Christopher Coltart QC

Originally a City solicitor, Christopher’s background was in commercial property litigation. During that time, he had an extensive portfolio of cases, representing banks, pension funds and other financial institutions in a variety of high value claims. Since being called to the Bar in 1998, his practice has retained a commercial element to it, and he now specialises in business crime, contested regulatory matters, professional disciplinary cases and sports law. He is recommended by the legal directories in relation to all of those practice areas. He is also Head of 2 Hare Court’s Business Crime & Financial Services Group, and is a Sports Arbitrator with Sport Resolutions Limited.

Recent cases include representing:

• The former FD of a listed company in relation to charges of false accounting, misleading the company’s auditors and making misleading statements to the market
• The former CFO of Sports Direct, who is under investigation by the Financial Reporting Council
• A UK company in the on-going worldwide investigation into Cum Ex trading
• Cambridge Analytica, the firm at the centre of the Facebook data sharing row
• The former Chief Executive of Sports Direct in relation to criminal charges arising out of employment legislation
• Individuals in the SFO investigations into Barclays Bank and Rolls Royce
• An individual in the FRC investigation into the Tesco accounting scandal
• A major airline in relation to compliance with Covid travel regulations
• A high net worth individual in relation to an FCA insider dealing investigation
• A company director accused of fraudulently evading VAT
• The FA in proceedings brought against Joey Barton and Daniel Sturridge

As a junior, Christopher also had a significant prosecution practice and was on the ‘A’ Panel of selected advocates for the Serious Fraud Office.  He now undertakes exclusively private prosecution work and is a member of the 2 Hare Court dedicated private prosecution team.  He recently prosecuted a significant fraud on behalf of a UK based Hedge Fund.  He has also separately advised a Russian oligarch and a major airline in relation to possible private prosecutions.

In addition, Christopher has significant experience of major inquest work.  His instructions in this regard include representing clients in the 7/7 London bombing inquest, and also the inquest into the Hillsborough tragedy.

Christopher accepts Direct Access instructions.

Other recent instructions – Business and White Collar Crime

• Advising a set of tax chambers in relation to their anti-money laundering policies and procedures.
• Representing a company director in an SFO investigation into allegations of bribery, corruption and money laundering in overseas mining contracts.
• Advising a claimant in defamation proceedings about the money laundering aspects of his case.
• Advising a UK bank on the conduct of an internal investigation into possible criminal offending.
• Advising an AIM listed company on the settlement of a dispute concerning the misappropriation of £4m from the company.
• Advising a partner from one of the ‘Big 4’ accountancy firms on allegations of corruption and bribery.
• Advising a firm of solicitors in relation to a possible money laundering investigation.
• Advising a firm of US lawyers on an application for Mutual Legal Assistance arising out of the LIBOR litigation.
• Advising a firm of forensic accountants in relation to an order compelling them to produce client documentation.
• Representing a Police & Crime Commissioner in relation to an allegation of electoral fraud.
• Representing a firm of loss adjusters on charges brought under s.55 Data Protection Act – 1998.
• Advising on the legality of search warrants in a major criminal investigation.
• Acting for a company director accused of failing to file accounts, contrary to ss.441 and 451 of the Companies Act 2006.
• A company director in contempt of court proceedings in the High Court.
• D&O insurers in relation to claims triggered by SFO investigations.
• The directors of an international business, accused of failing to file its UK accounts on time.

 Other recent instructions – Regulatory cases

• Advising a major UK plc on a current investigation by the FRC
• Representing the former Financial Director of a listed company in proceedings brought against him by the FRC
• Representing the FRC in proceedings brought against the former CEO and FD of a listed company
• Representing a company director in disciplinary proceedings before the Takeover Panel
• Advising the FA on an investigation into issues at a Premier League club
• Representing a solicitor in proceedings brought against him at the Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal
• Representing the FA in proceedings against Leeds United Football Club and its chairman, Massimo Cellino

Recent instructions – Inquests and Health & Safety

• Advising one of the witnesses in the inquest into the Hillsborough tragedy
• Representing the same individual in the subsequent criminal investigation
• Representing a construction company in an inquest into a fatal accident at work
• Representing one of the interested parties in the inquest into the death of Zane Gbangbola

What others say:

“Chris is extremely easy to work with. He works hand in glove with his solicitors, is very approachable and a joy to work with. His attention to detail is unrivalled and his preparation for trial is exemplary. He cuts through the complexity of cases and can identify potentially winning points in even the most difficult cases.” – Legal 500 UK 2022

“Dogged, determined, on top of detail, committed and hard working.” – Legal 500 UK 2022

“An exceptional regulatory defence lawyer who is commercial and proactive; outstanding case preparation.” – Legal 500 UK 2022

“A phenomenal advocate who can get to grips with the technical facts quickly and with great ease.” – Chambers UK 2021

“He is really good – methodical, calm and fantastic in court.” – Chambers UK 2021

“An engaging advocate with a devastating eye for detail. His approach to cases is to leave no stone unturned and he carries the confidence of clients from the very first meeting. A man you would definitely want in your corner.” – Legal 500 UK 2021

“A formidable barrister at ease in the commercial world and great with clients.” and “Strong in disciplinary matters.” – Legal 500 UK 2021

“A superb intellect who gets results.” – Chambers UK 2019

“A high-quality silk who has great client handling skills.” – Legal 500 2020

“A very good lawyer and highly regarded. He is very popular among City executive clients.” – Chambers UK 2020

“A criminal silk of the highest order who is meticulous in preparation.” – Chambers UK 2019

“Fiendishly bright with a calm and considered manner. He is able to absorb substantial information and give clear, concise advice.” – Chambers UK 2018

“One of the best silks out there for financial crime. He has a City background and is a very calm advocate. Judges think he is fantastic, and his written work is excellent” – Chambers UK 2018

“He is terrific, because he’s very calm and, having worked in the City, he has a good grasp of the system. He’s very responsive, extremely clever and easy to work with.” – Chambers UK 2017

“His forensic approach to defence preparation puts him ahead of his peers.” – Legal 500 2017

“A masterful drafter who is very approachable.” – Chambers UK 2016

“He is incredibly organised and accessible. He is very engaged throughout the process, good with clients and trusted by everyone.” – Chambers UK 2015

“A cerebral and talented advocate.” – Legal 500 2015

“His advocacy and drafting are fantastic and he instils complete confidence in any client.” – Chambers UK 2014

“He has an impressive track record of handling white-collar and fraud defence work. Solicitors admire his flawless preparation and ability to handle sensitive cases.” – Chambers UK 2014

“One of the ablest barristers in practice.” – Legal 500 2013

“Very thorough and approachable…excellent in terms of his ability.” – Chambers UK 2012

“Highly intelligent, clear, calm and able.” – Legal 500 2011

“One of the brightest barristers at the criminal Bar.” – Legal 500 2010