James Dennison is a highly specialized criminal barrister and confiscation expert based in London, recognized by the Court of Appeal for his deep expertise in proceeds of crime and asset recovery. With a career spanning over three decades since his call to the Bar in 1986, he stands out as a leading authority in complex financial crime matters, regularly handling high-stakes cases for major UK prosecution agencies and international governments.
His practice is distinguished by a forensic, results-driven approach, combining extensive courtroom advocacy with strategic advisory services. He is routinely instructed on Level 4 cases by the Crown Prosecution Service and holds a Grade “A” prosecutor status with the Serious Fraud Office. With over 75 reported cases and authorship in seminal legal texts, he is particularly sought after by prosecuting bodies, enforcement agencies, overseas governments, and court-appointed receivers for his ability to navigate multi-jurisdictional asset tracing and recovery.
Services Offered
- Criminal defence lawyer
- Confiscation proceedings and hearings
- Restraint orders
- Asset forfeiture and recovery
- Enforcement of confiscation orders
- Receivership applications and management
- Money laundering defence and prosecution
- Major fraud trials (including tax, MTIC, Ponzi, mortgage fraud)
- Drug trafficking cases
- Serious violence and sexual abuse cases
- International asset recovery and repatriation
- Civil litigation in restraint and receivership matters
- Judicial reviews and appeals
- Contempt proceedings and enforcement of default sentences
- Cash seizure cases
- Regulatory prosecutions (trademark offences, animal welfare breaches)
- Legal professional privilege (LPP) counsel services
- Drafting letters of request for international assistance
- Advising on cross-border tax and property issues
- Means enquiries and variation applications
He serves clients across England and Wales and frequently acts on behalf of foreign jurisdictions including the United States, South Africa, Spain, France, Greece, and Australia. Fluent in handling cases with international dimensions, he has provided judicial training in the Eastern Caribbean and collaborates with agencies such as the National Crime Agency, HM Revenue and Customs, and various international law enforcement bodies.
