Adam Butler
Adam is instructed across the full spectrum of criminal law, with particular expertise in homicide, serious violence, sexual offences, organised crime, drug importation, and complex fraud and money laundering.
He has extensive experience representing clients accused of the most serious criminal offences, including homicide, large-scale drug trafficking, fraud, serious violence, and kidnap. Regularly instructed in high-profile and legally challenging cases, Adam is recognised for his ability to navigate matters involving significant factual, evidential, and legal complexity.
Whether instructed as leading junior, led junior, or sole counsel, Adam has built a strong reputation for his work in cases of exceptional seriousness and complexity. He is known for his meticulous preparation, strategic approach, and persuasive advocacy, combining rigorous legal analysis with effective courtroom advocacy. Equally adept at advancing sophisticated legal arguments and conducting sensitive yet incisive cross-examination, he consistently delivers effective representation in the most demanding criminal proceedings.
Specialist Areas
Cases
Criminal Defence
R v A – A high-profile conspiracy to murder involving an organised crime group (with previous involvement in international art thefts) targeting a high profile former criminal. The case involved a cut-throat defence, and substantial observation, video and telephone evidence.
R v C – Defending in a multi-handed murder at Winchester CC involving a cut-throat between the defendants, extensive cell-site and CCTV material. Additionally complicated aspects of both hearsay and bad character between parties arose.
R v DK – Conspiracy to supply over 10KG cocaine , involving a lengthy period of observation evidence, cellsite, telephone analysis and banking material. PII issues and defence applications regarding public access to trial were features.
R v CA – Defending in the facilitation of sexual activity with a child, involving the actions of an undercover officer, and comparisons between the UCO’s evidence and the chronology extracted from the telephone downloads.
R v R – Death by dangerous driving.
R v J – Acquittal secured in a s18 GBH involving rival groups of the travelling community and serious failures in the disclosure/investigation process.
R v A – Acquittal in “honour-based” kidnap/false imprisonment.
R v B – Acquittal secured in allegations of sexual offences (including rape) against children, involving both recent and “historic” matters, and with vulnerable witnesses.
R v B – Acquittal acting as a leading junior in a sex trafficking matter involving numerous defendants and multiple complainants.
Fraud and Financial Crime
R v C – Fraud involving impersonation of multinational investment companies in order to purchase properties for immediate re-sale.
R v D – A series of frauds and money-laundering matters which included allegations of fraudulent conduct undertaken whilst on trial at the Old Bailey for the original frauds.
Professional Memberships
- Criminal Bar Association
Awards, Qualifications & Other
- Grade 2 CPS Counsel
- LLB Manchester University
- Hardwicke Scholar – Lincoln’s Inn
Direct Access
Adam Butler is qualified to accept instructions directly from clients and is registered under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme, meaning that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come directly to him. In addition, he welcomes instructions from solicitors, in-house law departments, qualified foreign lawyers, and clients licensed by the Bar Council to give instructions directly to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme. For more information please visit our Direct Access page here.