Emma Akuwudike

Barrister

Leading junior counsel with 30 years' experience in criminal defence work. Emma’s specialism is in both legal aid and private work. She is extremely hard-working, personable, and a fearless and tenacious advocate who quickly gains the trust of her clients.

Emma is an outstanding barrister and has rightly earned an excellent reputation amongst her professional and lay clients, her colleagues and the judiciary.

Emma is the go-to barrister who will fight for her clients. She exudes confidence and gravitas in the courtroom and is extremely proud of her unrivalled acquittal rate. Emma has a great rapport with juries due to her relatable manner. Her closing speeches hold the attention of juries.

Emma has a heavy weight practice with 30 years experience in a wide range of criminal offences of a high profile and complex nature which are often reported in the media and involve multiple defendants. Her practice is predominantly homicide, serious and organised crime, firearms offences, kidnapping, armed robbery and multi-handed drugs conspiracies. Emma is also very experienced in serious sexual offences.

Emma also undertakes Inquest work.

Emma is recommended as a leader in the Legal 500 Crime and is recognised in Doyles Leading Criminal Law Counsel - London 2024 list.

Associated Work

In Emma's most recent article, "Going Country", Emma explains the growing epidemic of ‘County Lines’ criminality and modern slavery. Read the full article here.
In September 2019, Emma coordinated and hosted an anti-knife crime initiative at Middle Temple which had a panel including a lead trauma surgeon, HHJ Joseph (who sits at the Central Criminal Court), a homicide detective, mother of a murder victim, Queen's Counsel and a youth mentor.
In-house lecturing for solicitors firms.
Registered Pupil Supervisor since October 2003.
On CBA working party advocating the retention of Queen’s Counsel (2003).
Presentation at the House of Commons to school children chaired by Diane Abbot MP (2005).
On CBA working party regarding reform of legal education courses.
Mentoring for schools and undergraduates.

Directory Testimonials

"She looks after the clients and works very hard to win a case." Chambers UK 2025, Crime
"Emma has very good client care." Chambers UK 2025, Crime
"Emma's case preparation is excellent as is her knowledge and understanding of the law. She relates extremely well to both professional and lay clients/ Her tactical judgment is also excellent as is her written work. In cross-examination she is clear, precise and to the point." Legal 500 2025, Crime
"Emma is a superb advocate and a great strategist who provides excellent client care." Chambers UK 2024, Crime
"She is very proactive and meticulous in the preparation of her cases. She has an excellent rapport with clients." Chambers UK 2024, Crime
"Emma is very good on the law and is a highly competent advocate." Legal 500 2024, Crime
"Emma is a dream to work with. Even where there is what the prosecution would call a 'confession' recorded and served in evidence, she can see the defendant's side of the story, gently put it to the jury and secure an acquittal." Chambers UK 2023, Crime
"She is able, over the course of a long trial. to keep juries interested and the client's spirits up." Chambers UK 2022
"Emma is an extremely able lawyer. She is very bright, hard-working, focused and has an impressive ability to master large and complicated case papers efficiently and effectively. She is also very supportive and a team player." Legal 500 Crime 2022
"An extremely engaging and effective advocate who has a great eye for detail and is very good at appreciating the bigger picture". Chambers UK 2021
"She has a fantastic rapport with the jury, and is very clever". Chambers UK 2021
"She has a brilliant analytical mind". Legal 500 2021
"She is able to read, digest and then explain to even the most challenged clients serious legal principles and yet, make it seem so simple. She is an excellent advocate who commands any court.at the same time, she is able to empathise with her clients without compromising her very high professional standards" Legal 500 2021
"A tough, no-nonsense advocate who delivers results" Legal 500 2020
"Tenacious, hardworking and caring about her clients, she is a good lawyer and strong advocate". Legal 500 2018
"A passionate advocate who empathises with, and fights hard for her clients". Legal 500
"She has extensive experience of murder, sexual offence and drug cases". Legal 500
"Incredibly good with heavyweight violent crime cases". Legal 500

Professional Memberships

Member of the Criminal Bar Association
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers (ARDL)
Women in Criminal Law (WICL)

Homicide

R v JM - After an 8 week multi handed trial of an indictment involving multiple counts of Possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life and attempted murder, Emma Akuwudike secured acquittals for her client.
R v DM - Acted for 3rd defendant in multi-handed murder trial under the complex doctrine of transferred malice in which opposing side fired the fatal but defendant held responsible for murder.
R v JJB - Led Junior for the defendant who pleaded guilty to multiple offences of domestic burglaries/ robberies of elderly victims leading to the subsequent death of one of the victims. He pleaded guilty to manslaughter. The case had complex issues of causation resulting in the instruction of experts in the specialist field of cardiology.
R v SZ - Represented 15 year old boy charged with murder of drug dealer in multi handed 2 month trial at CCC Jury acquitted of murder and convicted of the lesser count of Manslaughter
R v S - Acted for 14 year old defendant in multi handed gang land murder at the CCC
R v B - Successfully represented female appellant who appealed the minimum term of 23 1/2 years for knife murder. The sentence was quashed and reduced to 20 years.
R v B & Ors - Acted for the first female defendant at the Central Criminal Court in the high profile murder of an 18 year old boy in Ruislip. Case attracted substantial media interest.
R v TWD & Ors - Acted for young defendant in multi handed murder of 17 year old boy and stabbing of 14 year old.
R v C - Successfully represented a taxi driver accused of causing death of an elderly pedestrian by careless driving on Waterloo Bridge.
R v B - Gangland motorbike shooting in Stockwell.
R v U - Matricide. Minimum term successfully reduced on appeal.
R v J & Ors - Acted for young defendant on a plea to manslaughter (initially indicted for murder) at the Central Criminal Court.
R v J & Ors - Acted for the same defendant on multiple counts of Attempted Murder GBH, and Firearms offences in gangland shooting.
R v M & Ors - Acted for a 16 year old youth in ten handed murder- Acquitted.
R v N- Acted for one of two defendants in “Body in the Boot” murder.
R v M - Defended in the six handed CCTV murder of Marcus Hall following a “So Solid” event in Luton. Case attracted national media coverage and was featured regularly on “Crime Watch UK”. This case resulted in the leading case on joint enterprise. O’Flaherty & Ors.

Serious Violence

R v JM & Ors - An 8-week multi-handed trial. Emma secured acquittals involving counts of attempted murder and possession of firearms and ammunition with intent to endanger life at the Old Bailey. The case involved the alleged sale of a firearm and a subsequent attempted murder: a revenge attack for a serious assault which occurred during the sale of the firearm.
R v RP - Emma Akuwudike acted for D2. Emma secured acquittals on two counts of attempted murder and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life. Alleged revenge shooting following an incident at a family party. The trial took place at the Central Criminal Crown Court.
R v SW - Following service of defence DNA report, P offered no evidence on firearms/ammunition offences.
R v MA - Emma Akuwudike secured the only acquittal for her client following successful legal submissions on identification in a multi-handed trial of six defendants indicted for attempted murder, s.18 and violent disorder. The victim was a 15 year old youth. Media Report
R v TW - Emma Akuwudike successfully defended her client accused of raping complainant who claimed she was drunk and asleep. The defence was consent.
R v SM - Represented vulnerable defendant indicted for kidnapping and ABH of a 14 year old following a two week multi handed trial at Snaresbrook Crown Court. Client whose was first on the indictment, was acquitted.
R v KJ - Successfully defended a vulnerable defendant in multi handed trial on allegations of attempted murder and possession of firearms with intent to endanger life Gangs/bad character evidence successfully excluded.
R v B & Ors - Emma Akuwudike acted for the 1st defendant in a multi-handed seven week trial on allegations of conspiracy to murder, conspiracy to cause GBH and conspiracy to possess firearms with intent to endanger life. Emma successfully excluded gangs evidence at the outset . She secured unanimous acquittals on all counts.
R v G & Ors - Following a 5 week multi handed trial at Inner London Crown Court, Emma Akuwudike’s client was acquitted of conspiracy to kidnap.
R v L - Represented the defendant following a two week trial at Inner London Crown Court . This was an undercover operation which led to the attempted sale of a firearm to an undercover officer.
R v B - Successfully defended in a two handed trial at Harrow Crown Court for possession of firearm with intent to endanger life. Jury acquitted on all counts. Defendant was sentenced to the lesser counts that he had pleaded guilty to.
R v M - Represented defendant on allegations of attempted murder and possession of firearm with intent to endanger life at the CCC- Acquitted
R v A - Represented defendant at CCC on allegations of violent disorder and possession of firearm with intent to commit an indictable offence at CCC. Prosecution accepted plea to lesser offence.
R v A - Acted for defendant in alleged "gang land stabbing". Acquitted following legal argument opposing the crown’s application to adduce hearsay evidence
R v C & Ors - Successfully represented 1st defendant at Croydon CC for alleged witness intimidation said to involve threats with firearm following a seven day trial.
R v U & Ors - Represented one of four defendants on s18 GBH following a 4 week trial. Victim left with severe brain damage following a serious assault
R v G & Ors - Represented a teenage defendant in a multi handed conspiracy to Burgle involving smash and grab raids in high end west end stores. Acquitted following legal submissions at the close of the crown's case.
R v O - Successfully represented defendant who had admitted possession of drugs but denied firearms found in a different location within the flat.
R v W - Represented a rugby player on allegations of S18 GBH following an assault during an under 18s rugby game. Acquitted of S18 GBH and convicted on lesser GBH charge. Secured a non custodial sentence.
R v J - Represented the second defendant facing 10 out of 15 counts on allegations of Kidnap, False Imprisonment, Rape, various Sexual Assaults, ABH. Case involved using the victim to transport drugs from London to Exeter. On losing the drugs she was assaulted, detained and raped. Acquitted of Kidnap, all Sexual Assaults and ABH.
R v A - Represented a mentally ill defendant on an allegation of s18 GBH. Case involved slitting the throat of her 11 year old son. Successfully acquitted on fitness to plead hearing and secured a hospital order.
R v S - Instructed by Dobsons in a Multi handed Conspiracy to Rob involving a series of cash in transit robberies. Only defendant to be acquitted.
R v T - Instructed by Ledgisters on a Multi handed Conspiracy to Steal involving allegations of breach of trust by employee. Case resulted in an acquittal.
R v D - Successfully represented first defendant for armed robbery.
R v T- Successfully represented defendant for possession of firearm and ammunition found in defendant's chest of drawers in his bedroom.
R v D- Successfully represented the only female defendant in a large scale drugs/firearms operation.
R v A - Successfully negotiated a lesser plea to GBH in “baby shaking” case.
R v B - Successfully represented defendant in a Conspiracy to Rob.
R v S - Successfully represented defendant in armed robbery of prostitute.
R v G - Multiple Conspiracies to Burgle reduced to two substantive counts.
R v S - Successfully represented defendant in Armed Robbery.
R v L & Ors - Successfully represented one of nine defendants in a very high profile Conspiracy to rob Graff Jewellers, a very exclusive diamond jewellers in Mayfair. Losses amounted to £40 million, making this the UK’s largest ever robbery heist. The case received significant national media coverage.

Drugs

R v RN - Acted for 1st defendant in a multi-handed trial involving Conspiracy to Supply Class A drugs. Acquitted.
R v P - Defended in multi handed trial for conspiracy to supply 2kg of cocaine following trial at Blackfriars Crown Court.
R v S & Ors - Leading junior for female defendant in multi handed county lines drugs conspiracy lasting 6 weeks at Inner London Crown Court.
R v L - Successfully represented the only defendant to stand trial in a multi handed 6kg drugs conspiracy. Co-defendants pleaded guilty.
R v B - Represented a dutch pilot in a sophisticated multi million pound drugs conspiracy who was convicted of importing 22kg of high purity cocaine from Holland to Rochester airport which he flew in a light aircraft. The case attracted national media interest
R v S - Represented a youth key worker acquitted of conspiracy to supply cocaine in multi handed drugs operation covering a period of surveillance. Other co-defendants had pleaded guilty and had received lengthy terms of imprisonment
R v M & Ors - Represented an autistic teenager on drugs conspiracy to supply heroin and cocaine following a 4 1/2 month surveillance operation.. He was the only defendant to be acquitted.
R v G - Successfully defended a pensioner on multi handed drugs conspiracy to supply cocaine whose defence was “I thought I was delivering cannabis”.
R v R & Ors - Represented the 3^rd defendant in a multi handed drugs conspiracy to supply 47kg of cannabis
R v A & Ors - Successfully represented defendant on a plea to conspiracy to supply cocaine. following a successful “Newton hearing”, he received a sentence of 3 years.
R v R - Represented defendant in substantial and complex multi million pound drugs conspiracy.
R v G - Successfully secured a sentence of 4 ½ years on a plea to importation of 3kg Cocaine.
R v I - Successfully represented admitted swallower of cocaine on remaining allegations of cocaine which were found in his suitcase.
R v P - Represented one of two defendants advancing cut-throat defence in relation to possession of cocaine and heroin.
R v O - Successfully defended a woman indicted for importation of 6kg of cocaine.
R v R - Represented 1 of 3 defendants on a plea to multiple counts of Conspiracy to Supply Anabolic Steroids resulting in Community Disposal.
R v S - Successfully acted for a young female defendant indicted for importation of 6kg cocaine at 100% purity.
R v C - Represented a defendant for possession of Firearms and drug offences. Successfully argued exceptional circumstances on a Newton hearing avoiding the statutory minimum sentence.

Sexual Offences

R v EB - Following a week long trial at Luton Crown Court, Emma secured acquittals on allegations of rape and sexual assault on a 15 year old girl. The jury convicted on the lesser counts of Sexual Activity with a Child. Emma was instructed by Jo Chart at Sperrin Solicitors.
R v ZRD - Emma secured an acquittal in 45 minutes by a Kingston jury on a sexual allegation against her client. The case involved cross examination under the s28 procedure. Emma was instructed by Cassandra Green of Wainwright Solicitors
R v TB & Ors - Acted for the 1st defendant in the largest operation into child abuse covered by West Midlands police.
R V MS - Successfully defended on allegation of rape where complainant claimed she was asleep.
R v S - Successfully defended the defendant following a trial on multiple counts of rape.
R v J & Ors - Represented the 2nd defendant on a multi handed gang rape following a 3 month trial. Case involved the cross examination of a vulnerable witness. Acquitted on all counts. Trial Judge praised counsel her excellent cross examination of the main witness.
R v W - Represented defendant on 19 counts of rape /sexual abuse on two young sisters. Acquitted on 10 counts.
R v I - Successfully represented the defendant on allegation of causing a child to engage in sexual activity. Case involved sensitive handling of child witness.
R v J - Represented 2nd defendant in Rape and Perverting the Course of Justice. First defendant was facing trial on serial rape.
R v G - Successfully represented a heroin addict on allegations of Rape /Robbery of a complainant in her own home. Following cross examination by the defence of the complainant the prosecution offered no evidence on Rape and Robbery and accepted a plea to theft.
R v F - Successfully represented a heroin addict on allegations of Rape. Complainant was a functioning alcoholic.
R v V - Instructed by Virdees Solicitors. Three week trial, defendant one of 3 charged with gang rape. Acquitted.
R v W - Instructed by Dobsons on multiple counts of Rape and Sexual Assaults on two young child complainants. Case required sensitive cross-examination of child witnesses. Acquitted on 10 out of 19 counts.

Reported Cases

R v JM [2023] EWCA Crim 1250– Successful appeal against the minimum term for sentence, which was reduced from 38 to 33 years, following the defendant’s guilty plea to murder.
R v Binoku [2021] EWCA Crim 48 - Impermissible judicial Interventions of trial judge but verdict still safe.
R v Lubemba [2014] EWCA Crim 2064 - Leading case in how far a judge should go in protecting vulnerable witnesses.
R v Farren 2013 EWCA Crim 2561 - appeal against sentence for breach of a restraining order.
R (on the application of the Crown Prosecution Service) v Bow Street Magistrates Court and Samuel James & Ors 2006 EWHC 1763 - appeared for an interested party in relation to whether S44 (2) Identity Card Act 2006 had repealed S5 Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981.
R v B 2006 EWCA Crim 330 - Leading authority on rape sentencing.

R v A - Successfully defended in a two handed allegation of fraud by abuse of position following trial at Croydon Crown Court. The defendant was alleged to have defrauded her young niece and nephews who were beneficiaries out of their late mother’s estate. Her brother and co-defendant was convicted and sentenced to 5 years
R v Wade - Acted for defendant in multi-handed fraud and money laundering. Acquitted of conspiracy and money laundering following half time submissions.
R v Abrahams - Acted for defendant in VAT fraud.
R v Ariri - Successfully represented defendant in credit card fraud.
R v Nauth - Acted for director in mortgage fraud.
R v Macro - Led in a “cut-throat” multi million pound aviation re-insurance fraud between a senior Lloyds underwriter and broker. Represented the broker. Case attracted media coverage.