ABOUT
Irfan is the Managing Director of Chess Law Solicitors and a criminal barrister with more than 15 years’ experience in criminal defence.
He began his career as a solicitor, later qualifying as a Solicitor-Advocate before transferring to the Bar. Over the years, he has developed a tactically astute approach to criminal litigation, combining a strong command of the law, careful analysis and precise drafting with sound judgment. His experience in both the preparation and advocacy of serious criminal cases gives him a keen instinct for identifying the issues that matter and anticipating how a case may unfold.
As Managing Director, Irfan leads the strategy and direction of Chess Law Solicitors, while remaining closely involved in the firm’s most substantial cases.
A Barrister in Continuing Practice
Alongside a busy litigation practice within Chess Law Solicitors, Irfan continues to practise as a barrister at the independent Bar.
He is regularly instructed by solicitors to advise and represent their clients in serious and complex cases. His practice focuses principally on murder, terrorism, serious organised crime, firearms, large-scale drug conspiracies, fraud and money laundering, appearing both as junior alone and alongside leading King’s Counsel.
In court, Irfan is equally comfortable dealing with complex legal argument and presenting a case clearly and persuasively before a jury. His advocacy is measured and focused, adapting his approach to the case, the witness and the issues that matter.
He also represents professionals and individuals whose careers, businesses or reputations may be at stake, particularly where criminal allegations carry wider regulatory or professional consequences.
Experience That Starts Before Court
Irfan’s experience first as a solicitor and now as a barrister means he is frequently involved before charge, when early advice and intervention can shape the direction of an investigation.
His approach is simple: the best defence rarely begins at trial. It begins with understanding the client, mastering the evidence, identifying what is missing and making the right decisions early.
This approach has seen him become the lawyer of choice for clients facing the most serious allegations, and for solicitors seeking experienced counsel for their own clients.
His manner with clients is calm, straightforward and approachable. The Legal 500 has described him as “thorough and conscientious, with excellent rapport with clients in the most difficult of situations”, and as an advocate who is “approachable and personable” and whose advocacy is “clear and cogent.”
Beyond Practice
Irfan is an Advocacy Tutor at Lincoln’s Inn and an approved pupil supervisor. He has also been admitted to the International Criminal Court’s List of Assistant Counsel and, since 2024, has been a registered advocate at the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Within the wider community, Irfan has been a committee member of Beyond Difference since 2015, an interfaith organisation bringing together people of different faiths and beliefs to promote understanding, trust and community harmony. He is also an Ambassador for Action4Youth, a Buckinghamshire-based charity supporting young people and helping them to develop their confidence, skills and opportunities
Selected Cases
The following is a limited selection of Irfan’s current and recently concluded cases, reflecting the breadth of his practice in serious and complex criminal litigation.
Current Instructions
R v CR — Fraud & Money Laundering
Complex multi-million-pound proceedings involving allegations of conspiracy to defraud, cheating the public revenue and money laundering. Instructed for the first defendant in a four-month trial. Led by Rupert Bowers KC. (Southwark Crown Court, 2028)
R v EH — Importation of Class A Drugs
Alleged importation of approximately £5 million of heroin from Jamaica. Instructed in an eight-week trial. (Isleworth Crown Court, 2027)
R v IM — Terrorism
Instructed in substantial proceedings arising under counter-terrorism legislation. (Winchester Crown Court, 2027)
R v FD — Drugs Conspiracy
Acting for a defendant alleged to have occupied a senior role in a large-scale drugs conspiracy. Instructed in a ten-week trial. (Norwich Crown Court, 2027)
R v MK — Fraud & Money Laundering
Complex fraud and money-laundering proceedings involving substantial financial activity across several jurisdictions during the Covid period. Instructed in a six-week trial. (Southwark Crown Court, 2027)
R v SM — Conspiracy to Defraud
Alleged £25 million VAT fraud arising from the sale of cigarettes. Instructed in a ten-week trial. (Leicester Crown Court, 2027)
Recent Cases
R v SA & Others — Murder & Attempted Murder
Represented one of four young defendants charged with murder and attempted murder following a fatal knife attack and the serious wounding of a second complainant. Led by Danny Moore KC. (Warwick Crown Court, 2026)
R v BH & Others — Drugs Conspiracy
Represented a defendant in a substantial multi-defendant conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. Led by Razi Shah. (Isleworth Crown Court, 2026)
R v YM — Murder
Defended in murder proceedings involving complex issues of loss of control and psychiatric evidence. Led by Rupert Bowers KC. (Central Criminal Court, 2026)
R v DO — Murder
Defended in murder proceedings arising from a fatal incident in East London. Led by Michael Borrelli KC. (Central Criminal Court, 2026)
R v WS & Others — Terrorism
Defended in a multi-defendant prosecution concerning an alleged terrorist plot to attack synagogues. Led by Felicity Gerry KC. (Preston Crown Court, 2025)
R v GH & Others — Firearms Conspiracy
Represented the first defendant in a major firearms conspiracy following a surveillance investigation into the modification and supply of firearms linked to serious organised crime. Led by Emma Goodall KC. (Nottingham Crown Court, 2025)
R v AE & Others — Murder & Violent Disorder
Defended in murder proceedings arising from a fatal stabbing involving two groups of young men. Led by Razi Shah. (Isleworth Crown Court, 2025)
