Robert Newcombe is a highly regarded barrister with nearly three decades of experience and a leading reputation in criminal advocacy.
Since being called to the Bar in 1996, he has developed a formidable, multi-disciplinary practice spanning serious and complex crime, regulatory law, and financial crime. He is frequently instructed as leading junior counsel in high-stakes cases involving multiple homicides, large-scale drug importations, major fraud conspiracies, cybercrime, and significant regulatory matters.
Known for his meticulous attention to detail, strategic insight, and grounded manner, Robert is consistently sought after for the most challenging and sensitive cases. He has extensive experience cross-examining expert witnesses across a broad spectrum of disciplines, including DNA analysis, forensic accountancy, computer forensics, financial services, pathology, firearms and ballistics, telephony, and neuroradiology. He is adept at mastering specialist material, exposing flawed assumptions, and presenting complex evidence to juries with clarity and precision.
Robert recently secured an acquittal in a nine-month, nine-defendant pension-investment conspiracy-to-defraud trial, acting as leading junior counsel. His cross-examination of the officer in charge was described by co-defending counsel as “a masterclass in advocacy.”
His practice also encompasses financial regulation, corporate governance, and fiduciary duties. Robert has significant experience in covert policing law and safeguards. Notably, he acted in a complex abuse-of-process hearing involving allegations made by a CHIS (“XY”) against his police handler, successfully obtaining an order for disclosure of the CHIS’s identity and conducting the subsequent voir dire cross-examination.
Robert holds the CFA UK Society’s Investment Management Certificate (IMC, 2022) and serves as a Non-Executive Director and Chairman on several company boards, including more than a decade with FCA-authorised advisory and fund-management firms. His board work includes service on Supervisory Boards, Investment Committees, Remuneration Committees, and Audit Committees. He also chairs a small charity with broad charitable objectives.
Regularly quoted in the press on financial and legal matters, Robert has written for Fraud Intelligence, Regulatory Intelligence, and the Quarterly Journal of Forestry. In 2023, he was admitted to the Freedom of the City of London.
