John Burke

John represents clients in a broad range of criminal and regulatory matters, including:

• Serious indictable offences (e.g. violence, sexual offences, fraud, drugs)

• General criminal matters (motoring, public order, theft, assault)

• Appeals (Criminal Appeal Court, case reviews)

• Regulatory prosecutions (health & safety, licensing, environmental, professional regulation)

• Applications & interlocutory matters (bail, disclosure, admissibility)

• Licensing and regulatory tribunal work

John Burke has over many years’ experience defending individuals in serious criminal proceedings, combining tactical insight with rigorous legal analysis. He is committed to strong client advocacy from first instruction to final appeal.

Practice & Expertise

• Frequently instructed in complex, multi-defendant trials and high-value cases

• Experienced in both leading and unled roles, navigating issues of evidence, disclosure, and procedural challenges

• Skilled in preparing skeletal arguments, witness cross-examination, sentencing submissions, and legal argument at trial

• Handles appeals and case reviews, bringing deep knowledge of criminal law, procedural rules, and jurisprudence

Regulatory & Licensing Work

• Represents professionals and individuals in regulatory prosecutions, including licensing, environmental and health & safety matters

• Advises on compliance strategies, defences, and mitigation in regulatory investigations

Interim & Procedural Applications

• Proficient in making and responding to applications for bail, variation of bail, disclosure, admission of evidence, quashing refusal of return, etc.

• Strong command of interlocutory hearings, case management and procedural rules

Approach & Reputation

• Known for being responsive to clients and maintaining clarity around risk, strategy, and cost

• Delivers realistic assessments and guides clients through both tactical and legal choices

• Works collaboratively with instructing solicitors and other professionals to assemble robust cases

• 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.