Simon Kealey KC is an extremely popular and personable advocate who enjoys a busy practice concentrating on criminal and regulatory law.

Simon’s area of expertise extends across the range of the most serious cases from homicide to terrorism, serious fraud, sexual offences and accidents at work. His homicide practice ranges from multi defendant gangland murders to cases involving complex medical evidence and gross negligence manslaughter (including accidents at work); His serious fraud work includes trials involving HMRC and government departments as well as complex confiscation hearings. Simon has extensive experience of undertaking sexual offences trials as well as experience in undertaking terrorist trials.

His recent cases include gangland murders in both Sheffield and Manchester, a complex murder involving infanticide and representing a Kurdish man accused of plotting to bomb Christmas markets.

Those instructing him describe him as ‘absolutely meticulous’, ‘thorough calm and persuasive’ and the ‘a top player in silk’.

Simon also undertakes private cases both at trial and on appeal post-conviction, particularly involving allegations of sexual misconduct.

Notable Cases

Notable Cases

  • R v Star

    Defendant charged with preparing acts of terrorism involving the use of explosives in a driverless car.

  • R v Butlin

    Defendant charged with a firearms conspiracy following the shooting by police of a man on M62

  • R v Matthews & Donovan

    Acting for the prosecution as Junior to Julian Goose KC in the case concerning the kidnap of the 9-year old Shannon Matthews by her mother Karen.

  • R v Skidmore

    Highly unusual case involving conspiracy to prevent a lawful burial by two undertakers. The only modern reported case in this area cited in Archbold and raises important issues about the scope of the offence.

  • R v Roddis

    Defendant previously convicted of terrorist offences charged with further offences involving the possession of explosives.

  • R v Hepworth

    Acted for Prosecution in triple death by dangerous case.

Notable Cases

  • R v Ayub & Others

    Leading counsel in a multi handed conspiracy to defraud the Legal Aid Agency by a firm of Solicitors in Bradford.

  • Operation Oldham

    Leading counsel in multi handed conspiracy to defraud the Government of monies obtained by grants to fund a Bradford Free School.

  • R v Ul Haq & Others

    Lead advocate in multi handed people trafficking trial.

  • R v Hussain & Others

    Acted for lead Defendant in multi handed people trafficking & fraud trial.

  • Operation Jamesford

    International fraud and money laundering trial involving ‘cuckoo smurfing’ to transfer money out of the UK.

  • R v Ali

    Commercial fraud involving £10m land transfers.

Notable Cases

Notable Cases

  • R v Howarth

    Historic sexual allegations within the family.

  • R v Cunningham

    Appeal against conviction and sentence for multiple sexual offences.

  • R v Mills

    HGV driver charged with death by dangerous driving where potential issue over state of vehicle & funded by employer’s insurance. Negotiated plea with prosecution to offence of death by careless driving.

  • R v Vaughan

    Senior NHS manager charged with historic child sex offences & child cruelty. After trial, defendant was acquitted of all charges save one.

  • Infanticide Reconsidered
  • SGC Guidelines for Sexual Offences
  • Bad Character Update
  • Rape: Preparing the case for trial

"Simon Kealey was well prepared, knew the case inside out and has an advocacy style that appeals to a jury." "He is a strong, capable advocate."
Chambers and Partners 2024

"Simon is an impressive and polished advocate."
Chambers & Partners 2023

"He is able to present complex issues effectively and persuasively with a confidence achieved through solid preparation and mastery of the evidence."
Chambers & Partners 2023

"A respected practitioner who is highly regarded for his advocacy in serious criminal cases. He is especially familiar with cases involving drugs conspiracy and people trafficking."
Chambers & Partners 2022

"Simon prepares thoroughly, and has a manner that puts the clients and their families at ease. His advocacy is of the highest standard, commanding respect from opponents and the judiciary."
Legal 500 2022

"Respected and liked by the judiciary."
Chambers & Partners 2021 (Crime)

"He is absolutely meticulous and really gets his points across."
Chambers & Partners 2020 (Crime)

"Very hard working and a great barrister."
Legal 500 2019 (Crime)

"Respected practitioner who is highly regarded for his advocacy in serious criminal cases. He is especially familiar with cases involving drugs conspiracy and people trafficking."
Chambers & Partners 2019

"He will be a top player in silk - he is the complete package."
Chambers & Partners 2019

"A very thorough, calm and persuasive advocate."
Chambers & Partners 2019

"His practice includes multi-defendant heavyweight criminal cases."
Legal 500 2018

Practice Areas

Appointments & Memberships

  • Recorder (2012)
  • Criminal Bar Association
  • North Eastern Circuit

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