Orlando Pownall KC

Orlando Pownall KC

"Truly excellent. He immediately fills the court with confidence."

Chambers UK 2023
Year of call: 1975 KC: 2002
For enquiries please call: 020 7353 5324 or email vcard cv linkedin save

Orlando is ‘regarded by his peers as being one of the best of the best‘ at the Criminal Bar. Ranked as a ‘star‘ silk by Chambers UK, he is frequently instructed as leading counsel in high profile cases, carrying ‘great authority with Judges‘.

Having defended on a number of high profile cases, including the recent and successful defence of New Zealand cricket captain Chris Cairns who was tried for perjury and perverting the course of justice, Orlando is described as ‘a good cross-examiner…who defends well and has a huge presence in court‘.

Orlando is repeatedly instructed by high profile clients to provide pre-charge advice for a range of criminal and business crime charges. He is said to be “Very engaging and passionate – he gets stuck in.”

He undertakes a number of financial crime cases, having been instructed most recently in Operation Tabernula, one of the largest insider dealing cases bought by the Financial Conduct Authority.

Orlando was recently awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from Chambers & Partners UK 2023.

What others say:

“He is just incredibly charismatic and very distinguished.” – Chambers UK 2024

“A fantastic advocate with a wonderful presence in court – he’s good with the jury and brilliant with the client.” and “He has a very calm presence in court and judges really listen to him.” – Chambers UK 2022

“A superb silk who conveys always committed to defending his client’s rights in the face of serious and complex allegations.” and “Formidably good in court, his cross-examination is unbelievably impressive. He is incredibly attentive with the client and always makes himself available.” – Chambers UK 2022

“His cross-examinations are carefully crafted and at times ruthless.” – Legal 500 UK 2022

“Superb and charming.” “My silk of choice.” and “He is exceptionally talented.” “A formidable opponent.” – Chambers UK 2021

“A strong advocate with excellent client care.” and His cross-examinations are carefully crafted and at times ruthless.” – Legal 500 UK 2021

“Orlando is one of the best tacticians out there.” – Chambers UK 2020

“A superb silk and one who adopts a determined approach to defending clients’ rights in the face of serious and complex allegations.” and “He’s got a very suave jury manner which for the right case can make a big difference.” – Chambers UK 2020

“His recent work includes MTIC fraud matters.” – Legal 500 2020

“His cross-examinations are carefully crafted and at times ruthless.” – Legal 500 2020

“A formidable advocate with an outstanding reputation.” – Chamber UK 2019

“One of the best silks around, he is very articulate and has a nice delivery. He is very popular with clients.” – Chambers UK 2019

“A formidable and well-respected advocate, and an amazing tactician.” – Legal 500 2018

“One of the outstanding criminal advocates, he commands the courtroom when he is on his feet.” – Legal 500 2017

“To see him in full flow is a masterclass in effective advocacy.” – Legal 500 2017

“A man with a very bright mind.” – Chambers UK 2017

“He’s unflappable under fire and nothing ruffles him.” – Chambers UK 2017

“He is a supreme performer and an artist of the courtroom” – Chambers UK 2016

“He is the most wonderful jury advocate, who charms juries and carries great authority with judges.” – Chambers UK 2016

“It is great to work with him as he is an amazing advocate who is hard-working, very classy and modest.” – Chambers UK 2016

“He has a style that is commanding but effortlessly smooth.” – Legal 500 2016

portfoloo Barrister Portfolio [10]
Barrister Portfolio close
Barrister Call CV Email

Remove All


Click here to email this list of barristers to a colleague.