Brian O'Neill KC

Practice Areas

Now in his fourteenth year in Silk, Brian provides advice and advocacy in private prosecutions (in which he has a particular expertise), business crime, serious crime and sports law. His expert skills can be applied to any complex situation whether defending or prosecuting across various jurisdictions.

He advises corporate clients in this country and abroad and gives advice to foreign Governments. He has appeared in numerous high profile cases and has represented a number of professional footballers.

Private Prosecutions: Brian’s expertise in criminal law and his very considerable experience prosecuting serious and complex criminal cases have led to a number of instructions in this area in which he both prosecutes and defends and also lectures.

Business Crime: Brian has appeared in two of the most newsworthy fraud cases to have been tried in this country in recent years: the HBoS corruption scandal – R v Mills & others; and the football bribery case – R v Pagliara & others.

Crime: Brian is instructed in criminal cases of the utmost gravity and seriousness by leading defence solicitors and specialist units within the CPS. His vast experience has earned him the respect of those who instruct him, his peers and the judiciary.

Sports Law: Brian is instructed by The Football Association, for whom he acted in the Ivan Toney betting case and is a regular contributor to LawInSport.

Career

Appointed King's Counsel 2010

Called 1987

Professional Memberships

2020: Appointed to SFO KC Panel

South Eastern Circuit

Criminal Bar Association

Private Prosecution Association

Fraud Lawyers Association