Theodore Burges
Call: 2023
“Excellent criminal set with a justifiable reputation as a market leader.”
Legal 500, 2022
Personal profile
Theo regularly defends in a range of criminal matters in both the Magistrates’ Court and the Crown Court and prosecutes on behalf of the CPS as a Grade 1 panel advocate.
In addition to his criminal practice, Theo has experience in regulatory and quasi-criminal matters. He represents appellants in licensing appeals and respondents in cases involving Account Freezing Orders and Sexual Risk Orders.
Theo has developed particularly strong knowledge on the law of automatism, having assisted Jennifer Dempster KC throughout a complex homicide case from trial through to the Court of Appeal. As a result, he has a strong interest in cases involving issues of automatism and insanity and is well placed to advise on such matters.
Theo also has a specific interest in National Security and Espionage Law. He has co-authored an article with Barnaby Jameson KC on the impact of the National Security Act 2023. Consequently, he is well informed of continuing developments in the field.
Prior to pupillage, Theo worked at the Ministry of Defence advising on a variety of policy areas and taught British Parliamentary debating to vulnerable offenders at HMP Brixton as part of Vocalise. Whilst living in Ghana, he worked at an international energy company assessing the impact of government legislation on company activities.
Crime
Theo frequently represents defendants in both the Crown and Magistrates’ Court. His experience encompasses matters ranging from theft through to serious sexual offences. Theo routinely addresses the admissibility of evidence and is particularly well-versed in issues relating to res gestae evidence.
Theo also prosecutes on behalf of the Crown Prosecution Service as a Grade 1 panel advocate and also has experience of private prosecutions.
Theo has developed extensive knowledge of automatism, the National Security Act 2023, disclosure of third-party material, and the admissibility of foreign intercept evidence in POCA proceedings.
During his first-six, Theo assisted in cases ranging from rape through to homicide and is adept at managing voluminous material in complex cases.
Proceeds of Crime and Confiscation
Theo is continuing to build his expertise in relation to Proceeds of Crime, with a particular focus on Account Freezing Orders.
He has represented respondents who are subject to Account Freezing Orders and seek to challenge such orders; he is well aware of the complex nature of these matters and can advise on the unusual issues that often arise in relation to these types of proceedings.
Sexual Offences
Theo has represented respondents in cases involving civil preventative orders, namely Sexual Risk Orders, and appreciates the relationship that such orders often have to parallel criminal proceedings.
Regulatory & Professional Disciplinary
Theo has appeared for appellants in licensing appeals in the Magistrates’ Court, particularly in relation to appeals against TFL.
Terrorism
Theo has represented individuals facing terrorism charges and is well informed of issues clients typically face in such cases, particularly in relation to applications for extended detention.
Education
- BVS, The City Law School, Very Competent (2022)
- GDL, The University of Law (Bloomsbury), Distinction (2021)
- BSc. (Hons.) Politics and International Relations, The University of Bristol, First Class (2019)
Awards
- Lord Justice Holker Scholarship (2021), The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
- The City Law School Scholarship for Academic Excellence (2021), The City Law School
- Josephine Barnes Scholarship (2020), The Honourable Society of Gray’s Inn
Memberships
- The Criminal Bar Association
- Young Legal Aid Lawyers