Piers Desser

“The consummate criminal lawyer.” (Legal 500)

With two decades of experience specialising in serious and complex crime, Piers is instructed in all aspects of criminal procedure.  He provides unparalleled litigation advice in Crown Court matters and places a high priority on protecting his clients’ interests and reputation. He brings a robust and strategically astute approach to criminal litigation, alleviating the pressure felt by clients facing action by the authorities.

Specialising in resisting allegations at the investigation stage, he takes a forensic approach to building the strongest possible defence. Cases involving novel and challenging aspects of law frequently lead to instructions and referrals from professionals, corporate organisations and high-profile clients.

 “Piers Desser is unflappable and his long experience in the sector is evident. He creates a safe and supportive environment for clients, and always identifies the key issues in a case. His client care is second to none.” (Legal 500)

 Investigations

Piers provides dedicated advice and representation to clients facing investigation by nationwide police forces, enforcement authorities and regulatory bodies. The interview-under-caution is a critical stage in criminal proceedings and Piers assists those accused of unlawful conduct to strategically navigate the pressures exerted by investigators.

His clients have included senior government officials, politicians and people in the public eye, regularly achieving no further action decisions and diversion from prosecution with the clear objectives being crisis and reputation management.

 “An excellent tactician.” (Legal 500)

Serious and Complex Crime

Serious Crown Court matters lie at the heart of Piers’ practice and his experience in litigating in major trials is exceptional. Routinely handling cases at the Central Criminal Court (Old Bailey), his expertise in efficiently and sensitively preparing clients to face a jury sets him apart.

 International and Cross Border

In matters with an international dimension, Piers has represented clients in high-profile extradition proceedings and he possesses a particular specialism in diplomatic immunity when representing national governments and senior officials.

Having acted in the very first prosecution brought under the National Security Act 2023, Piers has been involved in cases requiring the utmost sensitivity and with the highest media exposure, with international ramifications.

 “A shrewd negotiator with a fine eye for detail.” (Legal 500)

 Financial and Corporate Crime

A large proportion of Piers’ practice involves a wide variety of financial and white-collar crime, which includes large-scale fraud, Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 proceedings, cash seizure and Account Freezing and Forfeiture Orders.

Piers advises company directors, large corporations and multi-nationals on potential liability, routinely opposing the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) and HMRC.

His experience includes defending insider trading allegations brought by the FCA, one of the largest banking frauds in history which resulted in losses of billions of USD to a national bank, and the largest VAT fraud scheme prosecuted by HMRC.

 Appeals

Piers maintains a busy appellate practice, regularly taking matters to the Court of Appeal Criminal Division.  He has also handled cases which have reached the Supreme Court and cited in the Crown Court Compendium. Piers frequently advises clients seeking a second opinion after conviction and sentence.

 “Stand-out……he anticipates the next steps and has already begun working on issues before you have highlighted them.” (Legal 500)

 Regulatory

In addition to his routine practice, Piers receives instructions from professionals and companies in relation to disciplinary action taken by bodies such as the FCA and the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), whilst also defending in prosecutions brought by London borough councils, the Health and Safety Executive and the Environment Agency.

Piers is a committee member of the London Criminal Courts Solicitors’ Association and editor of its official journal, The London Advocate.