Practice Overview
Ian Whitehurst is a nationally recognised Leading Junior with an exceptional cross-disciplinary practice spanning complex crime, international arbitration, regulatory law, and public international law. Ranked in Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 across multiple areas, Ian is known for his strategic acuity, meticulous preparation, and commanding courtroom advocacy.
With over 30 years’ experience, Ian acts in some of the UK’s most significant serious and organised crime trials, high-value financial investigations, and international matters involving cross-border fraud, cybercrime, asset recovery, and state accountability. He is regularly instructed in proceedings involving novel points of law, high public interest, and multi-jurisdictional complexity.
His practice also includes acting as counsel and arbitrator in international commercial and sports disputes, alongside a portfolio of public appointments in regulatory enforcement and disciplinary law.
Recent Highlights:
- Defence counsel in a £2.9 billion drug importation trial involving encrypted communications and international law enforcement.
- Lead counsel in a £100 million cross-border laundering case with Middle Eastern connections.
- Pre-charge advisory to professionals in high-profile SFO and HMRC investigations.
- Defending in High Court contempt proceedings concerning breach of a £23 million freezing order.
- Prosecution of fatal corporate health and safety breach involving national plc.
- Strategic advisory in a £44 million land fraud in the Caribbean.
- Counsel in safeguarding and disciplinary proceedings for religious and educational institutions.
Awards:
- Pro Bono Recognition List for England & Wales (2024)
- Nominated for Criminal & Extradition Junior of the Year at Legal 500 Awards (2023)
- Merseyside Chief Constable Award
