure; Torts, Committal for contempt; Confidential information; Contempt of court; Solicitors.

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL QBD (Commercial Court) [2011] EWHC 2579 (Comm)

Civil procedure; administration of justice; contempt of court; enforcement; judgment debts; judgments and orders; oil and gas industry; penalties; settlement.

Islamic Investment Co of the Gulf (Bahamas) Ltd v Symphony Gems Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2010] EWCA Civ 709

Civil procedure; breach; committal for contempt; information from judgment debtors; judgments and orders; Non-disclosure.

Commercial fraud

Akcine Bendrove Bankas Snoras v Antonov
Queen’s Bench Division (Commercial Court)
[2013] EWHC 131 (Comm)
Civil procedure; Banking and finance; Freezing injunctions; Non-disclosure; Privilege against self-incrimination; Stay of proceedings; Variation

Independent Trustee Services Ltd v GP Noble Trustees Ltd
[2012] EWCA Civ 195 Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
Trusts, Pensions, Equity, Civil Procedure

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL
Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
[2011] EWCA Civ 21; [2011] CP Rep. 20; (2011) 108(6) LSG 19; [2011]
Civil procedure; civil evidence; affidavits; case management; committal for contempt; disclosure; judgment debtors; private investigators; receivers; specific disclosure

Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL v Masri
(Costs) CA (Civil Division),
[2011] EWCA Civ 64
Civil procedure; appeals; case management; costs; payment into court; prejudice

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL
QBD (Commercial Court
[2011] EWHC 409 (Comm)
Civil procedure; foreign nationals; judgments and orders; jurisdiction; receivers

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL
QBD (Commercial Court)
[2011] EWHC 1024 (Comm)
Civil procedure; contempt of court; enforcement; foreign companies; foreign courts; foreign jurisdictions; freezing injunctions; information from judgment debtors; judgment creditors; judgment debtors; mitigation; receivership.

Butler-Creagh v Hersham
[2011] EWHC 2525 (QB)
Real property; torts; contracts; restitution; damages; breach of contract; compensatory damages; deceit; fraudulent misrepresentation; quantum meruit; unjust enrichment

Option NTC Ltd v Revenue and Customs Commissioners
First-tier Tribunal
Tax Chamber [2011] UKFTT 768 (TC)
VAT; employees; fraud; imputed knowledge; input tax; missing trader fraud; repayments

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL
QBD (Commercial Court)
[2010] EWHC 2640 (Comm)
Civil procedure; committals; disclosure

Independent Trustee Services Ltd v GP Noble Trustees Ltd
Chancery Division
[2010] EWHC 3275 (Ch); [2011] 2 FLR 174; [2011] Fam. Law 803
Trusts; pensions; civil procedure; equity; ancillary relief; assets recovery; consent orders; fraud; proceeds of crime; rescission; trustees’ powers and duties; trust funds; vesting

Brunei v Prince Jefri Bolkiah
Chancery Division
[2008] EWHC 1247 (Ch)
Civil evidence; cross-examination orders; diplomatic immunity; foreign jurisdictions; hearsay evidence

Brunei v Prince Jefri Bolkiah
Chancery Division
[2008] EWHC 1248 (Ch)
Civil procedure; abuse of process; adjournment; Brunei Darussalam; civil evidence; committal proceedings.

Prince Jefri Bolkiah v Brunei
Privy Council
[2007] UKPC 62
Bias; constitutional law; misrepresentation; affirmation; collateral contracts; estoppel

Brunei Investment Agency v HRH Prince Jefri
(2006)
Misappropriation of US$30 billion; freezing orders; registration of foreign orders

Darussalem v Prince Jefri Bolkiah and others
Chancery Division
[2005] EWHC 1526

Motorola Credit Corpn v Uzan and Others (No 2)
Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
[2004] 1 WLR 113
Contempt; disclosure orders; absent appellants

Renworth v Stephensen
Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
[1996] 3 All ER 244
Self-incrimination; freezing orders; fraud

Bennett v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis
Chancery
The Times 24 October 1997
Torts; Crown Prosecution Service; immunities; police inquiries; public policy; tortious liability

Re Jeffrey S Levitt Ltd
Chancery Division
[1992] Ch 457
Self-incrimination; breach of trust

Terrorism

R v Ibrahim and others
[2008] EWCA Crim 880
21/7/05 London Bombings

United States of America v Kadir & Othr
(Trinidad) CV 2007-3062
Conspiracy to bomb JFK airport in New York

Ramda v Secretary of State for the Home Department & Anor
[2005] EWCH 2526 (Admin)
Bombing of the Paris Metro and TGV

R v Zardad (2005)
Afghan warlord convicted in UK for torture and hostage taking in Afghanistan

Argentina v Hadi Soleimanpour (2004)
Bombing of Jewish centre

R v Kalayci (2004)
DHCKP terrorist organisation

USA v Abu Hamza (2004)
Terrorism in US and Yemen

Re:  Al Fawwaz
House of Lords
[2002] 1 AC 556
Al Qaeda bombings of US Embassies

Re Moley
CO 1032/94
Stinger missile sale

R v Edward Pearce
Mardi Gras bomber

Public law and extradition

Re: Hutchings’ Application for Judicial Review,
Supreme Court [2019] UKSC 26
Criminal procedure; Armed forces; Administration of justice

National Crime Agency v A
[2018] EWHC 2603 (Admin)
Unexplained Wealth Orders

R (on the application of Corbiere Ltd) v Secretary of State for Justice
(Administrative Court), 19 September 2017.
Civil procedure; Immigration; Criminal procedure

Rwanda v Nteziryayo
Queen’s Bench Division [2017] EWHC 1912 (Admin)
Extradition; Human rights; Criminal procedure, double jeopardy; Extradition orders; Genocide; Right to fair trial

R (on the application of Southwark LBC) v London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority
Divisional Court, [2016] EWHC 1701 (Admin)
Local government; Bias; Conflict of interest; Decisions to prosecute; Fire and rescue authorities; Health and safety offences

Doci v Italy
Divisional Court, [2016] EWHC 2100 (Admin)
Category 1 territories; Decisions to prosecute; Double jeopardy; European arrest warrants

Sarao v United States
Queen’s Bench Division [2015] EWHC 1570 (Admin)
Bail conditions; Security; Variation

B v Chief Constable of Northern Ireland
Divisional Court, [2015] EWHC 3691 (Admin)
Necessity; Northern Ireland; Police powers and duties; Powers of arrest; Undertakings; Unlawful arrest; Wednesbury unreasonableness

R (on the application of B) v Westminster Magistrates’ Court
Supreme Court, [2015] AC 1195 Human rights, Closed material procedure; Extradition hearings; Non-disclosure; Open justice; Right to fair trial; Rwanda; Witness anonymity orders

VB v Westminster Magistrates’ Court (Supreme Court)
[2014] UKSC 59
Closed material procedure; Extradition hearings; Non-disclosure; Open justice; Right to fair trial; Witness anonymity orders

Ezz and Others v EU Council
[2014] EUECJ T-256
European law; Sanctions; Article 215 TFEU

Shankaran v India
[2014] EWHC 957 (Admin)
CBI; Classified information; Data storage; Extradition; Hearsay evidence; India; Official Secrets Act offences 

Ghana v Gambrah
[2014] EWHC 1569 (Admin)
Extradition; Human rights; Assurances; Bars to extradition; Death penalty; Extradition requests; Ghana; Inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Mental health; Murder; Prison conditions

R (British Sky Broadcasting Ltd) v Central Criminal Court (Supreme Court)
[2014] UKSC 17; [2014] AC 885;
Civil procedure; Criminal evidence; Civil evidence, Closed material; Journalistic material; Production orders

Edwards v United States
[2014] 1 WLR 1532
Human rights, Fitness to plead; Inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Medical evidence; Mental health; Oppression

R (on the application of Gambrah) v Crown Prosecution Service
[2013] EWHC 4126 (Admin)
Extradition; Criminal procedure; Disclosure; Documents; Prosecutors’ powers and duties; Search

United States v Shlesinger
Divisional Court
[2013] EWHC 2671 (Admin)
Extradition; Human rights, Bars to extradition; Right to respect for private and family life; Seriousness of offence

Lithuania v Bucnys
(Supreme Court)
[2013] UKSC 71; [2014] AC 480
European Union; Convictions; Estonia; EU law; European arrest warrants; Judicial decision-making

R (on the application of Van der Pijl) v Kingston Crown Court
[2012] EWHC 3745 (Admin); [2013] 1 WLR 2706;
Criminal procedure; Police; Human rights, Applications without notice; Computer records; Identification; Private documents; Retention; Right to fair trial; Search and seizure; Search warrants

Edwards v United States
[2012] EWHC 3771 (Admin)
Carltona principle; Certificates; Execution; Extradition

Hamza v Secretary of State for the Home Department
[2012] EWHC 2736 (Admin)
Extradition; Human rights; Fitness to plead; Inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment; Prison conditions; Private prosecutions; Stay of execution; Terrorist offences

Fuller v Attorney General of Belize
[2011] UKPC 23
Extradition; Constitutional law; Separation of powers

R (on the application of Bryant) v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis
[2011] EWHC 1314 (Admin)
Human rights; Police; Telecommunications

R (on the application of Asliturk) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court
Divisional [2010] EWHC 2148 (Admin); [2011] 1 WLR 1139; [2011] 1 All ER 1079; [2011]
Extradition; administrative law; decisions; discharge; extradition hearings; judicial review

R (on the application of HH) v Westminster City Magistrates’ Court
[2011] EWHC 1145 (Admin); [2011] ACD 94
Extradition; human rights; children; European arrest warrants; extradition; fresh evidence; mental illness; right to respect for private and family life; validity

Asztaslos v Hungary
Divisional Court [2010] EWHC 237 (Admin); [2011] 1 WLR 252; [2011] 1 All ER 1027
Extradition; criminal law; criminal procedure; child cruelty; criminal investigations; European arrest warrants; extradition offences; Hungary; prosecutions

Asliturk v Wandsworth Prison Divisional Court
[2010] EWHC 1720 (Admin); [2011] ACD 8
Administration of justice; extradition; criminal procedure; human rights; appeals; bill; decisions; extradition; habeas corpus; lawfulness of detention

Beriro v France
Divisional Court
[2010] EWHC 2071 (Admin)
Extradition; customs; cigarettes; European arrest warrants; excise duty; extradition offences; illegal importation.

Gradica v Public Prosecutor’s Office
[2009] EWHC 2846 (Admin)
Extradition; convictions in absentia; European arrest warrants; extradition; Italy; retrials; right to fair trial.

Louca v Germany
Supreme Court [2009] UKSC 4; [2009] 1 WLR 2550; [2010] 1 All ER 402; (2009) 159 NLJ 1667
Times, November 24, 2009
Extradition; arrest warrants; European arrest warrants; extradition requests; information; Interpretation.

Sinani v Albania
Divisional Court [2009] EWHC 2773 (Admin)
Extradition; convictions in absentia; extradition requests; failure to attend; hearings

T (Wardship: Impact of Police Intelligence), Re Family Division
[2009] EWHC 2440 (Fam)
Family law; Disclosure; Family proceedings; Public interest immunity; Solicitors’ powers and duties; Special advocates; Wardship

Re: Hilali
[2008] UKHL 3
Extradition; change of circumstances; conspiracy; European arrest warrants; extradition offences; extradition orders; extradition proceedings; habeas corpus; mistake; no case to answer; statutory appeals; terrorism

United States of America v Tollman
[2008] EWHC 184 (Admin)

R (on the application of Spain) v City of Westminster Magistrates Court
[2007] EWHC 2059 (Admin); [2007] Extradition LR 245
Extradition; abuse of process; Crown Prosecution Service; disclosure orders drafting; equality of arms; European arrest warrants; Spain

R (on the application of the Central Examining Court, Madrid) v City of Westminster Magistrates’ Court)
[2007] All ER (D) 376

R(Government of the USA) v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court and Stanley Tollman
[2006] EWHC 2256 (Admin)
Statutory interpretation; abuse of process

Office of the Kings Prosecutor v Cando Armas
[2006] 2 AC 1
Extradition; European arrest warrants; extradition offences; territory; trafficking in human beings

Re Marriotti
[2005] EWHC 2745 (Admin)
Extradition; convictions in absentia; discharge; extradition offences; habeas corpus; Italy; justice

R (on the application of Castillo) v Spain
Divisional Court
[2004] EWHC 1676 (Admin); [2005] 1 WLR 1043
Extradition; bad faith; extradition requests; habeas corpus; Spain; terrorism

R(Guisto) v Governor of Brixton Prison
House of Lords
[2004] 1 AC 101
Extradition; committal orders; convictions; fugitive offenders; habeas corpus; jurisdiction

R v Governor of Brixton Prison
[2004] 1 AC 101

USA v Boris Berezovski
(2003)

Woodcock v New Zealand
The Times 27th November 2003
Extradition; abuse of position of trust; delay; extradition; habeas corpus; sexual offences

Zezev v Governor of Brixton Prison
Divisional Court [2002] 2 Cr App R 33
Extradition; actus reus; computer crime; habeas corpus; mens rea

Re Asliturk; Asliturk v Government of Turkey
[2002] EWHC 2326 (Admin)
Extradition; committal orders; criminal charges; extradition requests

Chakkaphak v Government of Thailand
[2001] EWHC QB 158
Extradition; dishonesty; false accounting; habeas corpus; Thailand; theft

Re: Saifi
[2001] 4 All ER 168
Extradition; admissibility; burden of proof; evidence; India; murder; translations

Eidarous v Governor of Brixton Prison
Divisional Court [2001] EWHC Admin 298, 02 May 2001
Extradition; admissibility; anonymity; conspiracy; detention; evidence; witnesses

R v Governor of Belmarsh Prison ex parte Gilligan
[2001] 2 AC 84
Extradition; abuse of process; Ireland; offences; warrants

Nnamdi v Governor of Brixton Prison
Queen’s Bench Division
[2001] EWHC Admin 112
Extradition; criminal evidence; admissibility; drug offences; evidence; habeas corpus; police interviews

R v Bow Street ex parte USA
House of Lords
[2000] 2 AC 216
Extradition; committal orders; computer crime; conspiracy; United States

O v Governor of Holloway Prison
[2000] 1 FLR 147 family law; criminal law; child abduction; criminal liability; custody; extradition; United States

Peci v Governor of Brixton Prison
The Times 19 January 2000
Extradition; retrials; right to fair trial; Switzerland

R v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court ex parte Pinochet (No.3)
[2000] AC 147
Extradition; extraterritorial crime; heads of state; immunities

R v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court ex parte Pinochet (No.1)
[2000] AC 61
Extradition; international law; extraterritorial crime; heads of state; immunities

Lees v Norway
Divisional Court
(2000) 97(42) LSG 43
Extradition; habeas corpus; suspended sentences

v Bulgaria Ex p Ratchev
Queen’s Bench Division
17 May 2000
Extradition; criminal procedure; administrative law; Bulgaria; committals; habeas corpus; time

R v Secretary of State for the Home Department Ex p Pinto
Queen’s Bench Division
08 March 2000
Extradition; delay; discharge; extraterritorial crime

R v Governor of Brixton Prison Ex p Debs
Divisional Court12 November 1999
Extradition; bad faith; evidence; habeas corpus; witnesses

R v Bow Street Metropolitan Magistrate ex parte Government of the USA
[1999] QB 847

Re:  Cuoghi
[1999] 1 All ER 466
Fraud on Credit Suisse

Government of Switzerland v Rey
Privy Council
[1999] AC 54
Extradition; Bahamas; committals

R v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court
[1998] 2 WLR 498

R v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court ex parte Government of Germany
[1998] QB 556
Extradition; committals; ill health; jurisdiction; Magistrates’ Courts

R v Governor of Brixton Prison ex parte Cuoghi
[1998] 1 WLR 1513
Extradition; authentication; committal orders; documents

v Secretary of State for the Home Department Ex p Launder (No.3)
Divisional Court
[1998] QB 994
Extradition; international law; constitutional law; bail; Hong Kong

R v Governor of Brixton Prison ex parte Levin
[1997] AC 741 (HL); [1997] QB 65 (DC)
Extradition; admissibility; computer output; theft

R v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court ex parte Raccagni
CO/719/97

R v Bow Street Magistrates’ Court ex parte Allison
The Times 5 June 1997
Conspiracy; computer misuse

R v Governor of Brixton Prison ex parte Bekar
The Times 10 June 1997
Extradition; authentication; warrants

R v Governor of Belmarsh Prison ex parte Dunlayici
The Times 2 August 1996
International law; extradition

Thom v DPP
[1996] Crim LR 116
Jurisdiction of the DPP; discontinuance of proceedings

R v Governor of Belmarsh Prison ex parte Martin
[1995] 1 WLR 412
Extradition; criminal law; criminal evidence; admissibility; telephone tapping

R v Governor of Brixton Prison ex parte Francis
[1995] 1 WLR 1121
International law; extradition; evidence; extradition

Re:  Al-Salaam
CO/1622/94

Re:  Forwell
The Times 25 October 1994
Administration of justice; extradition; sentencing; United States

Re Schmidt,
House of Lords
[1994] 1 AC 339
Administration of justice; extradition; jurisdiction

Re:  Evans
House of Lords
[1994] 1 WLR 1006
Extradition; international law; human rights; admissibility; evidence; international criminal law

Re:  Bartley
The Times 22 July 1994 –

R v Government of Brixton Prison ex parte Osman (No. 4)
[1992] 1 All ER 579
Abuse of process; fresh evidence; habeas corpus

R v Governor of Pentonville Prison and another ex parte Boettcher
CO/2196/92
Identity; warrants

R (on the application of Fini) v Governor of Brixton Prison
Divisional Court
Extradition; bad faith; extradition; oppression

Crime

R v Lama (Kumar)
Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)[2017] 3 WLR 469
International law; Autrefois convict; Immunities; Service personnel; Torture; United Nations

R (on the application of British Sky Broadcasting Ltd) v Central Criminal Court
(Administrative Court)
20 December 2011

Option NTC Ltd v Revenue and Customs Commissioners
First-tier Tribunal (Tax Chamber)
28 November 2011

Serious Organised Crime Agency v Hymans
Queen’s Bench Division
18 October 2011

R v Nazir (Azhar)
Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
[2009] EWCA Crim 213
Murder; confessions; joint enterprise; jury directions; murder; witness anonymity orders

R v Sumray
[2008] EWCA Crim 1818
Contempt of court; witness summons

R v Jones & Milling
[2007]
1 AC 136
International law; aggravated trespass; crime of aggression; criminal damage; customary law; defences; demonstrators; justiciability; offences; prerogative powers; reasonable force; war

R (on the application of Customs and Excise Commissioners) v Nottingham Magistrates Court Divisional Court
[2004] EWHC 1922 (Admin)
Criminal procedure; legal profession.  Abuse of process; attendance notes; disclosure; jurisdiction; legal professional privilege; prejudice; right to fair trial; stay of proceedings

R v Jones (Margaret)
Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
[2004] EWCA Crim 1981; [2005] QB 259
International law; crime prevention; criminal damage; defences; duress; honest belief; international crimes; jurisdiction; necessity; war

R (on the application of Theobald) v Nottingham Magistrates’ Court
[2002] 2 AC
Criminal procedure; admissibility; committals; criminal evidence; judicial review; procedural impropriety

R (on the application of A) v Snaresbrook Crown Court
Times, July 12, 2001
(Administrative Court)
Appropriation; companies; directors; theft

RE Owens
[2000] Cr App R 1
Child abduction; foreign protection orders

R v Bow Street Metropolitan Magistrates ex parte Government of the USA
House of Lords
[2000] 2 AC 216
Computer misuse, conspiracy, statutory construction

R v Secretary of State for the Home Department ex parte Launder
6 March 1998
Corruption, criminal evidence

R v Staines Magistrates’ Court ex parte Westfallen
[1998] 1 WLR 652
Illegality of arrest

R v Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis Ex p. P Divisional Court
(1996) 8 Admin LR 6
Criminal procedure; criminal evidence; police; cautions; juvenile offenders

DPP v Butterworth
House of Lords
[1995] 1 AC 381
Road traffic; breath tests; charges; drink driving offences; duplicity

R v Sheffield Crown Court Ex parte DPP
3 March 1994
Criminal procedure; administrative law; committals; criminal procedure; sentencing

McAngus, Re
Divisional Court
13 December 1993
Criminal evidence; counterfeiting; deception; intention; Theft Act offences

Shaw v DPP
[1993] 1 All ER 918
Road traffic; Criminal procedure; Criminal law; blood tests; breath tests; drink driving offences; duplicity; informations

R v Rashid Rama
(1992) 13 Cr App R (S) 63
Sentencing

R v Ellis
(1991) 95 Cr App R 52
IRA bomb maker, statutory construction, definition of conspiracy to cause explosions

R v Clerkenwell Magistrates’ Court ex parte Bell
Abuse of process, natural justice.

The People (at the suit of the Director of Public Prosecutions), 

Respondent v John Gilligan, Applicant (No 2)
Irish Supreme Court,[2006] IESC 42
Irish constitution

Contempt

Xu v Corbiere Ltd,
Court of Appeal (Civil Division) [2018] EWCA Civ 1899 Contempt, Administration of justice; Intellectual property

Coll v Floreat Merchant Banking Ltd
Queen’s Bench Division, 03 June 2014
[2014] EWHC 1741 (QB)
Administration of justice; Civil procedure; Torts, Committal for contempt; Confidential information; Contempt of court; Solicitors

Masri v Consolidated Contractors International Co SAL
QBD (Commercial Court)
[2011] EWHC 2579 (Comm)
Civil procedure; administration of justice; contempt of court; enforcement; judgment debts; judgments and orders; oil and gas industry; penalties; settlement.

Islamic Investment Co of the Gulf (Bahamas) Ltd v Symphony Gems
Court of Appeal (Civil Division)
[2010] EWCA Civ 709
Civil procedure; breach; committal for contempt; information from judgment debtors; judgments and orders; Non-disclosure

“Very sharp-witted and a barrister with outstanding tactical judgment.  He is able to process large amounts of information in fast-moving situations.”  Chambers UK 2023:  Crime

“A class act who’s authoritative and gets the job done. He is rightly regarded as being at the top end of the extradition tree.”  Chambers UK 2023:  Extradition

“James is amazing! He is one of the leading players in this field.”  Chambers UK 2023:  Financial Crime

“I think he is excellent, he deals with a lot of extradition work.  He is generally regarded as one of the leaders ”  Chambers UK High Net Worth 2023:  Extradition

“James is incredibly intuitive and a very lateral-thinking true leader in the field.  Legal 500 2022:  International Crime and Extradition

Provides precise, timely advice on highly technical matters.”  Legal 500 2022:  International Crime and Extradition

“He can be relied on to cut through to the issues in a case and uses all of his best efforts and endeavours to represent his client.”  Chambers UK 2022:  Crime

“A great strategist who has a huge amount of experience in international matters. He is a fearless and powerful advocate to have in your corner.”  Chambers UK 2022:  Extradition

 “A very well-respected leading silk.”  Chambers UK 2022: Financial Crime

“He is fantastically experienced and he also has a very good sense of the civil side of cases too.”  Chambers UK 2022: Financial Crime

“A terrific barrister who is intellectually superb.”  Chambers UK 2022: Financial Crime

“He is extremely bright and a formidable lawyer.”  Legal 500 2022:  Fraud

“James is incredibly intuitive and a very lateral-thinking true leader in the field.  Legal 500 2022:  International Crime and Extradition

 Provides precise, timely advice on highly technical matters.”  Legal 500 2022:  International Crime and Extradition

“A superb practitioner and an example of a top-notch lawyer with a wide understanding of international litigation.” Chambers High Net Worth: Financial crime

“His input on strategy and devising skeleton arguments is invaluable.” Chambers High Net Worth: Financial Crime

“A fine advocate who commands the attention of the court and is hugely impressive.” Chambers UK 2019: Extradition

“An incredibly experienced and thoughtful advocate. If you want someone to handle complex corporate fraud cases with an extradition angle, he’s your man.” Chambers UK 2019: Financial Crime

“Highly respected by the bench and Bar and a powerful and very persuasive advocate.” The Legal 400 2019: Administrative and Public Law

“His incredible knowledge of a vast range of topics, his warm and skilful client manner and his extreme user-friendliness never cease to amaze.” Chambers UK 2018: Crime

“… a charming man with a mega-brain.” Chambers UK 2018: Extradition

“Very commercial and has excellent strategic sense.” Chambers UK 2018: Extradition

“He is very good on strategy, and very much has the ability to use his experience to predict how authorities and regulators will behave.” Chambers UK 2018: Financial Crime

“The safest pair of hands for a criminal trial.” Legal 500 2017: Fraud

“An incredibly experienced silk whose practice includes serious criminal matters with an international angle.” “Strong, smart and fearless.” “He has great authority and is very persuasive in court.” Chambers UK 2017: Crime

“An outstanding silk with in-depth experience of the most complex and challenging extradition cases.” Chambers UK 2017: Extradition

“He is academically excellent and has considerable experience in international cases.” Chambers UK 2017: Financial Crime

“All you would expect from a top QC and more; he never disappoints.” Legal 500 2016: Administrative & Public Law

“He is fantastically good and knowledgeable – one of the few experts in the field of international criminal law.” Chambers UK 2015: Crime

“His experience of acting in multi-jurisdictional cases and representing governments is invaluable.” Chambers UK 2015: Extradition

“He excels in difficult and complex cases.” Chambers UK 2014: Crime

“… a brilliant tactician” “has clarity of judgment and wisdom that few can match.” Legal 500 2012

“… a punchy, bright, powerfully intelligent advocate” whose “mastery of detail” is ideally suited to the weighty cases he undertakes.” Chambers UK 2013

“Very, very bright” “the silk of note for major extradition and international crime cases.” The Lawyer Hot 100

“Very reliable, very knowledgeable and a great strategist.” Chambers UK 2013: Crime

  • BSc (Hons)
  • Diploma in Law
  • Appointed Joint Head of Chambers (2020)
  • Appointed Chief Justice of the Falkland Islands (2018)
  • Appointed Chief Justice of the British Indian Ocean Territory (2018)
  • Appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (2018)
  • Appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of the British Antarctic Territory (2018)
  • Election Commissioner (High Court Appointment) (2017)
  • Appointed to the SFO Prosecution List (2013)
  • Deputy High Court Judge assigned to the Administrative Court (2013)
  • Authorised to sit as a judge of the Central Criminal Court (2011)
  • Member Advisory Group to the Sentencing Guidelines Council (2010)
  • Member Criminal Committee of the Judicial College (2008)
  • Bencher of Gray’s Inn (2007)
  • Tutor Judge for the Judicial Studies Board (Judicial College) (2006)
  • Gray’s Inn advocacy trainer (2004)
  • Silk (2002)
  • Recorder of the Crown Court (2000)
  • Attorney General’s List (Civil) (1999)

I, James Lewis KC , am a data controller and can be contacted at 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH or by telephone on 020 7400 6400 or by email at clerks@3rblaw.com. My Data Protection Policy can be found below.

All personal data that I process is for the purposes of providing legal services, conducting conflict-checks, marketing, defending potential complaints, legal proceedings or fee disputes, legal research, research for publications, keeping anti-money laundering records, training other barristers and pupils and when providing work-shadowing opportunities, judicial appointments and/or exercising a right to a lien. The types of data I process vary upon the nature of the legal matter in relation to which I am engaged to advise, but can include names, contact details, biographic details and ‘special category personal data’ (such as details of racial or ethnic origin, political opinions, religious or philosophical beliefs, health, sex life and criminal convictions and proceedings).

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, the legal bases upon which I process personal data are (i) the performance of a contract to which the data subject is a party or in order to take steps at the request of the data subject prior to entering into a contract, (ii) the processing is necessary to comply with legal obligations to which I am subject, or (iii) the processing is necessary for the legitimate interests set out above, except where such interests are overridden by the interests or fundamental rights and freedoms of the data subjects which require protection of personal data, in particular where the data subject is a child. When I rely on (iii) legitimate interests, my ‘Legitimate Interests Assessment’ can be found here. When I process data which has not be obtained directly from the data subject (e.g. personal data contained in evidential materials), it will have been supplied to me as part of my instructions in circumstances covered by legal professional privilege or confidentiality.

Depending upon the circumstances of the case, I may share the personal data with:

  1. my Chambers, which supplies professional and administrative support to my practice;
  2. Courts and other tribunals to whom documents are presented;
  3. my lay and professional clients;
  4. potential witnesses, in particular experts, and friends or family of the data subject;
  5. solicitors, barristers, pupils, mini pupils and other legal representatives;
  6. ombudsmen and regulatory authorities;
  7. current, past or prospective employers;
  8. education and examining bodies;
  9. business associates, professional advisers and trade bodies.

I retain personal data for no longer than 15 years after the case has come to an end or as otherwise required by law.

I do not intend to transfer data to any country which is not either within the European Union, ‘white listed’ by the EU or otherwise permitted by EU law (e.g. to the USA under the provisions of the ‘Privacy Shield’).

Under the GDPR, data subjects whose personal data I process have the right to request from me access to, and rectification or erasure of, their personal data, the right to the restriction of processing concerning them, the right to object to processing as well as the right to data portability. Data subjects also have the right to lodge a complaint with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ico.org.uk).

In cases where there is a contract between me and the data subject, the provision of personal data is a contractual requirement and the data subject is obliged to provide the personal data in order that I can supply legal services. A failure to provide such data may mean that I will not be able to provide the legal services.

Rev 1.0 – 23.05.2018

Data Protection Policy

Legitimate Interests Assessment

James Lewis KC is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. This means that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.

For further information please contact our Clerks.

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