LAWYER PROFILE
David Sleight

David Sleight

UK 2026

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Ranked in 2 practice areas

About

Provided by Kingsley Napley LLP

Practice Areas

David has an extensive criminal litigation background. Regularly acting for individuals and companies in high profile cases, he specialises in providing advice at the crucial early stages of an investigation. Astute and practical in his approach, David’s early involvement in the case can make the difference between being charged with an offence or not. This includes representing clients who are arrested and interviewed under caution, challenging search warrants and other investigatory powers and making pre-charge representations to the police and prosecuting authorities. Should matters progress to court he is meticulous in his preparation and has a high acquittal rate. Case highlights include representing Cambridge Analytica’s CEO in the Facebook data breach scandal and other high profile matters.

David’s white collar crime practice includes acting for companies and individuals accused of complex financial investigations involving fraud, overseas corruption and Mutual Legal Assistance (MLA). He specialises in defending tax evasion/fraud allegations brought by HMRC and has developed a specialist expertise in advising in cross border tax litigation involving MLA requests between Member States. He is currently representing two separate companies in the on-going “cum ex” trading scandal in Denmark and Germany.

Career

Joined Kingsley Napley 2009, Partner 2014.

Professional Memberships

Law Society; Fraud Lawyers Association.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Chambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Tax: Contentious: Fraud - UK-wide

Band 1
Band 1

Individual Editorial
David Sleight represents companies as well as individual asset managers and accountants in complex tax fraud cases. He frequently advises clients faced with allegations of VAT fraud, tax evasion and money laundering.

Crime - London (Firms)

Band 3
Band 3

Individual Editorial
David Sleight is an experienced criminal defence practitioner who handles a broad array of cases ranging from traffic offences to allegations of bodily and sexual harm.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • David has a very good bedside manner. He is very practical and remains very calm under stress.

    Tax: Contentious: FraudChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • David has really good judgement and a good reputation.

    Tax: Contentious: FraudChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • David is a very energetic lawyer who works very hard to get the best outcomes for his clients.

    Tax: Contentious: FraudChambers Guide to the Legal Profession
  • David is extremely clever, a great strategist and several steps ahead of everyone at all times.

    CrimeChambers Guide to the Legal Profession

Ranked Individuals at Kingsley Napley LLP (78)

London (Firms)

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