Maryam Syed KC

Maryam Syed KC is a highly regarded Silk with extensive experience in the most serious and high-profile cases. Appointed King’s Counsel in 2024, she has been instructed lead counsel in the most complex and demanding cases for more than 15 years.

Maryam’s practice spans criminal law, regulatory proceedings, family law, inquests and public inquiries, underpinned by a longstanding interest in international human rights law.

Her practice has encompassed some of the country’s most notable and high-profile cases. She defended in the Jill Dando murder case, prosecuted an RAF Squadron Leader for the sexual abuse of boys, defended a UKIP councillor facing fraud allegations, and prosecuted a bishop of a large church for serious sexual offences. Her experience in both prosecuting and defending gives Maryam a balanced perspective and informed strategic decision making in every case.

Frequently instructed pre-charge, Maryam advises both prosecution and defence teams on evidential sufficiency, charging decisions, potential defences and strategic representations. She is regularly instructed on a private basis in cases where reputational damage is as significant as the risk to liberty or livelihood, providing pragmatic advice from the earliest stages of an investigation.

Maryam has particular expertise in homicide and fatality cases, terrorism, complex multi-handed organised crime, child sexual abuse, rape (including historic allegations), and domestic abuse. She is a Grade 4 Prosecutor and a member of both the CPS Rape and Serious Crime Panels.

Renowned for her fearless advocacy, Maryam is recognised for her exceptional ability to communicate with and persuade judges and juries alike. She is frequently instructed in cases involving vulnerable defendants and witnesses, including those with physical or mental health conditions, where her sensitivity and clarity of approach are particularly valued.

Alongside her advocacy, Maryam has delivered training and led conferences for the police, the Crown Prosecution Service, local authorities and non-governmental organisations on criminal law, trial practice, procedure and effective case preparation. She is also a regular contributor to legal journals and the wider media, commenting on legal issues, diversity and the justice system.

Fluent in Urdu, Hindi and Punjabi, Maryam is particularly well placed to represent clients involved in cases concerning religiously or racially aggravated offending and matters involving cultural or linguistic sensitivities.

In addition to her practice at the Bar, Maryam has sat as a Crown Court Judge since 2012 and is authorised to hear the most serious criminal cases, including rape and other serious sexual offences, as well as appeals.

She was appointed as Family Court Judge in 2024 and is authorised to sit in both Family and Public Law cases. She is also a member of the Attorney General’s Silk list.

Since February 2020, Maryam has served as a founding member of the HMCTS/Judiciary/Key Stakeholders Working Group on Youth Justice, contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of youth justice policy and practice.