My expertise is in advising and representing clients on matters relating to private prosecutions; commercial disputes; fraud; criminal and professional investigations; insolvency and bankruptcy; professional conduct/discipline.
With over 30 years’ experience as a barrister and holding a license to litigate (awarded in 2014), clients directly engage my services knowing that I will strategically guide them through their legal problems/disputes to achieve a just resolution.
My approach
Many prospective clients come to me distressed and fearful. Very often their experiences with the legal process have been unsatisfactory.
When a client signs up with me I aim to be with them for better or worse through thick and thin to the bitter end, a legal shoulder to lean on throughout.
I leave no stone unturned and am relentless in the pursuit of justice for my clients. This is my life’s work. I am passionate about what I do and understand that every client is unique and every case has its own unique demands and requires rigorous dedication.
I am open and transparent with my clients. They come to me for qualified legal advice. I do not believe in 'sugar-coating’ the challenges they may face, believing that you will never climb a mountain unless you prepare and equip to do so.
It is my role to navigate clients through the legal minefield they may be facing and achieve a successful outcome.
Through Resolution - the practice model I founded in 2020 which enables affordable access to specialist counsel (who I instruct for them) without having to go through an intermediary solicitor. My clients are able to pay fixed fees and/or fees on a monthly basis by a retainer spread over the life of a case.
My work
Private Prosecutions
I am a member of the Private Prosecutor’s Association.
Since a niche solicitors practice set up to specialise in them in 2014 (followed by other main-stream solicitors firms setting up departments to undertake them), the number of cases have surged, but sadly so have their predicted costs of undertaking them, often leaving them out of reach for smaller companies and individuals.
They are not for the faint hearted and there are pitfalls to be negotiated along the way and cost implications on being struck out through defence dismissal and/or abuse of process applications. The case therefore needs to be in apple pie order before being put into court.
A professional disclosure officer is essential and, as an antidote to the CPS’s power to intervene and take over the private prosecution I instruct CPS grade 3 or 4 counsel, but they remain a successful route to justice.
I always agreeing a reasonable and proportionate staged budget with the proposed client prosecutor, from beginning to the end of the case, paid over the life of the case.
About me
I started my legal career in 1980 as a solicitor practising criminal and family law in a radical and respected East London firm and in 1985 qualified as a barrister, initially specialising in crime. Having practised as a solicitor I understand the hands-on practicalities of attending to clients and their families and preparing and filing legal documentation and how to ensure that exorbitant legal costs are avoided.
I represent individuals (many of whom are professionals, entrepreneurs, company directors and high-profile public figures), also commercial organisations and public bodies.
Clients engage my services to resolve commercial disputes; to mediate and resolve legal crises; represent them at professional disciplinary and court hearings; conduct major investigations into cases of crime and fraud both internationally and in the UK; to prepare and lead their defence when facing bankruptcy and insolvency charges and to prepare and lead private prosecutions.
I have a reputation for helping resolve highly complex and difficult cases and for supporting clients through very taxing and challenging circumstances.
What my clients say
Dispute Resolution
Company and Commercial
Ms N
‘In 2019, I instructed Mr Gary Summers to work on a highly complex Commercial case, heard in a four -week trial in the High Court, Chancery Division (sitting at the Rolls Building London).
I was always fully consulted and in control of the process. Gary acted with commercial integrity and the financials were fully transparent. I was kept informed of and decided on all expenditure. The whole service was very cost effective.
Gary completely understood the mental, and at times physical strain of the whole process and of a legal system totally alien to a layperson. His support was unwavering throughout and he was always available to respond to my questions and concerns. I always felt that my well-being was at the heart of the entire service.’
Mr T
‘A calm and brilliant senior lawyer with many years of experience.
Gary has represented me directly from 2018 to date - where two other so- called leading solicitors failed - with the confidence needed during serious commercial litigation in the Commercial Court as the Claimant against two financial institutions. He has pitched himself against two leading solicitor firms representing the defendants with large teams, ensuring that as the client I understand in detail and at every stage of the journey the processes and procedures of law during our twice weekly discussions. I would highly recommend him.’
Mr P
‘Mr Summers is a respectable and knowledgeable barrister who provided us with vital support regarding legal and technical matters of the law.
Mr Summers worked on a tight schedule to prepare our defence case. He was very reassuring and right at the outset explained the technical points he would use to fight our case.
I found Mr Summers to be highly professional, extremely helpful, and plain speaking. His service to us as defendants in a complex commercial legal matter was highly valuable.
Mr Summers is easy to talk to and listens carefully to his client, presenting legal arguments to us clearly in both a reliable and timely manner.
He was supportive throughout the whole process including the preparation for and in attendance of court, whilst being always contactable.
He condensed and articulated the relevant points of our case and managed our time effectively.
Mr Summers was completely dedicated to us and I feel we were well represented throughout the entire proceedings. Without hesitation I would recommend Mr Summers and would also like to thank him for his support and thoughtfulness during my case.’
Mediation and Crisis Management
Insurance (Business and Personal)
Mr S
‘In 2015 the solicitor’s firm in which I was employed faced a major crisis. We were being sued for several million pounds (by two well-known sports celebrities) in connection with unsecured loans and property matters undertaken by our senior partner. Our professional indemnity (PI) insurers had pulled the rug out from under us and were refusing cover. Our senior partner was potentially facing financial ruin.
Gary spent ten intensive days undertaking a thorough investigation into the issues and produced a perceptive report with diagnostics and solutions. He negotiated ruthlessly with the PI insurers. Gary’s focus and tough and street-wise approach ensured that the insurers remained on cover which ultimately saved the firm.’
Crime
Criminal Defence
Mr B
(Crown Court Defence Trial Rape and Sexual Assault)
‘I knew from the outset that I had chosen my defence well. By the time the trial date arrived Gary had carried out extensive research and was well prepared in his defence. As a result of Gary’s outstanding defence, I was found not guilty unanimously by the jury on six counts of profoundly serious charges.’
Investigations
Criminal Defence
Mr K
ICC v Uhuru Kenyatta President of Kenya
‘Gary Summers handled a high-profile international investigation of great complexity with total professionalism yielding sensational results for the client. His seniority as a barrister provided him with the back-up legal expertise needed to negotiate a quagmire of danger and ensured the investigation got to the bottom of what had happened. The investigation deployed a range of experts in telecommunications, linguistics and audio identification amongst others. He had the experience of knowing where to go to get the cutting-edge expertise needed to crack the case. The case organisation, essential in these situations, was 100% effective.’
Mr B
‘Gary Summers is a top-class Counsel, Investigator and Licensed Litigator. From the very first telephone conversation he made me feel at ease in what would turn out to be a very complex murder investigation, for which Gary is so very well equipped as he is able to call upon and work with other experts such as former Scotland Yard murder squad detectives and forensic scientists.
Our very first meeting was very meaningful with his analysis of the facts impressive, with me likening his understanding and intuition to that of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. Gary quickly structured the sequence of events to lead to a formal report and further witness reports to see this matter to a conclusion. He makes a highly formal process accessible when dealing with complex and serious matters. I recommend Gary to any case that is of a serious nature to get the job done.’
Professional Discipline
Mr E
Healthcare Disciplinary
‘In 2012 out of the blue I received a letter that was to change my life. False allegations had been made about me and they were serious enough to be investigated by the NHS Fraud squad and Police. I knew I had not done any of the things I had been accused of and I contacted a barrister - Mr Summers - directly. From the moment I met him I knew I had someone who would fight my corner. His professionalism and support were so reassuring. The case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service and NHS Fraud Division.
My nightmare would continue as I was reported by my employer to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). Mr Summers went into action to refute the false allegations. He would conference call me and keep me up to date on every stage of the case and his knowledge of the law was evident. Throughout this ordeal without the support of Gary Summers I feel my life would have been ruined. The case was finally heard having been adjourned on several occasions but despite this Gary was there every step and the outcome was again no case to answer.’
Professional Insurance
Dr B
‘I was recommended the direct access legal services of Gary Summers by a colleague following the sudden and unexpected withdrawal of my medical indemnity cover by my insurer. This left me in a very vulnerable and precarious position, facing a lengthy General Medical Council (GMC) disciplinary hearing and without any legal representation. It was at this point that Gary came to my rescue and agreed to defend me.
His ability to unpick the complexities of the case, leave no stones unturned and cleverly present the evidence in my favour shone through. I have never met another lawyer more ardent, prepared or focused. Nothing seems to faze him at all or distract him from his goal on a case, which of course makes him extremely tough to beat.
GMC disciplinary hearings are extremely distressing and stressful for any doctor to have to endure during their medical career and I was so grateful for Gary's support and encouragement throughout.
I was also subject to intrusive media attention during my hearings which was very stressful. Gary's ability to negotiate with the GMC press office and press photographers ensured that this unwanted attention was kept to an absolute minimum. He successfully defended me in the Interim Order Tribunal (IOT) hearing which meant that I could continue to practice medicine as a doctor pending the result of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTS) hearing.
He also succeeded in getting 75% of the GMC Heads of Charge (HOC) against me thrown out by the tribunal which is unheard of in such GMC cases enabling me to resume my career.’
"Dear Harry,
I just wanted to drop you a brief note to thank you for the introduction to Gary.
I instructed Gary to act on my behalf, and you should know the service he and his team provided was first class.
He was thorough, professional, strategic and focused at all times.
Even though we had to change legal tack at short notice, Gary's determination culminated in what for me was 'a win' in Court, when everybody else had written off my chances.
I cannot sing his praises loudly enough. I would not hesitate to recommend Gary to anybody else. This is a man who gets the job done.
Kind regards,
John Goddard"
'Gary,
I want to take this opportunity to say thank you very much for your assistance.
I am still standing because of you.
I had given up, but you have given me my life back. I will forever be grateful.
Kindest regards,
Patience.'
Professional & academic
Education BA Law (Hons) (2:1), East London University
Called to the Bar of England & Wales in 1985
Memberships
Commercial Fraud Lawyers Association (CFLA)
Criminal Bar Association (CBA)
Private Prosecutors’ Association (PPA)
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
Public Access Bar Association (PABA)