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Practice areas

Criminal Law
Civil Law
Business Crime

Colin McCarraher

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Year of Call: 1990
"Colin is an experienced and fearless advocate who fights with passion for his clients.

"He always gets fantastic results and is a pleasure to work with."

– Instructing solicitor

''A focused and fearless advocate, who delivers proven expertise in every case, gaining the confidence of solicitors and the trust of clients.''

– Instructing solicitor

"Colin understands that the Solicitor is the client. He takes instructions and does not run roughshod over the case. He is as safe a pair of hands as exists and instils confidence in the highest maintenance of Defendants. Colin comes highly recommended by us."

– Instructing solicitor

"Colin McCarraher is a seasoned senior barrister renowned for delivering exceptional legal expertise and securing outstanding results. With a commanding courtroom presence and razor-sharp advocacy, he crafts persuasive arguments that captivate judges and juries alike. He has the ability to skilfully manage even the most difficult and demanding clients. Colin combines strategic brilliance with unwavering dedication, earning trust and achieving the outcomes that matter most."

– Instructing solicitor

Colin McCarraher was the founding Head of Chambers at Church Court and has practised independently for over 30 years. As a founding member he was responsible for setting the prevailing ethos of chambers with the emphasis on professionalism, independence and the relentless commitment to achieving the best outcomes for all clients.  He is widely recognised for his determined, fluent advocacy and a proven track record of success in cases of all sizes across the country.

Colin has extensive experience in all areas of criminal law, both prosecuting and defending, with particular expertise in serious and complex crime. His practice covers banking fraud, organised crime, corruption, money laundering, and proceeds of crime, as well as human trafficking, child abduction, and serious sexual offences.

As leading junior counsel, Colin has recently defended in cases involving a £9 million drug supply conspiracy, murder, major drug trafficking, and contract killing. He represented the Balcombe anti-fracking protesters and continues to advise individuals engaged in civil disobedience campaigns.

Colin is a qualified International Commercial Arbitrator and fluent in Russian.

He is also registered as a Direct Access Barrister.

Notable Cases

  • R v S [2025]

    Defence £6 million conspiracy to supply Ketamine.

  • R v J [2025]

    Defence pervert course justice conspiracy after murder and disguising crime scene.

  • R v B [2025]

    Defence kidnap and section 18 conspiracy.

  • R v N [2025]

    Defence Rapes.

  • R v B [2025]

    Defence Violent Disorder.

  • R v F [2025]

    Defence Rapes.

  • R v H [2025]

    Defence major conspiracy to supply Class A.

  • R v H [2024]

    Defence illegal supply to HMP using drones.

  • R v W [2024]

    Defence illegal supply to HMP using drones.

  • R v H [2024]

    Defence major conspiracy to supply/produce Class B.

  • R v M [2024]

    Defence conspiracy unlawful importation of tobacco worth millions – 9 week trial.

  • R v H [2024]

    Defence serious sexual offending on male prosecuted by a Kings Counsel.

  • R v N [2024]

    Defence conspiracy aggravated burglary involving attacks on cannabis factories and 2 murders with crossbows/swords.

  • R -v- Ian Hersey [1998] Crim.L.R.281 CA.

    This is the leading authority on voice identification and the first case in England and Wales to rely solely on voice identification using sophisticated auditory techniques without any further supporting evidence. It broke new ground at the time and resulted in a new area of forensic expertise.

  • R -v- Lynsey (Jonathan Simon) [1995] 3 All ER 654

    This case resulted in the CA deciding that for the purposes of the Criminal Justice Act 1988 Common Assault was to be construed as including Battery. It involved tracing the entire history of the law relating to violence and is used today for statutory construction.

Memberships

Chartered Institute of Arbitrators

Education

Lincoln’s Inn (Hardwicke Scholar). Call 1990

King’s Inns Dublin. Bachelor of Law

University of Cambridge. MA Law

Civil Service Commission Interpreter : Russian