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John Burke

Criminal Law Barrister

Qualified in 2021

John was Called to the Bar in 2021, but previously served as both a prosecutor in the United States from 2014 until 2018 when he joined the defence bar. He represented juveniles and adults in criminal cases and care proceedings. He was one of two Pegasus Scholars from the U.S. selected to study the English Legal system in 2019 and, in 2021, John became the first scholar to join the Bar of England and Wales as a barrister. John regularly prosecutes in the Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts.

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John's Biography

Areas covered
  • Crime
  • Road Traffic Cases
Background

John is accepting instructions to advise and represent clients charged with criminal offences in the magistrates’ court. His experience in this area includes drink driving, assault, stalking as well as all motoring offences.

John regularly appears in court in a variety of criminal cases defending as well as prosecuting cases as a CPS Level 1 Panel Advocate. In 2023, John was enlisted as outside counsel for His Majesty’s Crown Prosecution Service Inspectorate (HMCPSI) to review disclosure compliance by the Serious Fraud Office for a report commissioned by the Attorney General, which will be published in 2024.

John’s focus is crime as well as human rights, and he is accepting instructions in immigration and extradition casework. He is a tireless advocate who is described by clients as “exceedingly prepared for trial…highly skilled in advocacy” and “a masterful cross-examiner.” John has secured acquittals for clients in criminal cases as well as convictions for the Crown, including in cases where the Crown’s only witness became hostile by the time of trial.

In addition to being qualified in England and Wales, John is admitted to the Bar in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

John has amassed significant trial experience. He previously served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for several years before opening his own law practice defending juveniles in delinquency proceedings, adults in criminal proceedings, and families in care and protection cases against the local authority.  John was called to the Bar at Middle Temple and is also a member (ad eundem) of Inner Temple where he volunteers as a Pupils’ Advocacy Trainer.

Qualifications

  • Bar Transfer Training Course, BPP University, 2021

  • Suffolk University Law School (Juris Doctor), 2014;

  • Suffolk University (Joint Masters Public Administration & Political Science, 2009;

  • Emerson College (BA in Communications); 2001.

  • BSB Certified Barristers
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Knowledge Base

For more information on Direct Access, Criminal Law and working with our team visit our blog.

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