Harpreet prosecutes and defends in grave and complex cases. His busy practice covers the full range of criminal offences. His instructions in silk include cases of alleged homicide and drugs conspiracies. He is instructed by the Health and Safety Executive and the CPS’ Complex Casework Units, Special Crime and Counter Terrorism Division and London Homicide Unit.
Harpreet combines his natural and highly-effective advocacy skills with real industry.
He has an innate ability to secure the confidence of those he represents. He acts for professionals, including police officers, teachers and members of the medical and legal professions, who find themselves before the criminal courts.
Harpreet receives instructions to represent those who are particularly vulnerable and those with mental health difficulties.
Harpreet took silk in his fifteenth year of practice. Before his appointment, he was a CPS level 4 prosecutor who was authorised to prosecute rape and serious sexual offences. He was appointed (at level 4) to three of the CPS’ Specialist Advocate Panels: the Counter Terrorism Panel, the Fraud Panel and the Serious Crime Group Panel. In addition, Harpreet was appointed to the “A” list of the List of Specialist Regulatory Advocates in Health and Safety and Environmental Law.
Languages
Punjabi (fluent).
Recommendations
"Harpreet is a real talent. He is a very smooth advocate."
Chambers UK 2023
"Harpreet has exceptional communication skills with clients and fellow professionals. He is a well-deserved silk.” "Harpreet is always well prepared both in relation to the legal and factual issues each case presents. He commands respect in court from both the judge and opponent barrister. Clients are always complimentary and feel confident that they are obtaining the best representation."
Legal 500 2023
“Harpreet Singh Sandhu has expertise in heavyweight criminal cases such as those involving rape and murder. He is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and has experience handling multi-handed matters. He also has expertise in dealing with drugs conspiracies and violent offences. He is noted for his sensitive handling of vulnerable defendants.”
Chambers UK 2022
“Able to turn even the most complex line of cross-examination into simple, yet devastating, questions. Quite simply excellent.” “He has a court manner that both judges and juries adore. His advocacy skills are based upon meticulous preparation which commands respect.”
Legal 500 2022
“He is a polished advocate and people have a lot of confidence in him.” “He is a class act and has a calmness and authority beyond his years.”
Chambers UK 2021
“Thorough, approachable and efficient, with good client care.” “Harpreet Sandhu is the key figure at No5 Barristers’ Chambers for professional disciplinary work, with a particular focus on representing officers in police misconduct proceedings.”
Legal 500 2021
“He’s always thoroughly prepared, and is very good at advising his clients on how they can best prepare themselves for the trial or sentencing hearing they are about to face.”
Chambers UK 2020
“Recent work includes terrorism, fraud and serious violent crime cases.” “A great all-round persuasive advocate.” “… notable for... expertise in police discipline.”
Legal 500 2020
Appointments
Bencher (Gray’s Inn).
Memberships
Gray’s Inn;
Midland Circuit;
Criminal Bar Association;
Health and Safety Lawyers’ Association.
Qualifications
BA (Hons) (Dunelm) [English Literature];
Dip Law (City);
BVC (Inns of Court School of Law) [Recipient of the British Academy of Forensic Sciences Prize];
Prince of Wales Scholar (Gray’s Inn).
