Fiona Horlick KC

Year of Call:
1992
Year of Silk:
2019
Direct Access:
Yes

Fiona Horlick KC was consistently ranked as a Band 1 (top tier) leading junior before her elevation to silk, in both Chambers & Partners and Legal 500. She is now ranked as a respected New Silk. She is praised for her unrivalled advocacy skills, her unbending will to succeed as well as her charisma and her ability to handle clients with sensitivity.

“Incisive, intelligent and brilliant at cross-examination”

“She has a phenomenal understanding of her cases and is always able to pick up on the key issues, regardless of the volume of information”

“Her advocacy skills are unrivalled and she is fantastic to watch. She knows when to have a fight and when to have people listen to you and like you”

“Persuasive and appropriately firm in her advocacy, making her a fearsome opponent”

“Her approachable manner puts clients at ease”

Fiona’s practice encompasses Health and Safety, a wide variety of Regulatory work, Disciplinary proceedings and Specialist Crime – particularly business crime, medical crime, and health and safety criminal proceedings. She has extensive experience as an advocate in all courts from the Privy Council (defending in murder appeals), the Court of Appeal, the High Court, Crown Courts (all types of crime), regulatory proceedings and inquests. She honed her skills on criminal work and jury trials before expanding her work profile.

Fiona is the co-editor and major contributing author of the leading work on the Bribery Act 2010 Lissack and Horlick on Bribery published internationally by LexisNexis. The 3rd edition was publishes in September 2020 and is available for Lexis subscribers here. This renowned publication provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of bribery in both a national and international context. Fiona advises and represents companies with regard to business crime.

This renowned publication provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of bribery in both a national and international context. Fiona advises and represents companies with regard to business crime.

Expertise

Fiona’s health and safety practice specialises in regulatory law which is complimented with many years of experience in criminal enforcement. Her practice is predominantly defence work with particular interest in criminal proceedings, inquests and inquiries, fire safety, food safety and Maritime regulatory law.

Fiona is regularly instructed by large multinational companies and/or their Directors, concerning fatalities or serious accidents in the workplace, as well as regulatory breaches concerning HSWA, food safety and fire safety. She appears in proceedings before the Crown Court, Magistrates Court and in Coronial proceedings in courts in England and Wales. She is particularly sought after by clients for her strategic input into investigations pre PACE interview with a target of achieving a result of no further action.

Her recent and current instructions include advising a participant Grenfell Tower Inquiry, defending a care home in a prosecution brought by the Care Quality Commission and prosecuting a large multi-national security services company as a result of a suspected legionnaires outbreak at their premises.

Notable Health and Safety cases


Re Harlow District Council v G4S Cash Solutions Limited

Acting for Harlow District Council in a successful prosecution of a large multinational security company with regard to a Legionnaires’ outbreak at one of their sites. Defendant fined £1.8 million.

Food Standard Authority v AC Hopkins Limited

Defending a company in a trial at the Old Bailey for criminal breaches relating to food hygiene. Involved complicated expert evidence.

Southern & Scottish Gas Networks

Advising a major UK utilities company with regard to gas network liabilities and public safety.

British Airways PLC

Advising a major UK airline with regard to Health & Safety issues.

HSE v Mr X

Defending at the Crown Court a managing director of a company whose employee had been crushed to death.

HSE v Y Company

Defending at the Crown Court a company whose employees had suffered severe burns at their factory.

In An Inquest

Defending a well known building company in a jury inquest where a worker had died as a result of a fall from height on one of their sites.

In An Inquest

Defending a company in an inquest where a worker had been killed on a building site.

Fiona has a regular and extensive practice both defending and prosecuting regulated professionals.

This practice encompasses:

  • Disciplinary proceedings before regulators
  • Criminal trials
  • Inquests
  • Employment/internal disciplinary hearings

The professionals include but are not limited to:

  • Healthcare professionals such as doctors, dentists and pharmacists;
  • Financial Services professionals including Accountants and Actuaries;
  • Legal Services professionals including Solicitors, Barristers and Legal Executives.

She has represented many top consultants and surgeons in a wide variety of matters including poor clinical practice, dishonesty and sexual misconduct allegations. She has defended in the full range of performance, misconduct and health cases, often working in sensitive cases.

Fiona has conducted a number of serious and complicated cases regarding the regulation of actuaries on behalf of the Institute and Faculty of Actuaries. Such cases invariably involve complex matters of expert evidence with regard to pensions and insurance.

Notable Disciplinary & Regulatory cases


PSA v GMC & Uppal

Defending Dr Uppal both at the original GMC FtP hearing and in the PSA’s High Court appeal. Now a reported and widely used case on dishonesty and FtP.

GMC v Yasin

Defending Dr Yasin in his appeal to the High Court against erasure.

GMC v Khetyer

Defending Dr Khetyer in the GMC’s appeal to the High Court.

GMC v Haynes

Defending a consultant surgeon in a multiple patient case involving deaths and complex expert evidence.

GMC v Anderlic

Defending a GP in case involving 30+ charges of dishonesty, working whilst suspended and clinical matters.

GMC v McLellan

Defending a consutant psychiatrist in dishonesty case.

IFoA v Oketch

Prosecuting a South African actuary involving Kenyan pension law.

IFoA v Head and Hudson

Prosecuting 2 senior scheme actuaries and complex expert evidence.

IFoA v Black and Yule

Prosecuting 2 scheme actuaries and complex expert evidence.

GMC v Mehboob

Defending a psychiatrist in alleged sexual case involving a child member of his family.

GMC v Jackson

Defending a doctor in a case involving drug theft.

GDC v Rahman

Defending a dentist in a multi defendant dishonesty case.

GDC v Mabasa

Defending a dentist in multiple clinical failings and dishonesty.

GDC v McKeown

Defending a dental technician in a case involving uncover investigators.

GMC v Ademola

Defending a consultant psychiatrist in assaults against a vulnerable patient.

GMC v Dr Burley

Defending a doctor who had a long standing sexual relationship with a patient. He was also charged with serious dishonesty.

GDC v Mr Harrison

Defending a dentist who was alleged to have allowed illegal practice to have happened at his practice.

Coming originally from a criminal practice background with experience in cases involving murder, manslaughter, assisted suicide, fraud and sexual misconduct, Fiona is perfectly matched to conduct criminal cases involving health professionals. These trials require a combination of criminal trial experience, cross examination skills and in-depth knowledge of the health profession.

In particular Fiona has many years of experience both defending and prosecuting in very serious sexual allegations including rape, child abuse and pornography.

Fiona is known in the directories as ‘at the top of the list of very able barristers for medico legal matters’ with regard to medical crime.

Fiona has co-written the chapter on Prosecuting Health Professionals in the Oxford University Press book Witness Testimony in Sexual Cases: Evidential, Investigative and Scientific Perspectives.

Notable Medical Crime cases


R v Kay Gilderdale

In a case garnering international press coverage, Fiona defended Kay Gilderdale who was charged with the attempted murder and assisting suicide of her gravely ill daughter by means of an overdose of morphine. Acquitted by the jury of attempted murder. Pleaded to assisting suicide and sentenced to a conditional discharge.

R v Dr H

Defending a doctor in 3 sequential trials involving serious sexual offences against vulnerable male patients. Acquitted.

R v Dr B

Defending a doctor charged with multiple sexual assaults on a patient over many years. Acquitted.

R v Dr K

Defending a doctor charged with sexually assaulting an elderly patient in her home and a nurse. Acquitted

R v Dr B

Defending a consultant charged with sexually assaulting 3 female patients. Acquitted.

R v Dr M

Defending a doctor charged with sexual offences involving two women. Acquitted.

R v Dr Z

Defending a doctor charged with sexual assault of a woman on London Underground. Acquitted.

R v Dr M

Defending a doctor charged with assaulting a family member. Acquitted.

Against a long career in criminal cases, Fiona has both prosecuted and defended in the range of business and financial crime.

Her experience of financial crime, regulation and enforcement is wide ranging. It includes large scale MTIC fraud, international advance fee fraud, tax fraud, fraudulent trading, mortgage fraud, money laundering and asset recovery.

Fiona is the co-editor and major contributing author of the leading work on the Bribery Act 2010 Lissack and Horlick on Bribery published internationally by LexisNexis. This work is now in its 3rd edition and provides a comprehensive and detailed overview of bribery in both a national and international context. The current edition has a foreword by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and a number of chapters not only on the law with regard to bribery both nationally and internationally, but also subjects such as bribery in sport, in the defence industries, the extractive industries and construction as well as DPAs and sentencing.

The current edition has a foreword by the Lord Chief Justice of England and Wales and a number of chapters not only on the law with regard to bribery both nationally and internationally, but also subjects such as bribery in sport, in the defence industries, the extractive industries and construction as well as DPAs and sentencing.

Fiona advises companies with regard to business crime, in particular bribery and corruption matters and money laundering.

Notable Business Crime, Regulation & Sanctions cases


Re X Company

Advising a multinational company involved in the extractive industry with regard to bribery.

Re Y Company

Advising a multinational company with regard to money laundering.

Re v M & Another

Defending a solicitor in a multi million pound mortgage fraud with international aspects. Acquitted.

R v S & Another

Defending an accountant charged with criminal offences under the Insolvency Act with regard to his professional conduct. Acquitted.

Re v H & Others

Prosecuting multi million Euro laundering operation from drug dealing and other criminal activities involving several different trials and asset confiscation. Convicted.

Fiona’s public law practice includes appeals to the High Court on often for healthcare professionals. Fiona has also advised on Court of Protection matters in relation to treatment matters.

Related updates

Fiona Horlick KC is regulated by the Bar Standards Board (BSB) and holds a current practising certificate. If you are not satisfied with the service provided, please click here.

"She is amazing, and her cross-examinations are second to none."; "Fiona is phenomenally intelligent and can digest and assimilate information like no other."; "Completely brilliant, she is just such a good advocate and a joy to watch."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2025

‘Fiona is absolutely at the top of her game. She is formidable on her feet.'

Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2025

"A fiercely intelligent mind, tempered by a compassionate and client-centric approach."; "As an advocate she's peerless. She's a go-to for everyone who does this kind of work."; "A go-to barrister, who's fantastic with clients. She's very no-nonsense, prepares very thoroughly, and is an outstanding advocate."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2024

‘Fiona is wonderful on her feet – persuasive, clear, and tailors her advocacy to her audience. She inspires confidence in her clients.'

Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law, Legal 500, 2024

“Fiona is a formidable opponent.”

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2023

“She is meticulous and clients like her no-nonsense approach.”

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2023

"Fiona is highly intelligent and a great tactician. She is very thorough and has a very direct manner with clients - they know that they can trust her to be frank with them about their prospects. Her advocacy is wonderful to watch."

Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2023

"She is a polished performer, popular with clients for her very no-nonsense approach."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2022

"She grasps all the issues incredibly quickly, has an enormous intellect and is very good with the client."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2022

"Focused, forensic and wonderful to watch on her feet. Clear and direct with clients and opponents, she is an understated but very persuasive and effective advocate."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2022

"She has a no-nonsense approach to get the best out of difficult clients. A keen eye for detail and a can-do approach."

Disciplinary & Regulatory, Legal 500 2022

"She has a no-nonsense approach to get the best out of difficult clients. A keen eye for detail and a can-do approach. Always good at identifying and vocalising the strengths and weaknesses of a case."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2021

"She's very pleasant and measured in court."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2021

"She’s excellent – really on top of the brief and very user-friendly."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2021

"She is brilliant at shape-shifting and is able to move from one sector to another and immediately become an expert in each new area. She isn't afraid to roll up her sleeves and get stuck in for her clients."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2021

"She demonstrates a superior command of fitness-to-practise hearings as well as appeals in the Administrative Court, and is a strong choice for representation where there are allegations of serious sexual misconduct."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2020

"She is brilliant on her feet."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2020

"Straight-talking and easy to work with – a formidable advocate."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2020

"Favoured for her experience and dedicated approach."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2020

"Personable and very tough."

Professional Discipline, Chambers and Partners 2020

"A really impressive advocate." "Her approachable manner puts clients at ease."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2019

"She has a very keen eye for detail."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2019

"Persuasive and appropriately firm in her advocacy, making her a fearsome opponent."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2019

"Well prepared and knowledgeable. She has the ability to see the real picture."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2018

"Incisive, intelligent and brilliant at cross-examination."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2018

"Recommended for dental, actuarial and medical cases."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2017

"Her advocacy skills are second to none; most would hate to be subjected to a cross-examination by her because she's just so good. She grasps technical issues extremely quickly and is an extremely effective advocate."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2017

"She has a phenomenal understanding of her cases and is always able to pick up on the key issues, regardless of the volume of information."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2017

"She defends in medical cases with novel arguments."

Professional Discipline and Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2016

"She grasps complex work quickly and easily, is a master of cross-examination, and an excellent person to represent both regulators and professionals."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2016

"She's terrific – tenacious but at the same time calm."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2016

"She exudes an air of confidence." "She’s an excellent advocate who is very good at cross-examination."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2015

"An absolute joy to listen to in full flow."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2015

"Her advocacy skills are unrivalled and she is fantastic to watch. She knows when to have a fight and when to have people listen to you and like you."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2014

"Hard-working, enthusiastic" junior Fiona Horlick "is someone you don't want to be up against," according to one impressed peer, as "she can destroy your case, very, very quickly."

Chambers & Partners 2013

Fiona Horlick, whose "relaxed style belies a vigorous approach."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2013

Fiona Horlick engages in high-stakes disciplinary actions for and against doctors, dentists and pharmacists. She is adept at making intelligent, highly demanding clients feel that they are being well handled. Solicitors like her as she is "capable of being a rottweiler for her client if the situation calls for it."

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2012

Fiona Horlick is "at the top of her game" and "combines charm, charisma and an unbending will to succeed."

Professional Discipline & Regulatory Law, Legal 500 2012

Her forte lies in defending healthcare professionals. Her "ability to work sensitively with emotional clients" is seen as a particular strength.

Professional Discipline, Chambers & Partners 2011

To find out more, contact Paul Barton +44 (0)20 7427 4907 or Ben Fitzgerald on +44 (0)203 758 4759 for a confidential discussion.

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