Band 3
Band 3
Band 4
About
Provided by David Whittaker KC
Practice Areas
David Whittaker KC has considerable experience in most forms of serious crime. He frequently acts in complex, often high profile cases. He is regularly instructed to defend in fraud cases brought by the SFO and FCA; receives private instructions in general crime; and is increasingly instructed on behalf of corporate bodies and their officers in Health & Safety investigations. He conducts ancillary proceedings, including asset forfeiture, restraint and confiscation; and is also instructed in private prosecutions.
Recent cases of fraud include Operation Tabernula (representing a trader charged with insider dealing) and Operation Cotton (representing defendant in the largest land banking scheme). Current instructions include a £21 million conspiracy to cheat and a £10 million pensions fraud. In general crime he secured acquittals for two professionals charged separately with coercive and controlling behaviour in a marriage. He has been involved in a number of encrochat cases and also defends in motoring cases and death by driving.
In Health & Safety matters he recently defended in a gross negligence manslaughter and secured the acquittal of a building company charged over the death of a sub-contractor. He advises companies and individuals pre-charge in Health & Safety and conducts Inquests. He is instructed in the Grenfell Tower Inquiry. He also acts for care home providers charged under the 2014 Health and Social Care Act Regulations.
His case preparation is meticulous, and he excels at client care.
Career
Appointed King's Counsel 2019
Called 1986
Professional Memberships
ARDL
CBA
Fraud Lawyers Association
Health and Safety Lawyers Association
2002-present: Recorder
Chambers Review
UK Bar
David Whittaker KC frequently appears as leading counsel in financial crime cases as part of his well-rounded and broad criminal defence practice. He attracts market attention for his highly fluent and convincing advocacy in court and his calm demeanour. Whittaker has acted for the defence in a number of major Financial Conduct Authority insider trading prosecutions.
David Whittaker KC represents both companies and individuals in a variety of cases, including those concerning serious and fatal incidents. He represents clients across a range of sectors, such as hospitality, transport and construction.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"His attention to detail is exceptional and he takes great care in his written advocacy."
"David is extremely well prepared and shrewd in the way he runs a case, which makes him very effective."
"David is a brilliant, intelligent and very persuasive advocate, who is down to earth and succinct in his submissions. He cuts through the detail and is strong on strategy.."
"David Whittaker's attention to detail is exceptional. He takes great care in his written advocacy and considers everything very carefully."
"David has a very calm and authoritative manner both in court and with the client. He has the ability to master the details and simplify them in a way that all can understand and receive."
"David is a clear expert in his field who understands the needs and competing factors at play of his clients and instructing solicitors. He is a recognised leader in the courtroom."
"David is personable, has gravitas and is great in court."
"David has command of the room and the case. He puts clients in the best position possible, and they love him."
"His attention to detail is exceptional and he takes great care in his written advocacy."
"David is extremely well prepared and shrewd in the way he runs a case, which makes him very effective."
"David is a brilliant, intelligent and very persuasive advocate, who is down to earth and succinct in his submissions. He cuts through the detail and is strong on strategy.."
"David Whittaker's attention to detail is exceptional. He takes great care in his written advocacy and considers everything very carefully."
"David has a very calm and authoritative manner both in court and with the client. He has the ability to master the details and simplify them in a way that all can understand and receive."
"David is a clear expert in his field who understands the needs and competing factors at play of his clients and instructing solicitors. He is a recognised leader in the courtroom."
"David is personable, has gravitas and is great in court."
"David has command of the room and the case. He puts clients in the best position possible, and they love him."
Discover other Barristers at
2 Hare Court
Silks (KC)
London (Bar)
