Julia Smart KC

Practice Areas

An in-demand new Silk (2019) with a high-profile practice defending multi-handed murders, baby-shaking murders, rapes, modern day slavery, large-scale drug importation and money laundering. Also advises on "cold-case" post-conviction appeals.

Named "Barrister of the Year 2018" by The Lawyer- first criminal barrister to win this accolade.

Her dedication to clients and meticulous preparation were amply demonstrated when she represented student Liam Allan, charged with multiple rapes. She found the exonerating text messages (among 40,000) on the complainant's telephone download which led to his acquittal. The Crown had claimed the disc was not disclosable. Julia's tenacity at trial to obtain the disc and review it so thoroughly exposed the disclosure failings scandal. Widespread media publicity ensued, triggering a review of disclosure failings.

Recent caseload:

Baby shaking murder: acquitted

"Gangland" multi-handed murders at the CCC

Stabbing of man (aged 85) by wife (aged 83): murder reduced to manslaughter (successful diminished finding).

Modern day slavery- acquitted (half-time)

Historic rape by foster father on daughter-acquitted (half-time).

Multi million pound money laundering - only defendant of 6 acquitted.

"Cold case" historic sexual offences appeal against conviction: conviction quashed no retrial ordered.

Julia is in demand as a media commentator on the CJS regularly appearing on 'Newsnight', Channel 4 News, BBC News and Radio 4.

Interviewed by Panorama and Law in Action re disclosure failings.

Professional Memberships

South Eastern Circuit and Criminal Bar Association