Star Individuals
Band 1
Band 1
About
Provided by Ian Winter KC
Practice Areas
Ian Winter is a leading white-collar crime silk with an impressive track record of advising companies and individuals facing allegations of financial crime. Renowned for his formidable advocacy, legal analysis and strategic thinking, Ian is first choice for his clients and commands enormous respect from his peers for his tenacity and appetite for work.
With over 30 years in practice, Ian’s expertise is consistently sought after by both corporate entities and individuals involved in cases brought by the Serious Fraud Office and Financial Conduct Authority who require complex strategic advice from the onset. He also represents clients on matters of financial discipline, appearing at hearings in front of a variety of regulatory bodies.
Recent cases include the significant R (SFO) v G4S where the prosecution ultimately offered no evidence and Ian was instrumental in securing success for the defence, and R (SFO) v Cook, Mason (formerly R v GPT (& others)) which was named as a Top Case of 2023 by The Lawyer magazine. Previous experience includes representing Tom Kalaris, a former executive of Barclays, charged by the SFO following its investigation into the 2008 recapitalisation of the bank, and successfully representing John Scouler, the former commercial director of Tesco, charged with fraud and false accounting by the SFO.
Beyond his criminal practice, Ian’s versatility extends to the Commercial Court, where his prowess has garnered considerable attention. He is also well known in the realms of libel and defamation, where his jury advocacy comes to the fore.
Ian's legal reach extends beyond national borders, with notable engagements in Hong Kong, Singapore, Gibraltar, and the Isle of Man. In Hong Kong, Ian represented Thomas Chan in the biggest corruption trial involving the former Chief Secretary of the Special Administrative Region, and May Hao before the Court of Final Appeal. His global perspective and unwavering legal acumen position him as a true luminary in the legal arena; “a tremendous and fearless advocate”.
Chambers Review
UK Bar
Ian Winter KC is a popular choice of senior counsel for advisory matters at the pre-charge stage of criminal matters. He also draws trial mandates in multiple jurisdictions, representing senior executives charged with fraud and corruption in both the UK and Hong Kong. Winter is acclaimed for his aggressive and effective client advocacy. He is noted for his astute advice to corporates on financial crime matters.
Ian Winter KC is an impressive and proactive practitioner who handles purely privately funded matters. His recent work includes advising on charges ranging from blackmail to allegations of sexual offences. Winter also has substantial experience in related areas such as financial crime and professional discipline.
Ian Winter KC is a popular choice of senior counsel for advisory matters at the pre-charge stage of criminal matters. He also draws trial mandates in multiple jurisdictions, representing senior executives charged with fraud and corruption in both the UK and Hong Kong. Winter is acclaimed for his aggressive and effective client advocacy. He is noted for his astute advice to corporates on financial crime matters.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Ian is phenomenal in terms of his mastery of documents, attention to detail and court advocacy. It's a privilege to watch him on his feet with the jury."
"He is one of the hottest criminal silks on the market. Ian has outstanding attention to detail and is a fantastic jury advocate."
"One of the strongest advocates at the criminal Bar, Ian is a real star. I would not want to be cross-examined by him."
"His cross-examination is captivating and measured. He deals easily with cases in the public eye, focusing on what matters and presenting complex information in an easily understood way."
"Ian has an outstanding reputation."
"Ian is phenomenal in terms of his mastery of documents, attention to detail and court advocacy. It's a privilege to watch him on his feet with the jury."
"He is one of the hottest criminal silks on the market. Ian has outstanding attention to detail and is a fantastic jury advocate."
"One of the strongest advocates at the criminal Bar, Ian is a real star. I would not want to be cross-examined by him."
"His cross-examination is captivating and measured. He deals easily with cases in the public eye, focusing on what matters and presenting complex information in an easily understood way."
"Ian has an outstanding reputation."