Jonathan Laidlaw KC

Private Prosecution

Financial Crime

Formerly a First Senior Treasury Counsel, Jonathan Laidlaw KC has been described as the leading and most sought after silk in this area, following the success of the Allseas case – the biggest fraud case brought by way of a private prosecution and Supreme’s case which resulted in convictions in the summer of 2021. He now advises both individuals and major companies (both here, in the US and in Russia) as to the viability of both bringing and defending against private prosecutions following commercial litigation in London.

In recent years Jonathan Laidlaw KC has advised a number of successful claimants in Commercial Court proceedings in respect of the bringing of private prosecutions including Highland (the Texas hedge fund) and Allseas SA in their successful prosecution of Paul Sultana following two long trials at Southwark Crown Court. More recently he acted for an accountant whose case, brought by way of private prosecution, was stayed for abuse and for the CEO of the casino in the Summit Partners case which resulted in all those charges being dismissed.

 The 2023 Chambers UK guide says, “Jonathan Laidlaw KC is a top barrister with a wide-ranging practice in financial crime. Having served as First Senior Treasury Counsel, he has in recent years been involved in major SFO investigations into alleged corruption and market manipulation offences. He is highly rated for his defence of directors and companies facing fraud charges and is noted for his adept handling of cases involving private prosecutions”.  Amongst the testimonials it has been said he, “understands the commercial side of things. He does a great job in court”, “is a great strategist” and “is an expert in the field”.