Described by The Times in 2005 as a "high-flyer" amongst newly appointed QC's, Nicholas has gone on to cement his reputation as a highly effective advocate. Ranked by Chambers and Partners in fraud Nicholas is said to get “…a grasp of a large complicated case quickly, is very personable with clients and is always hands-on when it comes to preparation."
The majority of Nicholas' work is criminal or regulatory based, particularly in the area of complex fraud and commercial crime, and he specialises in prosecuting and defending complex and serious cases. Instructed by the Serious Fraud Office, the Financial Services Authority, CPS HQ, the OFT, the Department for Business and leading defence firms, Nicholas is recognised to be at the forefront of advocates working in the field of complex fraud, commercial crime and regulatory litigation. Nicholas' business crime practice has an emphasis on complex fraud, market abuse, money laundering (including offshore transactions), cartel offences and corruption.
Prior to appointment to silk, Nicholas was shadow Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court.
With very considerable trial experience Nicholas is known for his meticulous preparation and his authoritative and incisive advocacy in both the civil and criminal arena.
Key cases
R v Littlewood and others. An on-going investigation/prosecution of alleged insider dealing offences. One of the first and so far the largest of recent insider dealing cases brought by the FSA Nicholas is leading counsel for the FSA.
R v Roshan Hussain (Operation Inertia). An alleged MTIC fraud in which Nicholas is instructed to defend one of the principal defendants. The fraud is said to be the largest and most complex of its type.
R v Potts and others (PPP) £150 million"buy-to-let" fraud. Prosecuted to conviction in January 2009 five directors of a property investment company which collapsed having fraudulently attracted £150 million in investment. Instructed by the SFO.
Lynette White Investigation (from 2005): leading counsel to the ongoing investigation into the wrongful conviction of the "Cardiff 3" for the murder of Lynette White. Currently leading the prosecution team in the forthcoming trial of 14 individuals charged with offences relating to the perversion of public justice. Instructed by CPS HQ.
R v Taylor (2005): the subject of a television documentary, dubbed the "biggest fraud in the world" - Nicholas secured the dismissal of all the charges faced by his lay client.
R v Brown (2004): SFO prosecution of the former chairman of Chesterfield Football Club for fraudulent trading – a fraud which led to the bankrupting of the club.
Operation Tetley (2001- 2003): a Jersey based investigation into “commission” payments by defence contactors.
Significant Reported Cases
R v Threapleton (2002) Cr. App. R (S) 46
Nwabudike v Southwark LBC [1997] ELR 35
Peach Grey v Sommers [1995] 2 All E.R. 513
Publications
Cartel Offences in the Enterprise Act 2002. New Law Journal June 2003
Contact Nicholas Dean QC
Phone: +44 (0) 20 7242 3555
Fax: +44 (0) 20 7242 2511
Email: clerks@7br.co.uk