Courtenay Griffiths
KC
Criminal defence work emphasis is on terrorism and murder, some of the most note-worthy cases being; The PC Blakelock murder trial, The Brighton Bombing, The Harrods Bombing, The Canary Wharf Bombing, The Risley Riot, The Dartmoor Riot, The Damilola Taylor murder trial.
Amongst the most sought after of International Criminal law specialists, providing representation in trials of genocide, crimes against humanity and other war crimes before international, internationalised and national courts. He is particularly noted for his work in the recent landmark case in The Hague defending the former president of Liberia, Charles Taylor. Of his cross-examination of supermodel, Naomi Campbell, the London Evening Standard remarked, under the headline: “Forget Naomi Campbell Real Star of Charles Taylor trial is Griffiths Q.C”, “Courtenay Griffiths Q.C. grabbed their attention with his flamboyant style, tenacious questioning and deadpan quotes.”
Courtenay provides advice and representation in foreign jurisdictions on international arbitration matters concerning money laundering and other international commercially related crime. He has been involved in domestic serious fraud work for many years representing both individual and corporate clients. He can advise at first instance on extradition matters and mutual legal assistance.
Courtenay has committed much of his over thirty years in practice to civil liberties work and has unique experience in the application of the European Convention of Human Rights. He is developing a keen interest in international commercial mediation, particularly in Africa, where he can deploy his profile and his legal and political connections to the advantage of his clients.
Inquest experience includes challenging the decisions of the Coroner in the High Court.
Public and Administrative law experience including making legal challenges to the decisions of a wide range of public authorities, The case of Johnson, Davis, Rowe, Goswell v Commissioner of Police for the Metropolis was for a while the highest award of damages made by a jury against a police force.
Associated Work
Recorder of the Crown Court 1999-2014
Appointed Bencher of Grays Inn
Former Head of Chambers at Garden Court Chambers
Chairman of Urban synergy - mentoring charity based in south London
Lectures extensively on all aspects of criminal law, and is regularly approached by the media to comment on all issues relating to the law
Senior Advocacy Trainer Grays Inn
Professional Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
Member of the Seychelles Bar
Member of the Bermuda Bar
Proceeds of Crime Lawyers Association (POCLA)
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
Fraud Lawyers Association (FLA)
Financial Services Lawyers Association (FSLA)
Member of The Turks and Caicos Bar
What they say about Courtenay Griffiths KC
“Charismatic with juries and holds their attention throughout.”
— Chambers UK 2020
“Instructed in Africa-related ICC matters.”
— Legal 500 2018
“He’s a fantastic advocate who’s done a lot of international cases.”
— Chambers UK 2019
“A very experienced and excellent barrister who is ‘a trailblazer’. He is engaging and inspires confidence in clients.”
— Chambers UK 2019
“He has a track record of murder cases at the [Old] Bailey.”
— Legal 500 2018
“Well known for his beautiful closing speeches.”
— Chambers UK 2018
“He is a wonderful advocate who brings a touch of class to a case.”
— Chambers UK 2018
“A very attractive, understated advocate.”
— Chambers UK 2018