James Lake Email and Phone Number

A highly rated barrister who prosecutes and defends in equal measure at the highest level, specialising in fraud, financial crime and serious crime. I am particularly proud to have been included in Band 1 of the UK Regional Bar Rankings for my work in Financial Crime in consecutive years (2020-23). I pride myself on being honest with clients and taking a truly consultative approach. I make a point of being approachable, accessible and amiable throughout relationships with clients. I always look to identify and tackle issues early on in a case. I am proud to be a Grade 4 Prosecutor - Fraud Panel and Serious Crime Panel.Professional Endorsements: The Legal 500 - Crime2021 “A rising star who is always tenacious in his approach“2020 “He fights ferociously for his clients”2019 “He is an exceptional talent”2018 “Truly outstanding at his craft”2017 “His experience includes large-scale offences, such as drugs conspiracies and fraud”2016 “Personable and approachable”2015 “Recommended for high-value fraud instructions”2014 “Without doubt a leading light of the Junior Bar in Leeds” Chambers UK 2021 - Crime “A leading junior who prosecutes and defends in criminal and regulatory matters. He is frequently instructed in serious criminal cases including fraud, drug importation and sexual offences”“He is very determined and dogged, but has a good manner in court”Chambers UK 2021 - Financial Crime Band 1“A junior noted for his expertise in financial crime, particularly involving allegations of fraud and money laundering. he is experienced in both prosecution and defence of criminal cases““Very able and safe pair of hands, he is very good with lay clients”. “He is one of the stars of the junior Bar. He attracts high-quality work and is very well respected by all who instruct him”.“He is a heavyweight financial crime prosecutor and has a reputation for being extremely hard-working”.Chambers UK 2020 - Crime “A reliable, thorough and safe pair of hands. He’s very good in complex conspiracy cases.”“He is a real talent, who is clever, can see the route through to the result and is also extremely likable” “He undertakes an unbelievable level of preparation and is very jury-friendly”Chambers UK 2020 - Financial Crime Band 1“James is an enormously personable jury advocate.”“He’s one of the stars of the junior Bar. He attracts high-quality work and he’s very respected by all who instruct him”“He has a great courtroom presence and delivers great jury speeches. Clients love him as he’s very committed”