Awarded Silk of the Year

by Chambers & Partners

2020/2021 ' Chambers UK 2020/21

Eleanor Laws QC

Called to the Bar: 1990 020 7933 8855

Silk: 2011

A leader in the field of serious crime, Eleanor is frequently instructed to advise

well known public figures in the entertainment industry, sports, and politics in
relation to criminal and civil proceedings. Eleanor is listed as one of Chambers
UK’s ‘Star Practitioners’ for crime.

Awarded Silk of the Year by Chambers & Partners 2020/2021

Nominated for Silk of the Year by Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners in 2015.

Crime
A Silk with a forensic mind, Eleanor is an expert tactician dedicated to pulling apart the issues of a case
to gain the absolutely best result for the client. She is particularly known for commanding court
presence and exemplary cross-examination skills. Having specialised in serious crime for some time,
she is now in the main instructed by private clients to represent them in the criminal courts, in
university and school disciplinary hearings, defamation and civil harassment cases, and to advise in
private prosecutions.

Eleanor Laws QC's specialism includes pre charge advice and representation with a view to halting
proceedings, Her clients, include celebrities and other well-known individuals. More recently, Eleanor
has successfully represented youths and young adults under police investigation and /or subject to
school/university proceedings, as a result of complaints generated by social media websites.

Eleanor Laws QC conducts post-conviction reviews of convictions where she has not been trial
counsel: Recent successes in the Court of Appeal include: R v Mehta, R v Lloyd Phillips, R v Katira.

Eleanor Laws QC is a member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association.

Eleanor is a Sex Ticketed Recorder and sits as a Judge in the Crown Court, presiding over the most
grave and sensitive cases.

Reviews
Chambers UK 2022: Crime – Star Individual;

Awarded silk of the year 2020/2021;

Nominated Silk of the year 2015;

Legal 500 2022: Crime – Tier 1

Nominated Silk of the year 2015;

'She exudes competence and has a proven track record when it comes to sexual misconduct
cases.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

'She is a paragon of sheer class and gravitas, and a very skilled cross-examiner who commands
the respect of the court. She is fantastic - an authority for sexual offences.' Chambers UK Crime
(2021)

'Pure excellence and a fearsome opponent. An incomparable mix of skilful strategy and
gravitas commands the courtroom. she has great emotional intelligence which she deploys to
great advantage in order to cross-examine witnesses.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

‘She has an understated but highly persuasive manner.’ ‘In front of judge and jury she has great
presence.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

‘Her significant reputation in cases of sexual offending is wholly deserved.’Legal 500 Crime
(2020)

‘One of the leading lights at the Criminal Bar, she is very client-friendly and astute, and clearly
knows her subject matter.’ Chambers UK Crime (2019)

‘An expert tactician with unparalleled knowledge.’ Legal 500 Crime (2018)

‘She has made an art form out of cross-examination.’ ‘Has a forensic mind when it comes to
pulling apart the issues in a case.’ ‘She is an expert tactician, her legal knowledge is near
unparalleled and she has a commanding court presence.’ Chambers UK Crime (2018)

‘No doubt one of the best prosecutors and defenders in sexual cases.’Legal 500 Crime (2017)

‘Outstanding. Astonishing performance, breathtaking cross-examination and closing speech. I

would have thought the go-to silk for all sexual allegations. Brilliant.’ Chambers UK Crime (2017)

‘She is a barrister of the very highest quality scoring high marks in all categories.’Chambers UK
Crime (2016)

‘She is very well prepared and a very good strategist. She has a calm manner that radiates
power.’ Chambers UK Crime (2015)

‘Her enormous experience of high-profile cases is always invaluable. Her advice is on point,
practical and of the highest quality. She is excellent to work with.’ Chambers UK Crime (2014)

Appointments
Recorder 2016
Appointed by Council of the Inns of Court to chair Bar Disciplinary Tribunal Hearings
CBA Elected committee member 2012 - 2016 & 2017 - 2020
External advocacy assessor for CPS Grades 2-4

Professional Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
Education
Diploma in Law
BA: History

Privacy Notice
Crime
The most accomplished of practitioners, Eleanor Laws QC has industry
recognition for being one of the absolute best; she is forensically and tactically
astute, commanding in court and a delight to work with. Eleanor is listed as
one of Chambers UK’s ‘Star Practitioners’ for crime.

Overview
A Silk with a forensic mind, Eleanor is an expert tactician dedicated to pulling apart the issues of a case
to gain the absolutely best result for the client. She is particularly known for commanding court
presence and exemplary cross-examination skills. Having specialised in serious crime for some time,
she is now in the main instructed by private clients to represent them in the criminal courts, in
university and school disciplinary hearings, defamation and civil harassment cases, and to advise in
private prosecutions.

Eleanor Laws QC's specialism includes pre charge advice and representation with a view to halting
proceedings, Her clients, include celebrities and other well-known individuals. More recently, Eleanor
has successfully represented youths and young adults under police investigation and /or subject to
school/university proceedings, as a result of complaints generated by social media websites.

Eleanor Laws QC conducts post-conviction reviews of convictions where she has not been trial
counsel: Recent successes in the Court of Appeal include: R v Mehta, R v Lloyd Phillips, R v Katira.

Eleanor Laws QC is a member of the Private Prosecutors’ Association.

Eleanor is a Sex Ticketed Recorder and sits as a Judge in the Crown Court, presiding over the most
grave and sensitive cases.

Experience
An undisputed leader in the field of serious crime, Eleanor has experience of cases involving drugs,
violence, cruelty, murder and the full gamut of sexual offences including: trafficking; assault; abuse
and rape and historical allegations of the same. She is recognised for her skill in cases involving young
and vulnerable witnesses and the treatment thereof. Her work is invariably complex and high profile.
Eleanor’s experience at the highest level has made her the counsel of choice for professionals and
those with a public profile. She has represented senior figures in education and various healthcare
professions as well as people in the media spotlight.

Notable cases include: highly publicised sex trafficking cases such as the Oxford sex trafficking case;
acting as Specialist Advisory Counsel in the Jersey Child Abuse cases; and cases arising out of the
recent North Wales Children’s Homes Inquiry.

Eleanor is regularly instructed pre-charge to advise high-profile clients facing police investigation
where engaging her at the earliest stage of the criminal process has frequently resulted in an
investigation being dropped, promptly concluding any distress that the client has naturally
experienced and ultimately maintaining the privacy of the individual, important to all clients and
particularly crucial to those in the public eye.

She has been instructed to defend in a number of murder cases, defending youths on murder charges
in cases involving gang violence and fatal stabbings.

Eleanor is also frequently instructed to conduct hearings at the latter stage of the process. She has
acted in sentences and appeals where she has not conducted the criminal trial. Her knowledge and
presence, particularly in the field of serious sexual offences, make her the obvious choice for those
who hope to achieve the best where they have been disappointed before.

Eleanor is uniquely liked and respected by associates, partners, junior barristers, her peers and the
Judiciary; she has a manner that makes you immediately feel at ease and part of a very effective team.

Eleanor is a Recorder with a serious sexual offences ticket. She impresses the market with her vast
knowledge and its application in the criminal courts.

Drawing on her considerable experience of high-profile cases, Eleanor is at the forefront of educating
the Bar and outside agencies (including police, medical practitioners, the National Crime Agency and
the Child Exploitation Online Protection Agency) on the treatment of vulnerable witnesses. She is an
External Advocacy Trainer for CPS Grades 2-4, and recently assisted in compiling a training
programme for the treatment of vulnerable witnesses as part of the launch of the Advocate's Gateway.
She is part of HHJ Rook QC's Working Group whose task is to develop advocacy training for cases
involving sex offences and vulnerable witnesses and defendants. She has lectured to the Criminal Bar
Association and members of the South East Circuit on false memory, advocacy in cases involving
vulnerable witnesses, and disclosure in criminal cases. She was appointed by the Council of the Inns of
Court to chair the Bar Disciplinary Tribunal Hearings and she is an elected committee member of the
Criminal Bar Association. She is currently involved in various education and compliance projects to
assist those in exposed positions.

Eleanor was invited to attend an all-party parliamentary inquiry into the treatment of vulnerable
witnesses and defendants, and also took part in Sarah Champion MP’s inquiry into sexual exploitation
legislation. She also assisted with Keir Starmer QC’s Victims’ Taskforce to examine victims’ rights.
The work that Eleanor does for her specialist field is remarkable and her practice reflects this.

Notable Cases
Johnny Depp v News Group Newspapers & Dan Wooten
Eleanor Laws QC was instructed to represent Johnny Depp in his libel action against News Group
Newspapers and the Sun’s executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an article published in 2018 that
referred to the film star as a “wife beater”. The article related to allegations made against Mr Depp by
Amber Heard, that he was violent towards her during their marriage. Mr Depp strenuously denies the
claims.

Yousef Makki – Manchester Grammar School murder (2019)

Defended 'Boy B', charged of perverting the course of justice and conspiracy to rob; he was cleared of
both.

R v Professor Lant (2018)

Represented Professor Ariel Lant, accused of 11 counts of sexual assault upon 10 ex patients;
Professor Lant acquitted of all 11 counts.

R v Bennell (2018)
Defended former football coach, Barry Bennell, who faced allegations of non-recent sexual abuse of
young boys in the 1980s.

R v Adam Johnson (2017) EWCA Crim 191

Represented former England footballer Adam Johnson in his application to the Court of Appeal.

R v Anglesea (2017)
Prosecuted ex-North Wales Chief Superintendent for serious sexual offences upon two boys.

R v ES (2015)
Successfully defended man charged with date rape.

R v Janner (2015)
Eleanor Laws QC was instructed by the prosecution.

R v LP (2015)
Instructed to review and advise on grounds of appeal.

R v Butler (2015) EWCA Crim 854

Successful response to CCRC referral. Highlighting the limited use to which third party records may be
used in an historic case.

Operation Pallial (2014-2016)

Eleanor was lead counsel instructed to review and prosecute all cases arising out of Operation Pallial,
investigating allegations of child sex abuse in North Wales children’s homes. It is the largest
investigation into child abuse in the UK to date.

R v Jamil & Others (Oxford sex trafficking cases) (2013)

Successfully defended one of nine defendants.

R v F (2013) EWCA Crim 424

Successfully argued in Court of Appeal that a terminating ruling declaring a vulnerable witness as
incompetent be reversed. Witness had learning difficulties and required intermediary and interpreter.

Inquiry into the Haut de la Garenne children’s home in Jersey (2010)

Child abuse investigation. Instructed in three cases, all Royal Courts Jersey (2010):Re Jordan, Re
Wateridge, Re Donnelly (2010).

Reviews
Chambers UK 2022: Crime – Star Individual;

Awarded silk of the year 2020/2021;

Nominated Silk of the year 2015;

Legal 500 2022: Crime – Tier 1

Nominated Silk of the year 2015;

'She exudes competence and has a proven track record when it comes to sexual misconduct
cases.' Chambers UK Crime (2022)

'She is a paragon of sheer class and gravitas, and a very skilled cross-examiner who commands
the respect of the court. She is fantastic - an authority for sexual offences.' Chambers UK Crime
(2021)

'Pure excellence and a fearsome opponent. An incomparable mix of skilful strategy and
gravitas commands the courtroom. She has great emotional intelligence which she deploys to
great advantage in order to cross-examine witnesses.' Legal 500 Crime (2021)

‘She has an understated but highly persuasive manner.’ ‘In front of judge and jury she has great
presence.’ Chambers UK Crime (2020)

‘Her significant reputation in cases of sexual offending is wholly deserved.’Legal 500 Crime
(2020)

‘One of the leading lights at the Criminal Bar, she is very client-friendly and astute, and clearly
knows her subject matter.’ Chambers UK Crime (2019)

‘An expert tactician with unparalleled knowledge.’ Legal 500 Crime (2018)

‘She has made an art form out of cross-examination.’ ‘Has a forensic mind when it comes to
pulling apart the issues in a case.’ ‘She is an expert tactician, her legal knowledge is near
unparalleled and she has a commanding court presence.’ Chambers UK Crime (2018)

‘No doubt one of the best prosecutors and defenders in sexual cases.’Legal 500 Crime (2017)

‘Outstanding. Astonishing performance, breathtaking cross-examination and closing speech. I

would have thought the go-to silk for all sexual allegations. Brilliant.’ Chambers UK Crime (2017)

‘She is a barrister of the very highest quality scoring high marks in all categories.’Chambers UK
Crime (2016)

‘She is very well prepared and a very good strategist. She has a calm manner that radiates
power.’ Chambers UK Crime (2015)

‘Her enormous experience of high-profile cases is always invaluable. Her advice is on point,
practical and of the highest quality. She is excellent to work with.’

Recent Cases

Crown offers no evidence against Gene Gallagher. Eleanor Laws QC instructed for the
defence.

Eleanor Laws QC was instruct to represented Gene Gallagher who was facing public order
offences. After several days negotiation at the start of the trial, the prosecution offered no
evidence against him.The case was widely reported in the media and can be...

R v R (2021)

Eleanor Laws QC successfully represented a man Charged with strangling his wife during the
period of a break down in their marriage.

R v S (2021)

Eleanor Laws QC secures the acquittal of a young man charged with Rape at Bristol Crown
Court.

R v X (2021)

Eleanor Laws QC successfully represented a young man charged with serious offences dating
back to when he was aged 11-13 years of age.Eleanor Laws QC was instructed by Ed Smyth of
Kingsley Napley.
 R v A (2021)

Eleanor Laws QC was instructed to represented a young man with autism for multiple computer
mis use offences and blackmail. Careful preparation of the mitigation bundle led to a
substantial reduction in A’s sentence.Counsel was instructed by Ben Bra...

Eleanor Laws QC successfully defends Newcastle University Student accused of rape

Eleanor Laws QC defended a Newcastle University student accused of raping a fellow student in
student accommodation. The allegation took 3 years to be tried and the accused was acquitted
on Tuesday 13th April 2021.Eleanor was instructed by Paul Morris a...

News

Eleanor Laws QC and Orla Daly defend Manchester City Footballer, Benjamin Mendy

10.8.2022
Today, a trial is starting at Chester Crown Court of Manchester City footballer, Benjamin Mendy.
Eleanor Laws QC and Orla Daly (instructed by Jenny Wiltshire & Peter Csemiczky of Hickman &
Rose Solicitors) will be defending the footballer in relation to ...

Eleanor Laws QC is acting as a consultee on the Law Commission's review the trial process
for sexual offences, arising from the Government's 2021 rape review.

4.1.2022
The review is comprehensive and will address juror education, the admission of expert evidence
to deal with perceived misconceptions surrounding sexual offences, evidence relating to a
complainant’s sexual history & the use of special measures in co...

Eleanor Laws QC successfully defends Newcastle University Student accused of rape

13.4.2021
Eleanor Laws QC defended a Newcastle University student accused of raping a fellow student in
student accommodation. The allegation took 3 years to be tried and the accused was acquitted
on Tuesday 13th April 2021.Eleanor was instructed by Paul Morris a...

Eleanor Laws QC Awarded Crime Silk of the year by Chambers & Partners

20.11.2020
Congratulations to Eleanor Laws QC who won Crime Silk of the Year at the annual Chambers
and Partners awards which took place on the 19th November.Eleanor has a diverse practice
which includes heavyweight and high profile crime. She regularly represents ...

The libel case brought by Johnny Depp closes today. Eleanor Laws QC represents Mr Depp.

28.7.2020
Tuesday 28th July marks the final day of Johnny Depp's libel action against The Sun's publishers,
News Group Newspapers and the Sun's executive editor.Johnny Depp's team make their final
 News Group Newspapers and the Sun's executive editor.Johnny Depp's team make their final
arguments in the case against NGN over an article labelling him a "w...

Eleanor Laws QC represents Johnny Depp in his civil action against News Group Newspapers
and the Sun's executive editor.

7.7.2020
Eleanor Laws QC is representing Johnny Depp in his libel action against News Group
Newspapers and the Sun’s executive editor, Dan Wootton, over an article published in 2018 that
referred to the film star as a “wife beater”. The trial be...

Articles

The Science of Memory and Admissibility of Expert Memory Evidence

16.5.2019
On the 16th May Eleanor Laws QC and Dr Julia Shaw presented a seminar exploring memories
as evidence in legal proceedings.Dr Shaw discussed the science behind false memories, self-
deception and how our memory system really works, with consideration given ...

"Incompetent Competency Hearings" - Counsel Magazine (2014)

1.2.2014
Eleanor Laws QC considers the case ofR v F in the context of the changes in the way that courts
are dealing with vulnerable witnesses.

CBA Lecture on Recovered Memory - (2013)

6.7.2013
Eleanor Laws QC delivered a lecture to the CBA in June 2013 on the admissibility of expert
evidence on recovered memory in criminal trials.