Akhtar Ahmad

Practice Areas

Ranked by the leading Legal Directories as one of the top criminal solicitors in the UK, Akhtar regularly represents clients facing the most serious and complex of allegations. He has specialised in Criminal Defence work since 1994 and is a Higher Court Solicitor Advocate. He has considerable experience dealing with the full spectrum of criminal matters ranging from general criminal allegations to the most serious, high profile, complex cases of International Fraud, Extradition, Sexual Offences, Murder and Terrorism.

Commended for his “determined, meticulous approach to case preparation” and “excellent grasp of forensic issues and trial tactics” Akhtar’s practice covers all parts of the country and all levels of the criminal justice system including pre-arrest and pre-charge advice, through to representation at the Magistrates Court, Crown Court, Jury Trials and Appeals against Conviction and Sentence.

Whilst advocacy is an important aspect of Akhtar’s practice, case preparation and case management in complex cases is also a significant area of expertise. In particular Akhtar has a wealth of experience in dealing with complex Restraint Orders and Confiscation Orders.

He is particularly admired for his ability to deconstruct complex allegations and provide strategically astute advice. Akhtar recognises the anxiety and stress that can be caused to clients who face allegations which have the potential to greatly affect their personal and business lives and is noted for his ability to help clients navigate through extremely difficult circumstances successfully.

Akhtar’s clients come from all walks of life. He has advised and defended Company Directors, Accountants, Senior Medical Professionals including Surgeons and Pharmacists, Broadcasters and Journalists, Police Officers and a Peer of the Realm.

Whilst Criminal Defence work makes up the majority of his practice, Akhtar has also prosecuted on behalf of Government Agencies such as the Department of Business Innovation and Enterprise (DBIS) as well as Local Authorities and regulatory authorities such as OFCOM.

Elected as President of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association (LCCSA) in 2012, Akhtar successfully represented the interests of all Solicitors and associated members who practice Criminal Law in London against the Government during one of the most critical periods in the history of criminal defence work. Through the LCCSA, Akhtar directly contributes to government consultations on changes to the Criminal Justice System and meets with Government Ministers, senior members of the Judiciary and others who influence Policy.

Akhtar currently sits as a representative of Defence Lawyers on a National Criminal Justice Committee whose aim is to implement Government policy to digitise the workings of the Courts, make better use of technology in the Criminal Justice System and to target other efficiencies.

As a member of a number of Human Rights organisations, Akhtar is committed to using the legal system to fight injustice committed against individuals or groups whether at home or abroad.

Professional Memberships

- Past President of the LCCSA (London Criminal Courts Solicitors Association)

- Past Assessor on the Examining Board of Swansea University Duty Solicitor Assessment and Higher Court Solicitor Advocate Assessments.

- National Criminal Justice Digital Working Group Committee