Gavin Irwin

Gavin Irwin

“He is eloquent on his feet and his drafting and preparation is impeccable....He is personable and clever and very good at what he does."

Chambers UK 2024
Year of call: 1996
For enquiries please call: 020 7353 5324 or email vcard cv linkedin save

Widely recognised as a leading junior in financial and other serious crime, and in professional conduct and coronial proceedings, Gavin’s advice and representation is sought in the most complex cases by individuals, businesses and governments.

Having been ranked in Band 1 for Financial Crime for many years, Gavin is one of the few UK barristers with a proven track record in financial and trade sanctions, export controls and national security and investment.

Gavin has worked with the United Nations in Africa and is actively involved in the Western Balkans Rule of Law Initiative.  Known for his team leadership, tactical acumen and commercial approach, Gavin has a wealth of experience across complementary disciplines.

Gavin accepts direct access instructions.

What others say:

“He is personable and is very clever and very good at what he does.” “He has a great eye for digesting a lot of information and a knack for pinpointing the main issues.” “Gavin is personable and quick to establish good rapport with both instructing solicitors and client.” and “He is eloquent on his feet, he is received well by the jury and by the judge, and his drafting and preparation is impeccable.” (Chambers UK 2024) – Financial Crime

“Gavin is very clear and detailed in his advice and is impeccable in handling challenging clients.” “A very calming manner with clients. He considers cases in light of the overall picture and commercial reality and advises clients accordingly.  A great advocate to have on your side.” and “Gavin inspires full confidence in a client. He absorbs large volumes of information, and distils this down to the pertinent issues and facts at speed.” (Chambers UK 2024) – Professional Discipline

“Gavin is a very skilful barrister who is great at his job.” and “He has fantastic attention to detail.” (Chambers UK 2023)

“He has a lovely jury manner.” “He is refreshingly approachable and understands the need to be pragmatic. He appreciates the commercial reality of cases and is very responsive and flexible.” and “He is very organised and someone you definitely want on your side.” (Chambers UK 2022)

“Gavin is very thorough and well prepared, remains calm in any situation, and demonstrates a strong team work ethic.” (Legal 500, 2022)

“He’s very cerebral and intelligent, fantastically good on detail, and he gets his head around voluminous amounts of material. He’s also a very good advocate.” “He is always well prepared, has a lot of experience, and his presentation of cases is excellent.” (Chambers UK, 2021)

“A very effective and charming advocate, whom juries find very engaging: if, like him, you cross-examine with a smile on your face, you get a lot more information and the jury will listen.” “He’s very dignified and intelligent.” (Chambers UK, 2020)

“He prepares well and knows his topic.” (Legal 500, 2020)

“Incredibly good tactical barrister, particularly in fraud cases … extremely knowledgeable both on financial crime and regulatory crime” (Chambers UK, 2019)

“A criminal barrister with the finesse and smoothness to switch very easily to the corporate or commercial context…a skilled negotiator…he understands a case from the technical, commercial and human angles” (Chambers UK 2018)

“An advocate who is clear and polite in court, and a skilled manager of challenging personalities … an intelligent, sensible advocate who is direct with the judge … his tactical awareness is very good, and he has excellent knowledge of the law.” (Chambers UK, 2017)

“… has a tremendously good manner with prosecutors, judges and clients.” (Chambers UK, 2016)

“Very good indeed, he gets stuck in and does the work … very clued-up and switched on.” (Chambers UK, 2015)

“knows the law, and is very user friendly … obvious commitment to clients … very responsive” (Chambers UK, 2014)

“an expert on corporate investigations” (Chambers UK, 2013)

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