Mark Milliken-Smith QC
- Chair, MCC Disciplinary Panel (2021)
- England & Wales Cricket Board Cricket Discipline Commission (2018)
- Queen’s Counsel (2006)
- Recorder (2004)
- LLB Hons, University of Bristol
- Wellington College
- Direct Access Qualified
Criminal Law
- “A strong, well-respected, proper silk” Chambers UK 2022 (Crime)
- “A Silk who never fails to impress” Legal 500 2022 (Crime)
- “A highly intelligent and practical barrister who is an excellent communicator and has an easy manner.” Chambers UK 2021 (Crime)
- “Gives clear advice in a sensitive way.” Legal 500 2021 (Crime)
- “Mark is very, very experienced and really fantastic with clients. He has excellent judgement and is very good with judges, as well.” Chambers UK 2020 (Crime)
- “The consummate professional: calm under pressure, prepared and fierce in his pursuit of his clients’ objectives.” Legal 500 2019 (Crime)
- “He has a fantastic manner with clients and is very reassuring.” “He’s a go-to barrister for the really difficult cases.” Chambers UK 2019 (Crime)
- “Mark has a brilliant brain and is a barrister with an easy and polished manner who is a pleasure to watch in court.” Chambers UK 2018 (Crime)
- “A powerful guy to have on your team. He is very imposing and commands massive respect in court and with clients.” Chambers UK 2017 (Crime)
- “Hardworking, conscientious and knowledgeable, all in a user-friendly package.” Legal 500 2016 (Crime)
- “An experienced and polished performer with a considerable private practice…a very bright advocate.” Chambers UK 2016 (Crime)
- “Simply superb.” Legal 500 2015 (Crime)
- “He has great client care skills and he knows the briefs inside out immediately.” “He has a brilliant brain and he’s charming.” Chambers UK 2015 (Crime)
Financial Crime
- “Very bright and hard working” Chambers UK 2022 (Financial Crime)
- “He is really thorough, well prepared and very tactical in his approach…He is an outstanding advocate and his experience in financial crime is extensive.” Chambers UK 2021 (Financial Crime)
- “An outstanding silk.” Legal 500 2021 (Fraud: Crime)
- “A first-class performer.” Chambers UK 2020 (Financial Crime)
- “He has enormous experience of corporate and regulatory cases.” Legal 500 2020 (Business & Regulatory Crime)
- “He provides clear advice in a sensitive manner.” Legal 500 2020 (Fraud: Crime)
- “An advocate with gravitas and keen commercial sense, he can explain issues in plain terms and knows what needs to be done. He’s just exceptional.” “He has very, very good judgement.” Chambers UK 2019 (Financial Crime)
- “A very powerful advocate who is a big presence in court.” “A real intellectual who knows his papers inside out.” Chambers UK 2018 (Financial Crime)
- “He cuts through complex issues very quickly and identifies the key strategic points at an early stage. There were unique delicate political dimensions to the case we were handling, and his advice was invaluable. The client loved him as he has great interpersonal skills, and he was very popular amongst our team as he has a relaxed yet authoritative way about him.” Chambers UK 2017 (Financial Crime)
- “His real gravitas in court commands respect.” Legal 500 2016 (Fraud)
- “He has very polished client skills.” Legal 500 2016 (Fraud)
- “Great with the clients, realistic and really hard-working. His advocacy is excellent.” Chambers UK 2016 (Financial Crime)
- “On big strategy issues he is calm and assured.” Legal 500 2015 (Fraud)
- “He is utterly wonderful. He is client-friendly, hard-working and has a great track record. He is a clear favourite with us.” Chambers UK 2015 (Financial Crime)
Sports Law
- “He is a first class advocate.” Chambers UK 2022 (Sports)
- “He has an exceptional grasp of procedure and put parties at ease whilst clearly communicating his logic and his decisions.” Legal 500 2022 (Sports)
- “Recognised as an established name with an enviable record for high-profile sports cases.” Who’s Who Legal 2021 (Sports)
- “He is a thoroughly decent person to work with and an excellent advocate….He is first-class at simplifying complex matters and providing practical solutions to difficult problems.” Chambers UK 2021 (Sports)
- Stands out for his impressive advocacy skills and first rate attention to detail and client care.” Who’s Who Legal 2020 (Sports)
- “Top quality – his cross-examination is a thing of beauty.” Chambers UK 2020 (Sport)
- “Absolutely outstanding, commercially minded and sensible, with a focus particularly in the fields of rugby and cricket.” Who’s Who Legal 2019 (Sports)
- “Highly intelligent, practical, easy manner and an excellent communicator.” Chambers UK 2019 (Sport)
- He is absolutely excellent…he is extremely good with clients and he is a very persuasive advocate.” Chambers UK 2018 (Sport)
- Brilliant” in his advice and representation of clients before the disciplinary arms of sports governing bodies.” Who’s Who Legal 2017 (Sports)
- “Has great knowledge of the sports disciplinary system.” Chambers UK 2017 (Sport)
- “Highly intelligent, practical and an excellent communicator…a really good advocate.” Chambers UK 2016 (Sport)
- “Lovely to work with, consistently well prepared, and persuasive in his advocacy.” Legal 500 2015 (Sport)
- “He’s very persuasive – being a criminal lawyer really helps him in disciplinary cases because he’s used to the cut and thrust of witness handling.” Chambers UK 2015 (Sport)
Professional Discipline
- “An eminently sensible barrister.” Chambers UK 2022 (Professional Discipline)
- “A highly regarded silk…He comes across in an affable way to tribunals. He is pragmatic and very good at dealing with difficult clients.” Chambers UK 2021 (Professional Discipline)
- “A first-rate brain with gravitas.” Legal 500 2020 (Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law)
- “He has a fantastic manner with clients and he’s a great advocate.” Chambers UK 2019 (Professional Discipline)
- A genuine street-fighter and heavy-hitter.” Legal 500 2018 (Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law)
- “He works extremely hard, he has good judgement and an excellent advocacy style.” Chambers UK 2017 (Professional Discipline)
- “He’s excellent, he exudes friendliness and confidence. As a client you would know you are in safe hands. He’s a red-hot lawyer.” Chambers UK 2017 (Professional Discipline)
- “A powerful personality to have in your corner.” Legal 500 2016 (Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law)
- “A superb choice for professionals accused of dishonesty.” Chambers UK 2016 (Professional Discipline)
- “He has outstanding client care skills.” Chambers UK 2015 (Professional Discipline)
Instructing Mark Milliken-Smith QC
To instruct Mark or for any further information please contact our clerks.
Clerk: John Grimmer
Telephone: +44 (0)7776 154 664
Email: Click here
Mark Milliken-Smith QC is recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 as a ‘leading silk’ in Crime, Financial Crime, Business and Regulatory Crime (including Global Investigations), Professional Discipline and Sport.
A trial lawyer with extensive experience as advisor and advocate across a wide range of criminal, commercial and regulatory matters. Mark regularly advises corporate and individual clients nationally and internationally pre and post charge, in criminal as well as quasi-criminal matters, including bribery, corruption, money laundering, restraint, market abuse, insider dealing, match fixing and murder & manslaughter.
He has a significant and high profile sports law practice in cases before the disciplinary arms of sport governing bodies, and is a member of the England and Wales Cricket Board Cricket Discipline Commission. He acts for national governing bodies, touring international teams, and individual athletes. Mark’s practice also benefits from a substantial regulatory and disciplinary practice before, inter alia, financial services and healthcare regulators.
Mark frequently represents well known individuals including politicians, City professionals, and sports and media personalities. He has extensive experience in the field of reputation management, greatly advantaged by his specialist expertise in the sports, financial regulatory and general crime arenas. His strategic know-how and method regularly enables a speedy, unobtrusive and effective resolution.
Direct Access
Mark Milliken-Smith QC is qualified to accept instructions direct from clients under the Bar Council’s Public Access Scheme. This means that members of the public who seek specialist advice can come direct 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 direct to barristers under the Bar Council’s Licensed Access Scheme.
For further information please contact our clerks.
Practice Areas
Notable crime cases
Re X (2021)
Advising Crown as regards potential prosecutions arising out of fresh investigations into high profile historical murder.
HSE v NM (2020-21)
Defence of healthcare worker in corporate manslaughter and related HSWA breaches.
R v TC (2020)
Successfully responding to “autrefois acquit” appeal after which TC subsequently convicted of murder.
R v EM (2020)
Defence of series of murderous gang attacks.
R v AS (2019-20)
Defence of high profile cut-throat “cuckooing murder”.
R v E (2019)
Defence of secondary school Headmaster in respect of multiple allegations of sexual abuse on Reception age children.
R v O (2019)
Defence in very significant UK cocaine importation and distribution ring.
R v G & M (2018)
Prosecution in complex unlawful act manslaughter.
R v KT (2016)
Prosecuted historical baby shaking manslaughter.
R v CD (2016)
Defended in contract shooting.
R v MC (2016)
Prosecuted 1970s music mogul in respect of historic sexual abuse.
R v NC (2015)
Defended in honey trap murder of professional West End gambler.
R v AS (2015)
Defended in largest international brothel and money laundering operation in UK.
R v SZ (2014)
Represented contract killer of leader of rival Turkish drugs gang in longstanding turf war.
R v DM (2013)
Represented former MP in Parliamentary expenses fraud.
R v BW (2013)
Defended in case of serial “acquaintance” rapes over 17 years.
R v BK (2013)
Represented ringleader in Oxford child sex abuse ring.
R v AM (2012)
Represented gang leader in attempted execution resulting in accidental shooting of five year old girl.
Notable fraud cases
R v X (2020-21)
Advising multinational company in respect of corruption allegation across the Middle and Far East.
R v L & E
Acting for company directors charged with corruption arising out Grenfell Tower disaster.
R v K (2015-2018)
Advising trader at investigatory stage of DoJ/SFO/FCA enquiry into the alleged manipulation of LIBOR – ultimately the subject of a negotiated NPA in the USA.
R v X Ltd (2017)
Advising directors of company after SFO raid in respect of a potential “dividend arbitrage” fraud, arising out of the double-tax treaties in place between Denmark, the US and Malaysia.
R v B (2014-2017)
HMRC prosecution of marketed tax avoidance scheme which exploited the tax relief available in respect of losses incurred on investments in the development and pre-production of British qualifying films – fraud in excess of £100 million.
Re X (2013-2015): Advising Middle Eastern Government in respect of corruption allegations pertaining to major state owned company.
Re X (2013-2015): Advising trader in DoJ/SFO/FCA enquiry re. alleged manipulation of LIBOR.
R v KS (2014)
Defending in private prosecution arising from financial misconduct in East Africa resulting in losses of £23 million.
SFO v PJ (2013-2014)
Represented CEO of major PLC in corruption case involving bribery of company employees in Indonesia and Iraq.
SIPT v X (2013-2014)
Advising major political figure in Turks & Caicos government corruption enquiry.
R v MG (2012)
Operation Vex: MTIC case involving European, Middle East and Asian network who defrauded HMRC on “…a gigantic scale”.
Re C (2012)
Advising pre-charge re substantial excise duty and VAT fraud) – successful Div Ct challenge to validity of search warrants.
R v JM (2012)
Defended in complex “boiler room fraud”.
R v HR (2009-2012)
Operation Inertia – alleged £160m VAT fraud (Carousel/MTIC) which HMRC described as “biggest ever case of its kind”.
Notable professional discipline cases
Re X & Y (2018-20)
Advising both corporates and banks regarding alleged breaches of FCA Principles of Business.
GMC v X (2015-2016)
Advising General Practitioner re. alleged financial impropriety regarding management of practice.
FCA v X (2015-2016)
Advising trader formerly of major international bank re. alleged dishonest manipulation of the Euribor rate.
GOC v RA (2013)
Represented optometrist charged with serious malpractice.
ICAEW v X (2012)
Represented chartered accountant charged with dishonest activities relating to the FSA.
GSCC v X (2010)
Advised General Social Care Council in respect of the disciplinary proceedings against social workers arising from the tragic death of “Baby Peter”.
Notable sports law cases
ICC v AG (2021)
Pro bono representation of international cricketer and national coach before International Cricket Council. Acquitted.
Re an International Cricket Board (2020-ongoing)
Advising regarding potential corruption allegations, reputation management and rollout of training for squad players.
2019
Advising international sportsman regarding misuse of social media.
2018
Standing Counsel to international rugby team on tour to UK.
World Rugby v Joe Marler (2016)
Representing both the RFU and Joe Marler in disciplinary proceedings in respect of racist insults made to Welsh opponent.
ICC v X (2015-2016)
Advising international cricketers in respect of ongoing corruption allegations.
RBS 6 Nations v Pascal Pape (2015)
Representing French captain at appeal arising out of Foul Play citing complaint.
RFU v Nathan Hughes (2015)
Representing RFU in appeal by Player for striking another with his knee.
EPCR v Delon Armitage (2015)
Defending in allegation of foul and abusive” language in European Champions Cup match.
FA v X (2013-2014)
Advised professional footballers following their arrest following an investigation into spot-fixing in football by the National Crime Agency.
FA v AN (2012-2013)
Represented agent charged with tapping up involving Championship and Premier League clubs.
British Horseracing Authority v MC (2013)
Advised professional footballer re. serious breaches of the anti-corruption rules.
National Cricket Board v X (2013)
Advised international cricketers in respect of high profile allegations of breaches of their touring Team Rules.
ECB v MW (2012)
Represented Essex cricketer in disciplinary proceedings arising out of spot fixing scandal.
RFU v DA (2011)
Represented England and London Irish rugby player regarding charges arising from post-match incident with Doping Control Officer.
