Members

James Pickup QC

 

Year of birth 1952
Year of call 1976
Inn Gray's Inn
Circuit Northern
Recorder 1998
QC 2000
Full CV

A specialist in commercial fraud defence and corporate crime who is regarded by his peers as an “intelligent and resourceful advocate” (Chambers and Partners). He has established a “blue-chip fraud practice” (Legal 500), with a reputation as someone who is “exceptional at client management” and “brilliantly focussed on getting the best out of the client”.

In recent years he has appeared in substantial cases both on circuit and in London. Those cases have concerned all types of commercial fraud from high yield investment (prime bank instrument) fraud, advance fee fraud, factoring fraud, frauds on the Stock Market, MTIC (V.A.T) fraud, Revenue fraud to money laundering. He is now instructed in major cases in the VAT Tribunal, a natural extension of his MTIC practice and expertise.

In addition he has experience in professional disciplinary work both at tribunal, statutory committee and higher court level in the Administrative Court and Court of Appeal; representing police officers, pharmacists and solicitors.

Notable Cases

Case name R v David Grindley and others Case name R v Julie Bloor and others
Appearance Defence Appearance Defence
Category Land fraud Category V.A.T. fraud
Detail Fraudulent obtaining of Government grants for development of contaminated land. Detail £27 Million fraud. Customs prosecution.
       
Case name R v Trevor Beacock and others    
Appearance Defence    
Category Commercial fraud    
Detail Major fraud within the Yorkshire power industry.