Senior Solicitor
Tutored by Professor Brian Hogan (co-author of Smith and Hogan’s Criminal Law) at Leeds University, Steven Barker started his career as a commercial litigator and criminal defence lawyer. He began to specialise in serious fraud and business crime after forming the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) in the late 80s.
Steven’s previous positions at the firm include partner and Compliance Officer for Legal Practice (COLP).
LLB (Hons), Leeds University
Dip in European Integration, University of Amsterdam
Solicitor of England & Wales (admitted 1986)
Expertise
Articles
Footballer Rohan Ince cleared by jury – February 2017
The Future of Digital Identity – September 2016
Advisory
Steven Barker’s advisory work includes advising individuals and businesses of their regulatory, professional, and legal obligations and assisting them in preparing plans, policies and procedures for compliance purposes and for the prevention of disputes. Steven is the author of our own anti-money laundering and anti-bribery and corruption plans and policies and other professional risk awareness documentation.
Criminal and regulatory
Criminal and regulatory work includes representing clients who have been investigated and/or prosecuted by the SFO, the National Crime Agency, HMRC, the Financial Conduct Authority, the UK Border Agency, the Ministry of Defence Police, Special Branch, Transport for London, Royal Mail, Ofcom, the Health and Safety Executive and various Crown Prosecution Services and more lately, private prosecutors.
Media
Media work includes retention in the MPs’ expenses exposé and assisting in the preparation of protocols for undercover journalism. Due to his experience of high-profile cases, Steven has attracted the instructions of well-known personalities from the music and entertainment industry and has advised the journalists and editors of three national newspapers.
Serious fraud
Serious fraud work includes early cases such as the high profile prosecution of directors in the Levitt Group of Companies and subsequent extradition proceedings (which at the time earnt Steven and the firm a Legal 500 profile and membership of the inaugural Serious Fraud VHCC Panel). Recent instructions include SFO bribery and corruption investigations into substantial international organisations and advising a national newspaper in respect of corruption in football trials in Birmingham and London.
Sports
Sports work includes representing national and international sportsmen across a variety of sports including football, rugby and horseracing in cases attracting worldwide media attention.
Testimonials
Please click the following link to Steven Barker’s testimonials.