“I learned more in those 4 hours about advocacy than I have in years. I have attended many courses about cross examination and yours was the first to simplify it as you did and make it clear” – Instructing Solicitor
“Mr James Kirby represented me in a case in the Crown Court. His belief in me from the beginning gave me confidence that he would unravel the truth in an extremely complicated case. By using his expertise in gathering evidence and cross examination in court, the jury of 12 returned with a unanimous verdict of not guilty within 10 minutes. I cannot thank him enough and would highly recommend him for representation” – Criminal Trial Defendant.
A leading junior, James has defended at the highest levels in cases of murder, large scale fraud or money laundering, firearms, drug importations, and computer crime.
He has also acted in areas of Administrative and Regulatory law, in cases brought under the Medicines Act 1968, the Company Directors Disqualification Act 1986, the Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Act 2000, and in Judicial Reviews.
As well as being a natural jury advocate, he is particularly suited to cases of forensic or scientific complexity. In 2010 James was invited to become Senior Lecturer in Criminal Law & Advocacy at the University of Portsmouth.
He has now returned to practice and may be instructed by Direct Access.
Other activities:
Training:
- As well as training young barristers at the Inns of Court, James has also helped solicitors prepare to take the Crown Court Recorder’s exams. He has also trained expert witnesses for trial, and helped other witnesses prepare to face hostile cross examination in high-value commercial litigation.
Media:
- Advisor to BBC’s Rough Justice programme on a murder conviction, since overturned by the Court of Appeal. BBC News: legal analysis and comment.
- For Legal Network Television: Legal Editor & Consultant on programmes on confiscation of the proceeds of crime; on computer crime; and on motoring offences.