Jessica Hocking has a practice across Chambers’ main areas of expertise, with a particular interest in financial crime, sanctions, extradition, public law and inquiries. Jessica was Called to the Bar of Seychelles in August 2023.
Prior to joining Chambers, Jessica was a solicitor at an international law firm in London specialising in tax litigation, with experience in arbitration, financial and corporate crime, risk and compliance, and other financial regulatory matters.
Jessica’s recent instructions include: junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC and Rachel Scott KC) in a firearms and terrorism trial in Seychelles; junior counsel (led by Hugo Keith KC) in a challenge under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018; junior counsel (led by Ben Watson KC) for the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in the Covid Inquiry; junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC) on behalf of a high profile former Conservative peer in relation to potential civil proceedings arising from a breach of contract; and junior counsel (led by Rachel Barnes KC) in relation to advice on proposed tax changes for non-profits in the US).
Jessica is on the Attorney General’s Junior Junior Panel, the SFO’s C Panel and the List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates.
Jessica has a particular interest in financial crime. She is on the SFO’s Counsel Panel. Jessica acts as junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC and Ben Watson KC) in high-profile listed asset forfeiture and civil recovery proceedings brought by the NCA. Jessica is also instructed as junior counsel on behalf of the former economic adviser to the President of Seychelles in pending corruption proceedings in Seychelles. Jessica has assisted James Lewis KC in providing advice on liability in relation to procurement during the Covid pandemic.
Jessica (led by Rachel Barnes KC) recently advised an entity on draft US legislation (HR 9495 Bill (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act)) which sought to terminate the tax-exempt status of ‘terrorist supporting organisations’ and disallow charitable contributions to such organisations.
Jessica is regularly instructed as sole counsel in a range of cash forfeiture, listed asset forfeiture and account freezing order proceedings.
Junior counsel advising on draft US legislation (HR 9495 Bill (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act)) which sought to terminate the tax-exempt status of ‘terrorist supporting organisations’ and disallow charitable contributions to such organisations.
Junior counsel in listed asset forfeiture proceedings brought by the NCA (led by James Lewis KC and Ben Watson KC).
Junior counsel in civil recovery proceedings brought by the NCA (led by James Lewis KC and Ben Watson KC).
Financial Regulation
Jessica has assisted other members of Chambers in advising corporate clients on the extent of their financial regulatory obligations under the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.
Prior to joining Chambers, Jessica worked at an international law firm as a solicitor. During her time at the Firm, she worked with the White Collar and Financial Regulation team and gained experience in both contentious and advisory financial regulatory work. She was part of a team advising a corporate client in an FCA investigation regarding potential breaches of the Money Laundering Regulations. While working as a tax litigation solicitor in the Corporate Tax team, she also advised corporate clients on the ‘failure to prevent’ offences under the Criminal Finances Act 2017 and other risk and compliance matters.
Other regulatory matters
Jessica has assisted other members of Chambers in advising on a range of issues related to health and safety, fire regulations and other regulatory matters.
Jessica is on the Teaching Regulation Agency’s panel of Presenting Officers and is regularly instructed in professional disciplinary proceedings.
Jessica has a particular interest in sanctions. She was recently instructed as junior counsel (led by Hugo Keith KC) in a challenge against designation under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.
Jessica also has recent experience advising corporates on UK and US sanctions compliance. Jessica has been led by Rachel Barnes KC in advising a multinational group on US sanctions and in advising designated persons on various other matters under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019. Jessica has acted as sole counsel advising on various compliance matters under the sanctions regulations.
Junior counsel (led by Hugo Keith KC) in a challenge against designation under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.
Junior counsel (led by Rachel Barnes KC) in advising on US sanctions compliance for a multinational group.
Sole counsel advising UK firm on sanctions compliance under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Junior counsel (led by Rachel Barnes KC) advising on various matters under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Alongside James Lewis KC, Jessica recently acted for a high profile former Conservative peer in relation to potential High Court proceedings arising from a breach of contract.
Jessica is frequently instructed as sole counsel in applications for, and appeals against, the full range of civil preventative orders, including Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders, Stalking Protection Orders, Gang Injunctions, Knife Crime Prevention Orders, Sexual Risk Orders and Sexual Harm Prevention Orders.
Instructions include a successful interim application for the Metropolitan Police Service’s first ever Knife Crime Prevention Order, a successful committal hearing in the County Court in respect of a breached Gang Injunction and a successful application for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders relating to the exploitation of a 13 year old in a county lines operation.
Jessica has provided training to the Metropolitan Police Service on Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders and Slavery and Trafficking Prevention Orders.
Successfully acted for a high profile former Conservative peer in relation to potential High Court proceedings arising from a breach of contract.
Acted for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis in the MPS’ first application for a standalone interim Knife Crime Prevention Order under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Successfully applied for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders in respect of individuals involved in a county lines operation.
Successfully acted for the Commissioner of Police in contempt proceedings following breach of a gang injunction.
Jessica also has an interest in licensing and health and safety matters.
Jessica has appeared on behalf of a UK corporate in respect of breaches of health and safety legislation. She was instructed as junior counsel (led by Stephen Walsh KC) advising a UK corporate in the hospitality sector which ultimately led to the successful discontinuance of an investigation for alleged licensing breaches.
Jessica has also acted for the Metropolitan Police Service in contested licensing hearings and for Transport for London in licensing appeals in the Magistrates’ Court and Crown Court.
Junior counsel (led by Stephen Walsh KC) acting for a UK corporate in the hospitality industry. Successfully secured the discontinuance of an investigation into alleged licensing breaches.
Jessica is keen to build her extradition practice. She was instructed as junior counsel (led by Helen Malcolm KC) in relation to a high-profile extradition request between the USA and The Bahamas. She recently appeared on behalf of an individual in the early stages of UK extradition proceedings brought on behalf of the Republic of Georgia (led by Rachel Scott).
During pupillage in 2021, Jessica assisted her pupil supervisors (Rachel Barnes KC and Rachel Scott) in the preparation of extradition requests which had been brought on behalf of the USA, India and Montenegro. Jessica attended various hearings in the UK Magistrates’ Court and High Court in respect of the extradition of Michael Lynch.
Jessica has a keen interest in public law and is a member of the Attorney-General’s ‘Junior Junior’ Scheme.
Jessica is currently instructed as junior counsel to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office in the Covid Inquiry. Prior to this, Jessica was junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police Service on the Undercover Policing Inquiry.
Junior counsel to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (led by Ben Watson KC).
Junior counsel for the Metropolitan Police Service.
Jessica has prosecuted and defended in cases involving a range of offences. Jessica is currently instructed as junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC and Rachel Scott KC) in a firearms and terrorism case in Seychelles. Other recent cases include securing an acquittal for a client accused of racially aggravated assault, successfully applying to dismiss a charge of criminal damage, and securing the discontinuance of proceedings brought against a client who had been prosecuted under the Education Act 1996.
Jessica was recently instructed in relation to a high profile case involving complex potential criminal liability of a large corporate arising from the Grenfell Tower fire.
Jessica has been instructed to advise on a range of other matters, including evidential issues and potential liability under the Contempt of Court Act 1981.
Junior counsel in a firearms and terrorism case in Seychelles (led by James Lewis KC and Rachel Scott)
Secured the discontinuance of proceedings against a parent in proceedings brought under the Education Act involving a vulnerable child and complex medical evidence.
Republic of Seychelles v MV & LV (ongoing)
Junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC and Rachel Scott KC) in a firearms and terrorism case.
Republic of Seychelles v MV (ongoing)
Junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC and Rachel Scott KC) in a pending corruption case.
Re Y
Alongside James Lewis KC, successfully acted for a high profile former Conservative peer in relation to potential High Court proceedings arising from a breach of contract.
Covid Inquiry (ongoing)
Junior counsel to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.
Sanctions matter (ongoing)
Junior counsel (led by Hugo Keith KC) in a challenge against designation under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018.
Re Z (ongoing)
Instructed in a case involving extremely complex potential criminal liability of a large corporate.
Re X (2025)
Junior counsel advising on draft US legislation (HR 9495 Bill (Stop Terror-Financing and Tax Penalties on American Hostages Act)) which sought to terminate the tax-exempt status of ‘terrorist supporting organizations’ and disallow charitable contributions to such organizations
Sanctions matter (2025)
Junior counsel (led by Rachel Barnes KC) advising on US sanctions compliance for a multinational group.
Sanctions matter (2023/24)
Sole counsel advising UK firm on sanctions compliance under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
NCA v H (2022-2024)
Junior counsel (led by James Lewis KC and Ben Watson KC) in listed asset forfeiture proceedings.
NCA v H (2022-2024)
Junior counsel in civil recovery proceedings (led by James Lewis KC and Ben Watson KC).
Extradition matter (2023)
Junior counsel (led by Helen Malcolm KC) advising on an extradition request between the USA and The Bahamas.
Sanctions matter (2023)
Junior counsel (led by Rachel Barnes KC) advising on various matters under The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019.
Undercover Police Inquiry (2022-2023)
Junior counsel to the Metropolitan Police Service.
London Borough of Redbridge v W (2022)
Junior counsel (led by Stephen Walsh KC) acting for a UK corporate in the hospitality industry. Successfully secured the discontinuance of an investigation into alleged licensing breaches.
Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v P (2022)
Successfully acted for the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis in their first application for a standalone interim Knife Crime Prevention Order under the Modern Slavery Act 2015.
Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v N (2022)
Successfully applied for Slavery and Trafficking Risk Orders in respect of individuals involved in a county lines operation.
Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis v D (2022)
Successfully acted for the Commissioner of Police in contempt proceedings following breach of a gang injunction.
London Borough of Tower Hamlets v F (2022)
Secured the discontinuance of proceedings against a parent in proceedings brought under the Education Act involving a vulnerable child and complex medical evidence.
Scholarships / Prizes
As a tax litigation solicitor, Jessica was a regular contributor to Tax Journal. She co-authored a number of articles on tax compliance and enforcement, including:
Jessica has assisted in various pro bono initiatives. Most recently she has assisted in a project relating to global efforts to address human organ trafficking. Prior to joining Chambers, Jessica worked on two pro bono initiatives with Amicus. She also provided legal advice at a community legal advice project in East London for a number of years.
In addition to her experience as a solicitor in the corporate tax team of an international law firm, Jessica has experience in Policy and Financial Regulation, having worked as an Adjudicator and Policy Advisor at the Financial Ombudsman Service.
Jessica has created a number of initiatives to support students from under-represented groups who want to pursue a career in law. She has run various legal careers workshops in schools across London.
I, Jessica Hocking, 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 jessica.hocking@3rblaw.com. My Data Protection Policy can be found here.
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, keeping anti-money laundering records, training other barristers and pupils and when providing work-shadowing opportunities, 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 been 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.
Depending upon the circumstances of the case, I may share the personal data with:
I retain personal data for no longer than 7 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, or otherwise permitted by UK data protection legislation.
Under the UK 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 those legal services.
Rev 2.1 – 09.02.2022
| Address | 3 Raymond Buildings, Gray’s Inn, London WC1R 5BH |
|---|---|
| DX | 237 LDE |
| Opening hours | 08:30 – 18:30 |
| Telephone | +44 (0)20 7400 6400 |
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| clerks@3rblaw.com | |
| Senior clerk | Jessica Hocking |
