Stephen Wood KC
Head of Chambers - Call: 1991 | Silk: 2020
Stephen Wood KC
Qualifications: LL.B.(Hons)
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
Stephen Wood KC is renowned for his expertise in the prosecution and defence of cases involving homicide and organised crime.
Prior to his appointment to Silk in 2020, Stephen was widely acknowledged as being one of the foremost juniors on Circuit. He excels as a trial advocate and is a formidable cross-examiner.
Stephen possesses excellent judgment married with an acute tactical awareness for all stages of the prosecution process.
Stephen’s encyclopaedic knowledge of criminal law, the sentencing provisions and of the Criminal Procedure Rules is acknowledged by other legal professionals and the judiciary; one Judge remarking that Stephen was a “..walking talking Archbold”. Accordingly, Stephen acts in an advisory capacity pre-charge in cases involving prosecutions where there is a novel issue of law.
Stephen’s practice now encompasses all aspects of serious and organised crime and the most serious cases of sexual offending. Described by a High Court Judge as a “first rate prosecutor”, Stephen is dedicated and hard-working and instils great confidence in those who work with him.
Some of the cases prosecuted and defended by Stephen have featured on a number of crime-based documentaries on television. Most recently, a case where Stephen defended and secured an acquittal for his client for murder and manslaughter featured on two episodes of the Channel 5 series 'Murder: Suspect No 1' and another cases where Stephen prosecuted, resulting in a conviction of murder, also featured on the same series.
Stephen also works with screenplay writers and directors on television and film productions depicting court scenes. He was with the director on set during filming of the Crown Court scenes in the acclaimed Channel 4 series ‘National Treasure’ and advised the writer and director of the Netflix Drama “I Came By”.
Reputation
"Stephen can master the facts of a complex case and develop a case strategy quickly and efficiently. His encyclopaedic knowledge of the law means he can tackle any thorny legal issue calmly and persuasively. He is a true advocate."
"Stephen Wood KC, ‘an exceptional advocate whose ability to get to the heart of the matter quickly is second to none"
"Stephen Wood is clearly a well-respected and knowledgeable KC who has the respect of everyone involved in the court proceedings".
"Stephen is an excellent jury advocate".
"Stephen has a 'hands-on' style and is always willing to advise”.
"Stephen is always well prepared and approachable and has offered a high level of service ”.
"Stephen Wood KC is ‘well-prepared and courageous in court’ and ‘devastating in cross-examination’, with an established track record in prosecuting and defending in a wide range of serious criminal matters”.
"Stephen is a fearless cross-examiner and his jury speeches are perfectly pitched. He is a good operator, tactically astute. Juries love him”.
"Stephen Wood KC is a well-regarded practitioner with experience on both the prosecution and defence sides of criminal proceedings. He has experience handling serious criminal cases including murder and sexual offences. He is a Grade 4 prosecutor who appears in the Crown Court and the Court of Appeal”.
"He is a fluent advocate and has great ability at enabling juries to understand complex issues. A tactically astute silk who is great with clients”.
"He prosecutes serious cases extremely effectively in a calm, understated, and fair-minded way. He is highly organised. His cross examinations are focused, and to the point. He stands his ground with judges and is good at maintaining his case strategy. He is engaging with juries. He obviously commands the respect of those who instruct him and his opponents”.
"Stephen Wood has an extensive criminal defence practice”.
"Highly rated for serious crime defence”.
"Stephen Wood is ‘good with difficult clients’ with experience in fraud and conspiracy”.
"An excellent choice for heavy crime”.
" “Very Good with difficult clients… Well followed as a serious crime defender”.
" Always has an ace up his sleeve when defending heavy crime”.
Expertise
Crime
Stephen is instructed in an advisory capacity and for advocacy in all aspects of serious crime and including offences with novel points of law. His experience includes:
• Child sexual exploitation and trafficking;
• Serious drug offences;
• Firearm offences
• Organised crime;
• Murder and manslaughter;
• Terrorism.
Stephen prosecutes and defends at every stage of the criminal process, from pre-charge advice for prosecuting authorities and individuals and companies subject to investigation, to representation at trial and at any appeal.
Stephen is also instructed to advise upon and conduct cases before the Administrative Court and appellate courts concerning judicial review of matters relating to criminal law.
Stephen also acts as an advocacy trainer.
Regulatory
Stephen’s proven track record and his criminal law pedigree lends itself well to his prosecution and defence of professionals before their own professional disciplinary tribunals. Instructed by individuals, regulatory bodies and defence organisations, he acts in sensitive cases, particularly those involving tandem criminal and disciplinary issues, and especially those concerning professionals who have allegedly engaged in sexual misconduct or those with substance misuse or mental health problems or those cases where serious alleged failings have resulted in death or very serious, permanent damage.
Allied with this, Stephen is adept at advising upon and conducting Judicial Review proceedings where there have been alleged failures in procedural propriety within disciplinary proceedings or in quasi-criminal cases relating to prosecutorial decisions. For example, he acted for the Crown Prosecution Service in the leading case of R (on the application of A) v Crown Prosecution Service & South Yorkshire Police in relation to the decision making process for ‘diversion from prosecution’ of youths in cases of serious knife crime.
Stephen’s astute tactical awareness for all stages of the criminal process has led to him being instructed by Company Directors and Companies pre-charge, to advise in relation to contemplated prosecutions by the Health & Safety Executive, where there has been a death.
That same vast experience of the criminal jurisdiction and his ability to concentrate on key issues and deploy effective cross-examination enables Stephen to have a unique insight when representing the families of the bereaved or police officers before the Coroner’s Court where there has been a death in custody or a death caused by shooting by police firearms officers.
Notable Cases
R v Rogers, Oates, Jebson & Jebson (2026)
Instructed by Yorkshire & Humberside CPS and leading Camille Morland; four defendants were convicted of attempted murder and conspiracy to possess a firearm with intent to endanger life following a botched attack on a cannabis factory when two innocent members of the public were attacked. One was shot and stabbed and the other avoided serious injury when a bullet ricocheted from the mobile phone he was holding against his head.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cd9v5n8wynxo
R v Williams, Dunford, Taff, Horton & Horton (2026)
Instructed by Yorkshire & Humberside CPS, Complex Casework Unit, and leading Abigail Langford, four defendants convicted of murder following a shooting and murder arising from a dispute between two drug-dealing gangs in Sheffield. Also, convictions for conspiracy to pervert the course of justice when the car used in the aftermath of the shooting was cleaned to remove incriminating evidence.
https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2025-12-17/drugs-gang-found-guilty-of-gun-murder-plot
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c368jl8ez63o
R v M (2025)Bradford Crown Court
Defended 'M' who stood trial on allegations of rape and 3 offences of sexual activity with a child arising out of West Yorkshire Police's Operation Hazelshot. The offences were alleged to have taken place at an address in Halifax nearly 20 years ago when 'M' was aged in his early 20's. The complainant 'B' was a child aged about 15 years at the time. The defendant was acquitted of all counts following a trial lasting 6 days.
R v Habibur Masum (2025) - Bradford Crown Court
Prosecuted Habibur Masum who stabbed his 27-year-old wife to death 26 times whilst she was pushing her baby in a pram in Bradford. Following the incident, the defendant boarded a bus, during which CCTV footage captured him appearing to smile. The sentencing took place on 22nd July and was televised by numerous news outlets such as Sky News. Masum was stentenced to Life Imprisonment with a minimum term of 28 years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5XvgnN2agk
R v Warren Spence (2025) - Leeds Crown Court
Prosecuted Warren Spence, leading Matthew Harding of PSQB, who was sentenced to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 24 years, for a brutal and sustained attack upon his partner, involving the use of a hammer, bites and repeatedly stamping on her chest causing catastrophic injuries. https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2025-03-24/life-for-killer-whose-partner-predicted-her-own-murder
R v Steven Francis (2025) - Leeds Crown Court
Stephen Wood KC leading Abigail Langford were instructed by Yorkshire and Humberside CPS to prosecute Francis for the brutal murder of a woman and the rapes of a further woman. The defendant was convicted of all counts and was sentenced to life imprisonment and ordered to serve a minimum term of 28 years. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c3rwprlx7e8o
R v Leon Smith (2024) - Hull Crown Court
Murder Acquittal. Following a trial that lasted approximately 4 weeks, Stephen Wood KC and his Junior Charlotte Baines of Wilberforce Chambers Hull, secured an acquittal for their client Leon Smith. Mr Smith was found not guilty of both murder and the alternative manslaughter. https://www.hulldailymail.co.uk/news/hull-east-yorkshire-news/young-man-cleared-over-death-9765037
'Murder: Suspect No 1: https://www.channel5.com/show/murder-suspect-no-1-7bfd33e6-d467-461b-a92c-131d18a9ecc2/season-1-4dff1c6d-c492-485d-9a6a-ed2212cfba1e/35943b4d-7876-4ffc-9921-80a124c4d83e
R v Jason Gowen (2024) - Preston Crown Court
Stephen Wood KC prosecuted Gowen who strangled and smothered a mother-of-two to death after already being on bail for attacking another woman. Gowen received a life sentence with a minimum term of 20 years. News Coverage: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12973425/Abusive-boyfriend-28-strangled-smothered-mother-two-37-death-bail-attacking-woman-killer-faces-life-jail.html
R v Anon (2024) - Leeds Crown Court
Stephen led Abigail Langford prosecuted two teenagers for hacking to death Harley Brown, using machetes. News Coverage: https://news.sky.com/story/harley-browns-killers-sentenced-to-life-for-stabbing-him-to-death-after- chance-meeting-outside-huddersfield-shop-13033725
R v Mark Vaskouski (2024) - Hull Crown Court
Defendant convicted of murder having assaulted victim and left him in a flat which was already on fire causing death. News Coverage: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ced1p527v61o
Channel 5 series 'Murder: Suspect No 1': https://www.channel5.com/show/murder-suspect-no-1-7bfd33e6-d467-461b-a92c-131d18a9ecc2/season-1-4dff1c6d-c492-485d-9a6a-ed2212cfba1e/711c7d81-7810-4f67-aa4f-a3f461dc7eb6
R v Feve, Wattam and ors (2023) - Hull Crown Court
Led Clare Walsh and successfully prosecuted defendants for Murder, Manslaughter and Perverting the Course of Justice. News coverage: https://www.grimsbytelegraph.co.uk/news/grimsby-news/kian-feve-guilty-murdering-jack-8960407 and https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c2e20rv7g22o
Rex v Moyo, Gill and Rehman (2023)- Sheffield Crown Court
Instructed by Yorkshire and Humberside Complex CPS Complex Casework Unit, this was the first case to be prosecuted in the United Kingdom involving the production of functioning sub-machine guns using a 3D printer. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-64900210
R v X (2023)- Bradford Crown Court
Defending mother for attempted murder of very young child.
R v Selmani & Senia (2023)- Sheffield Crown Court
Instructed to prosecute in the retrial for the manslaughter of Armend Xhika. Selmani was sentenced to 20 years and Senia 13 years and four months. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-67168728
R v Jabari Fanty and Others (2022)
Sheffield Crown Court, Prosecution, Obtained convictions after trial of all Defendants on all counts for murder, attempted murder, conspiracy to possess modified firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life, and conspiracy to supply controlled drugs of Class A. One of the most complex cases to be investigated by South Yorkshire Police. Instructed by Yorkshire and Humberside Complex Casework Unit. https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-61986797
R v Butt (2021)- Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Killing using motor car as weapon
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-56860006
And before the Court of Appeal (Criminal Division)
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/sadistic-leeds-murderer-loses-appeal-to-have-his-28-year-sentence-reduced-3547729
R v Taylor Meanley and Others (2021)
Prosecution: Execution of rival gang member using ‘slam gun’.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-59085628
R v Jaspal Marwaha (2021) – Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Advising on charge and prosecuting first prosecution of its kind involving ‘Airbow’ weapon and verdict establishing weapon was ‘firearm’ withing meaning of Firearms Act 1968
https://www.yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk/news/crime/an-utterly-lethal-weapon-how-leeds-jurors-made-landmark-legal-ruling-on-the-deadly-airbow-3445912
R v Mottershead and Others (2021) – Sheffield Crown Court
Prosecution: Gangland shooting
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-south-yorkshire-55591197
R v X (2020)– Bradford Crown Court
Prosecution: Mother suffocating children.
https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/18800526.bradford-mum-tried-strangle-poison-young-sons-given-indefinite-hospital-order/
R v Lloyd Birkby (2020) – Bradford Crown Court
Defence: Death caused by throwing mobile phone at victim.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-52215975
R v Paul Crowther (2020) – Leeds Crown Court
Defence: Killing by Defendant who heard voices commanding him.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-54077848
R v Stephen Dunford & Others (2020) – Sheffield Crown Court
Prosecution: Series of gangland related shootings, culminating in shooting of 12 year old boy.
https://www.thestar.co.uk/news/crime/live-updates-sheffield-gangster-stephen-dunford-given-life-imprisonment-over-attempted-murder-12-year-old-boy-drive-shooting-2995445
R v Sharples (2020) – Liverpool Crown Court
Defence: Murder by mixed martial artist.
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/boozed-up-nutcase-beat-vulnerable-19104180
R v Ian Watkins (2019)– Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Offences committed by former lead singer of The LostProphets in prison.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-49294092
R v Crossland (2019) – York Crown Court
Prosecution: Largest ever haul of IIOC in North Yorkshire and Firearms offences.
https://www.itv.com/news/2019-03-11/pensioner-jailed-over-one-of-largest-hauls-of-indecent-images-found-in-england
R v John Taylor (2018) – Leeds Crown Court
Prosecution: Cold case review of serious sexual offences committed by Defendant already serving life for murder.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-leeds-45990773
R v Neil Taggart – Leeds Crown Court
Defence of former Lord Mayor of Leeds
https://www.itv.com/news/calendar/2017-07-04/disgraced-former-lord-mayor-jailed-for-sex-offences
Clerks
Michelle Colborne KC
Call: 1993 | Silk: 2010
Michelle Colborne KC
LL.B (Hons), University of Wales
North Eastern Circuit
Gray’s Inn
Head of Professional Discipline, Regulatory and Licensing
Contact
T: 01274 722 560
Michelle was called to the Bar in 1993 and took Silk in 2010. Michelle is one of the leading criminal practitioners on the North Eastern Circuit for the prosecution and defence and has particular specialisms in homicide, baby death and serious sexual offences.
Michelle has a particular interest in representing vulnerable defendants and those charged with offences committed whilst mentally ill.
Michelle’s extensive experience in complex criminal homicide and baby shaking cases crosses over into her work in coronial law. She has a wealth of knowledge of medical issues, including serious brain and other suspected non accidental injuries.
Reputation
Michelle is ranked in the Legal 500:
'Michelle is fiercely intelligent, intuitive and incredibly hard-working. In court, her clear and direct advocacy powerfully commands the room. Her case preparation is second to none, and she is exceptionally adept at communicating with and including the lay client throughout proceedings.' (Legal 500, 2026)
Michelle presents seminars and has spoken at conferences about Child Sexual Exploitation including a presentation on behalf of Victim Support Northern Ireland to the Irish Judiciary Bar and Probation based on Vulnerable Witnesses and Empowerment.
Michelle is an advocacy trainer for the North Eastern Circuit.
Other notable seminars include the psychology of the criminal mind and the issue of consent.
Michelle is involved in providing guidance and advice on the issues of consent and protection issues to sports clubs seeking to support young players and staff.
Michelle is also an open water swimming coach and established ‘Take the Plunge’, where she hosts open water swimming and mindfulness sessions. She works with Mental Health Swims and hosts monthly swims in the Yorkshire Dales.
Expertise
Crime
Michelle is renowned for her work in the Rotherham Child Sexual Abuse trials; the Prosecution of Alexander Smith (Gangland Murder); the Murder Acquittal of Trevor Isles; Prosecuting one of the First Forced Marriage cases taking place abroad (Bangladesh) under S121 of the Antisocial Behaviour Crime & Policing Act 2014; Prosecution of Frank Cochran for sexual assault and coercive or controlling behaviour and the recent defence of Keegan Barnes (Murder Acquittal and conviction for Manslaughter).
Regulatory
Michelle’s extensive experience in complex criminal homicide and baby shaking cases crosses over into her work in coronial law. She has a wealth of knowledge of medical issues, including serious brain and other suspected non accidental injuries.
Michelle advises and represents families, and professionals at coroner’s inquests. She also advises in relation to complaints to the Care Quality Commission on behalf of elderly and those lacking capacity. Additionally, she has advised victims of child sexual exploitation in relation to actions against the police and local authority, for abuse suffered whilst in care.
Notable cases include judicial review against a police decision not to prosecute a care home for neglect of an elderly patient with dementia; defence of a care home manager in allegations of medical neglect of multiple residents; representation of the family of a deceased teenager at inquest where death had occurred when his car was involved in a collision with a bus.
Currently Michelle is involved in inquests relating to, for example, a death/suicide whilst in the care of the NHS, death in a residential home and a death whilst in the care of a private ambulance company.
Notable Cases
R v Brunning & Philips(2026): Michelle Colborne KC, leading Laura McBride and Ella Embleton prosecuted this case related to the abuse of children, at Skircoat Lodge Children’s Home, between the mid 1970’s and early 1990. Brunning was sentenced to 25 years in prison. Philips, who was unfit to stand trial due his medical condition, was found by the jury to have done the acts alleged, nonetheless. He has been made the subject of a sexual harm prevention order and placed on the Sex Offender’s Register for Life. https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/news-appeals/woman-jailed-25-years-her-role-care-home-sexual-abuse-calderdale
R v Poole (2025, Bradford Crown Court)
Michelle Colborne KC, leading Laura McBride, prosecuted a defendant accused of killing her 92-year-old husband with a garden tool before setting his body on fire. Defendant was deemed unfit to stand trial and given an indefinite hospital order following a jury determination that she did the act of causing his death.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c201ldlm4x1o
R v A Sheikh and ors (2024, Leeds Crown Court)
Defence - causing or allowing a vulnerable adult to suffer serious physical harm. A Court of Appeal judgement was handed down and convictions against the Sheikhs were overturned. Complex legal issues.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/huddersfield-family-jailed-after-wife-30880298
R v M (2024, Bradford Crown Court)
Defence - defendant was acquitted of the murder of his brother, having admitted killing him during a fight. He was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cpq9l358172o.amp
R v Smalley and Leaning (2024, Hull Crown Court)
Successful prosecution of two defendants convicted of murder and manslaughter. Leading Laura McBride
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c99xn88pgp2o.amp
R v Ibbitson (2023, Leeds Crown Court)
The prosecution of Ibbitson, leading Abdul Shakoor, for sadistic murder of Jennifer Andrews. Ibbitson was handed a life sentence with a minimum term of 29 years.
https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/news/leeds-news/obsessed-leeds-killer-rawden-ibbitson-27001199
R v Arif Choudhury (2023, Bradford Crown Court)
Prosecution of Choudhury, leading Peter Hampton (now HHJ Hampton, for serious rape case. Choudhury had previously evaded trial with grooming gang by fleeing to Bangladesh. Defendant received 8 years imprisonment.
https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/west-yorkshire-news/sick-monster-raped-girl-passed-27672717
R v Rehman (2023, Leeds Crown Court)
Defence Counsel in the UK's first prosecution relating to the manufacture of functioning sub-machine guns using a 3D printer. Michelle Colborne KC and Laura McBride defended Majeeb Rehman who was convicted of conspiracy to transfer a prohibited firearm but was cleared of possessing ammunition without a certificate
https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leeds-64900210
R v John Woodliff (2022, Leeds Crown Court)
Michelle led Laura McBride in the successful defence of John Woodliff who had been charged fraud alongside former MP Jared O'Mara. Woodliff was found not guilty.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/feb/08/jared-o-mara-former-labour-mp-found-guilty-expenses-fraud
Keegan Barnes (2022, Teesside Crown Court)
Michelle defended Keegan Barnes in an allegation of murder. The jury acquitted the defendant of murder and convicted her of manslaughter by a majority https://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/teesside-news/live-killer-keegan-barnes-sentenced-23449684
R v Barbara Coombes (2018, Manchester Crown Square)
Michelle prosecuted Barbara Coombes for the manslaughter of her father 15 years prior to the discovery of the body.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-manchester-44794426
R v Hussain & Others (2016, Rotherham Grooming Trial)
Michelle led Peter Hampton and Laura McBride in the prosecution of six people, including three brothers and their uncle who were convicted of the "systematic" sexual abuse of teenage girls in Rotherham.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-35651366
R v H (2012, Bradford Crown Court)
This case was the successful defence of a transgender individual who was subject to allegations of historic and recent sexual abuse. The Defendant and witnesses had special educational needs and intermediaries were required throughout the trial. In addition the case involved careful, sensitive cross-examination of a child who was a self-elect mute.
R v Lindo (2011, Bradford Crown Court)
Michelle Colborne QC (leading Nigel Hamilton) acted as leading counsel for the prosecution where the major issue was loss of control. The Defendant had brutally killed his partner, the mother of his children, storing her body in a suitcase for 2 months whilst assuming her identity via Facebook and telephone contact. The Defendant was convicted of murder.
https://www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/news/crime/teacher-declines-take-stand-body-suitcase-murder-trial-1921542
COURT OF APPEAL R v Carey and others [2006] EWCA Crim 17
This appeal is the leading case in Unlawful Act Manslaughter. Michelle represented a teenage Defendant in the Crown Court and before the Court of Appeal charged with manslaughter of another teenage girl who had an undiagnosed heart defect. The case limits the use by the Prosecution of the offence of affray as the “unlawful and dangerous act” in manslaughter cases.
https://www.bailii.org/ew/cases/EWCA/Crim/2006/17.html
Clerks
Nikki Saxton KC
Call: 1992 | Silk: 2024
Nikki Saxton KC
Professional Memberships:
CIArb
The Judicial College
Resolution
The FLBA
Contact
T: 01274 722 560 or 0113 246 2600
“Her advocacy is flawless: she knows how to get a judge on side. An iron fist in a velvet glove!" (Legal 500, 2026)
Nikki Saxton KC is one of only 3 specialist financial remedy silks outside London and the only financial remedy silk on the North Eastern Circuit.
Nikki is a member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators and available to undertake financial arbitration and private FDRs.
Nikki is a Northern powerhouse who has a loyal following, acting for clients with complex financial disputes. She is instructed by clients in London, Leeds & the Northern Circuit. Her clients are often high-profile and/or high-net-worth individuals.
She has over 20 years’ experience, specialising exclusively in the field of:
Matrimonial finance.
Schedule 1 claims (Financial rights for unmarried parents).
Large and involved financial remedy claims - often involving complex trust & business structures.
Nuptial agreements.
Reputation
Nikki Saxton KC is ranked as a Band 1 Silk in both Chambers & Partners and the Legal 500:
"Nikki is at the top of her game. Her technical skill and eye for detail are unmatched. She has the ability to get to the core of any case, no matter how complex. She is incredibly reassuring for clients, and oozes gravitas. Her advocacy is flawless: she knows how to get a judge on side. An iron fist in a velvet glove!" (Legal 500, 2026)
"She is a formidable advocate and hugely technical when it comes to her understanding of complex businesses and financial arrangements" (Chambers & Partners 2026)
“Nicola Saxton KC has a vast amount of experience in complex finance matters. She regularly advises high net worth individuals on cases involving corporate assets and trusts as well as farms. Nicola Saxton KC is a great barrister” (Chambers & Partners 2025)
Expertise
Financial Remedy
Nikki undertakes financial remedy work for high-net-worth individuals and is regularly involved in cases where the assets exceed £20m and regularly acts in cases of substantial value and complexity.
She has been involved in a number of high-net-worth High Court matters, typically involving assets up to - £75m.
She was recently instructed in a complex 10-day conduct case. Nikki successfully argued that the husband’s embezzlement of just under £3m from the family company, over 20 years was so grave that he should be reduced to his basic needs to be met on schedule 1 style terms to survive potential bankruptcy.
Her cases frequently involve family businesses and privately owned companies, and she has experience of both foreign and domestic trusts.
NCDR
Nikki is a qualified arbitrator and is a member of CIArb.
Nikki is regularly chosen as a pFDR neutral evaluator.
Nikki has a holistic and commercial approach to litigation and, in addition to her advocacy in court, a large amount of her work is conducted behind closed doors, assuring her clients the privacy and timescales they need. She has concluded negotiated settlements with assets up to £450m and regularly represents clients at joint settlement meetings, private Financial Dispute Resolution hearings and Arbitrations.
Notable Cases
[Goodman v Walker [2024] EWFC 212B][1]
Re A (Schedule1; Overspend, costs clawback) [2022] EWFC 21
[L v L [2021] EWFC B83][2]
[MF v SF (Financial Remedy: Financial Conduct) [2016] 2 FLR 622][3]
[FS v PS [2015] EWHC 2797][4]
[AR v AR (Treatment of Inherited Wealth) [2011] EWHC 2717 (fam)][5]
[Richardson v Richardson [2011] EWCA Civ 79][6]
Recent instructions have included: successfully defending a challenge to a pre-nuptial agreement in proceedings involving assets exceeding £60 million; acting for a party in contentious proceedings concerning the division of multi-generational farming assets where the future impact of a proposed renewable energy scheme on land values formed a significant consideration, alongside related negotiations to achieve a commercially sensible solution; acting in a 10 day financial remedy hearing, establishing that millions of pounds removed by the opposing party was financial conduct and successfully advancing the argument that their future needs should not dominate but should be reduced to a minimum and representing a high-profile sportsman in long running Schedule 1 proceedings.
Clerks
