James House QC
Year of call
1995
Silk
2015
Instructing James House QC
For more information please contact our clerks by calling +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
James House QC has a national practice prosecuting and defending in high profile, serious criminal cases and is ranked by the Legal 500 and Chambers UK Bar as a leading Silk in crime.
Renowned for his approachable nature and meticulous attention to detail. James is frequently instructed in complex, multi-handed murder cases, manslaughter cases, including legally and factually challenging allegations of gross negligence, as well as high value fraud and drugs importation cases and serious sexual offences, often involving very young or particularly vulnerable witnesses or defendants.
James has specialist knowledge and experience in cases involving death by arson and is particularly in demand in cases involving defendants or witnesses who by reason of age or physical or psychiatric conditions are particularly vulnerable.
James has a successful appellate practice in the Court of Appeal.
Legal Expertise
Crime
Crime
James is regarded as an exceptional advocate, renowned for his patience and outstanding client and witness handling skills, combined with a compelling manner before a jury.
His practice encompasses all aspects of criminal law, including murder, manslaughter, high value fraud and drugs operations/importations as well as sexual offenses, including rape, child abuse and historic multi-complainant/defendant allegations.
James has extensive experience and expertise in cases involving death by arson as well has undertaking legally and factually complex cases of gross negligence manslaughter involving the medical profession or health and safety violations.
His frequent and repeated instruction in many high-profile cases is testimony to the high regard in which he is held by both prosecution and defence solicitors.
Notable Crime cases
R v N & others (2020) Warwick CC
James' client was unanimously acquitted of all charges in a gang-related murder. The case was reported by the BBC.
View case >R v Adison Smith (2019)
Defence in multi-handed murder allegation.
Operation Bidden (2019)
Prosecution of murder allegation involving complex bad character materials ultimately successfully added to indictment.
R v Lawrence (2019)
Defence of lady charged with murder of abusive partner.
R v Sean Doherty (2019)
Defence of vulnerable man charged with murder in a drug related dispute over alleged non-payment.
Operation Degree (2018)
Prosecution of four defendants for the kidnap, torture and murder of an elderly jewellery shop owner.
Operation Define (2018)
Prosecution of three defendants for the murder of a rival drug dealer.
R v Kai Stewart (2018)
Defence of young defendant charged with “gang related” murder against a background of rivalry on the internet concerning “drill music” and gang activity.
R v Arkan Ali (2018)
Defence of a man charged with two others with the premeditated, planned murder of five people in an explosion created by large quantities of petrol in the basement of a shop.
R v Kobe Murray (2018)
Successful acquittal in Stourbridge nightclub murder case.
R v Kobe Murray (2018)
Successful acquittal in Stourbridge nightclub murder case.
R v Garner & Stretton (2017)
Successfully prosecuted revenge killing between rival drug gangs.
Instructing James House QC
For more information please contact our clerks by calling +44 (0)20 7242 3555.
Frequently asked questions
Do you have an out of hours number?
Yes, please call Chambers mainline number +44 (0)20 7242 3555 and you will be directed to the out of hours phone lines.
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As a direct access client, please visit our direct access page and complete the initial form, a member of the clerking team will then be in touch to discuss the next steps.
Will my barrister deal with all the correspondence?
Some barristers have the ability to “conduct litigation” for direct access clients. Our clerks will be able to assist you as to which of our members are trained and accredited to do so.
How do I instruct a barrister?
Please visit our direct access page for the initial steps on instructing a barrister, or contact our clerks on +44 (0)20 7242 3555.