I’m a criminal law QC AMA

[Nusername]

Defense and prosecution. Mostly rape and murder but also serious fraud, assault and sexual offences.

Another question- who pays for your service in a criminal defence case? And is it value for money (including court fees etc)

@arewehomeyet try being tried by a case hardened judge so. Trust me there are few advantages.

When I’m defending it’s either legal aid or privately retained fee arrangement. I think it’s excellent value for money. Someone of my experience and ability would command c. 3/4 times the fees in civil practice

Have you ever had a strong feeling that someone was guilty, even though they pled not guilty?

Your honesty is appreciated! My husbands niece is 4 years into chambers and still living at home/supported financially (from what I can see) so I had an inkling.

Helpful to know what to expect if the interest remains or to suggest thinking about other avenues within law.

I’m cross posting a lot sorry! I thought at least with judges they aren’t swayed by anything and only apply the law. Plus they can understand all the evidence

Judges are generally case hardened and less inclined to give a punter a break. Also juries wrestle long and hard befit hanging anyone. Judges have no such qualms. So on balance a jury is nearly always a better bet for an accused who runs a trial

In all conscience I can’t advise anyone to start in the game now. The system is decimated and the rights of accused - including legal aid - is almost at naught.

@crumblevision Frequently

Thanks for your honest response. How do you square that with yourself? I don't mean that in a snarky way. Another q; do you ever fancy switching to prosecution work?

I genuinely believe (believe it or not) in the rule of law. And I genuinely believe everyone is entitled to a defence and that I am their voice in court. So that demands of me not to supplement my instructions with my own view of the facts. I’ll frequently challenge a client on instructions that don’t bear scrutiny and I’ll point out issues with their defence. But bottom line is that if I’m instructed that they are not guilty then it is not my function of duty to second guess that in my approach to the case. Of course I’ll have my suspicions but I owe them the commitment to follow their instructions. And I’m very happy to do that.

I do prosecute.

I can see this is very highbrow, but in case you wanted a little light relief, are you aware that the jury will probably make up a homelife/backstory for you?

I did jury service, and one of the QCs we nicknamed 'the Rottweiler' and decided that he had 3 granddaughters all aged between 2 and 5, and he spent the weekends rolling down grassy banks and having nail polish applied very messily.

Very direct question - how many hours do you work and how much do you earn?

I don't know anyone in your field but always sort of assumed you make a lot of money!

Also, have you ever refused a private client because they wanted you to defend a rape charge when you believed they were guilty?

I’ve just read the Secret Barrister. I was shocked by the cuts to legal aid and compensation. Have I got this right? If you are wrongly accused and earn a reasonable salary, you will end up self financing, and if you are found innocent you will not get all your costs back thus leaving you seriously out of pocket. And also if you wrongly serve time, it is now nearly impossible to get any sort of compensation for the time you have served as if there is a theoretical risk you could have done it then they will refuse to pay out.
Also have you been on strike due to the cutting of fees?