Francis FitzGibbon KC

Francis FitzGibbon KC has a wide-ranging and diverse trial practice covering all types of serious crime (prosecuting and defending). High profile cases include R. v Marten (gross-negligence manslaughter of a baby), R. Mohammadi (the Colindale allotment murder) and R v Alemi (fraud by successfully working as a psychiatrist with forged educational certificates). He also undertakes high-profile appellate work (including the Supreme Court case of Jogee [2016] UKSC 8, which radically changed the law of joint enterprise).  He has a special interest cases of human trafficking (including the leading case AAD [2022] 1 Cr App R 19), and miscarriage of justice cases before the before the Criminal Cases Review Commission.

He accepts instructions, in London and nationally, to provide advice and advocacy for private and legally aided clients, as well as under the Bar’s Public Access scheme.  He also accepts instructions in professional disciplinary matters, and advises professional clients in other jurisdictions.

Francis was Chair of the Criminal Bar Association (2016-17) and is a Bencher of Middle Temple.

Francis has been recognised as a leading barrister in Crime for many years (Tier 2 Silk), and is ranked in the Legal 500, as ‘a highly intelligent Silk’.

Other comments include:

‘Very talented’

‘Firm and robustly fearless’

‘A charmer with the jury’

‘Excellent’

‘Provides a seamless service’

‘A true expert in human trafficking work’

Shortlisted for Crime and Extradition Silk of the Year by the Legal 500– 2024.

He writes regularly on legal topics for the London Review of Books

What the Legal Directories say:

“He is a very persuasive advocate who is caring to his lay clients” – Legal 500 2025 - Crime

“Francis is industrious and methodical. He works well to get the most out of his opponents. He is courteous and has a measured effective court style. He plans witness handling carefully and juries find him reassuring. Good planning and competent advocate.” – Legal 500 2023 – Crime

“Francis is industrious and methodical. He works well to get the most out of his opponents. He is courteous and has a measured effective court style. He plans witness handling carefully and juries find him reassuring. Good planning and competent advocate”. – Legal 500 2022 – Crime

“His written submissions are fantastic and he’s a real pleasure to work with.” – Chambers and Partners 2022

“A highly intelligent silk and a true gentleman”. – Legal 500 2021 – Crime