Practice Profile

Professional Endorsements

"A consummate silk, who builds good relationships with clients.’" 2017 Legal 500

"A formidable and very astute advocate." 2017 Legal 500

"A very thorough yet approachable advocate, who gets on well with clients" 2016 Legal 500

"Provides impartial, professional and realistic advice" 2015 Legal 500

"Highly regarded for his expertise in complex fraud cases" 2014 Legal 500

"Very good at cross-examining medical experts" 2013 Legal 500

"Never fails to get the ear of the court" 2012 Legal 500

"Clients also recommend Simon Bickler QC who took silk in early 2011" 2011 Legal 500

"Simon Bickler is noted for his expertise in child cases involving non-accidental injury" 2010 Legal 500

"A highly persuasive advocate". 2009 Legal 500

"Very impressive member of St Pauls Chambers" 2008 Legal 500

"An extremely strong and persuasive advocate, exceptionally hard working and fearless in Court" 2007 Legal 500

Simon practises in fraud, serious crime regulatory work and public and private family law cases.  Simon has carved an excellent reputation for client rapport, determined advocacy and a detailed and accurate presentation of his client’s case.

Skills and description of practice

• Expert in complex care proceedings involving medical evidence and ‘shaken baby syndrome’.
• Experienced in dealing with professional clients
• Ability to cut through voluminous information and get to the issues of a case
• Particular expertise in cross-examination of financial experts and medical experts
• Business and financial experience
• Excellent negotiation skills
• Good with difficult clients
• Clear, concise and persuasive advocate in Court
• Conducted large and complex fraud trials as both leader and junior
• Defended in over 15 murder trials including two whilst in silk.

Member of the following Associations:

• Criminal Bar Association
• Family Law Bar Association
• Health and Safety Lawyers Association
• Lectures on Family Law, Criminal Law and the interplay between the two jurisdictions
• Pupil Master, who has trained new pupil masters on Circuit
• Chambers Diversity Officer

Simon has a high level of excellence expertise and experience in all areas of crime, with particular emphasis on complex fraud trials.

Simon maintains a successful fraud practice. Simon covers all areas of fraud including investment fraud, credit card fraud, VAT and revenue fraud, advance fee frauds and internet frauds. He is highly adept at managing document heavy cases and managing the involvement of professional experts.

Fraud Cases:

R v Driscoll - Southwark Crown Court - 2013

Acquittal on Film Tax Credit Fraud.  Lengthy cross examination of the Revenue's head of the film tax unit about the Corporation Tax Act 2009 and the guidelines that were issued by the Revenue.  Simon successfully found a loop-hole in the legislation and the jury acquitted the defendant of those charges.  He was later convicted on the vat fraud.  His sentence however, was very favourable.  Simon has subsequently been instructed to advise on several film tax credit frauds having established himself as a leading expert in the interplay between legislation and revenue guidelines.

R v Alvey

International car theft from Japan on a massive scale in conspiracy with Stolen Vehicle Squad Police Officers.

R v Zakeri

Complex Inland Revenue and Customs Prosecution involving four businesses over a period of six years.

R v Tojagic

Conspiracy to Cheat the Inland Revenue by fraudulently claiming rollover relief of Corporation Tax. The first case in the country using new Court room technology.

R v Spence

Defended man accused of conspiracy to defraud creditors by complex web of offshore companies.

R v Osborne

Complex international money laundering of £20 million of proceeds of Heroin supply.

R v Mitchell

Missing Trader Fraud - Lead defendant in 3 month trial.

Regulatory Breach Cases:

R v Denton

Health and Safety Executive Prosecution of firework supplier following a fatality.

R v Sayed

Consultant Urology Surgeon charged with Gross Negligent Manslaughter following death of patient on operating table.

General Crime Cases:

R v Allen

Conspiracy to Pervert Course of Justice (3 month trial). The only time that Jurors have been witnesses and cross-examined about their deliberations.

R v Moore

Importation of £20 million worth of Cocaine – trial lasted three months.

Murder Cases:

R v Latif

16 year old girl tortured and murdered, then buried.

R v Harris

Murder by shaking of an infant. Emphasis on interpretation of medical findings.

R v Hardaker

18 year old accused of attempted murder by drowning and indecent assault by buggery of two year old stepson whilst in the bath.

R v Lee

Defendant was accused of being contracted to kill an Asian man, by the daughter’s family.

Client Endorsements

“I wanted to thank you so much as I didn't have the time to properly say it. I was very happy dealing with you, it was a pleasure to have you representing me. I think you are very professional and it reflects what is said in your profile that you can work with all kind of clients. You had the patience when dealing with me. It didn’t matter what I said or wanted, you were just very kind, very ethical, professional and calm you made it very easy for me to approach you and talk to you about anything. You knew the level of stress and worry I had. I really appreciate your effort, time, assistance whilst working on my case.”

Mrs Flintham-Mclean

"You were very reassuring from the beginning. It was a tricky case with no shortage of emotional involvement and I felt your knowledge of the law was evident throughout. Your court room presence was very impressive and to your credit, you obtained me the outcome I needed."

Dr Patel

"Under pressure, you did not buckle. You are well deserved of your silk status. You have a cool head and a great manner with clients"

Mr Singh