Lucy is a deeply committed advocate. Clients are attracted to her ability to communicate complex ideas easily and succinctly in a matter that is easily digestible. She is always fully prepared for any conference or hearing and always has a comprehensive grasp of the case. Her advocacy is fluent and accomplished.
Legal 500 Leading Junior, 2024
Lucy is a superb advocate and a formidable opponent to be against in court.
Legal 500, 2023 Edition
Lucy is a tremendous barrister who is wonderful to work with. She has an incredible ability to connect with clients and break down and explain complex issues with ease. She is meticulous, classy and fearless. Her advocacy is measured and deeply persuasive
Legal 500 Leading Junior, 2025
Lucy is a deeply committed advocate. Clients are attracted to her ability to communicate complex ideas easily and succinctly in a matter that is easily digestible. She is always fully prepared for any conference or hearing and always has a comprehensive grasp of the case. Her advocacy is fluent and accomplished.
Legal 500 Leading Junior, 2024
Lucy is a superb advocate and a formidable opponent to be against in court.
Legal 500, 2023 Edition
Lucy is a tremendous barrister who is wonderful to work with. She has an incredible ability to connect with clients and break down and explain complex issues with ease. She is meticulous, classy and fearless. Her advocacy is measured and deeply persuasive
Legal 500 Leading Junior, 2025
Lucy is a deeply committed advocate. Clients are attracted to her ability to communicate complex ideas easily and succinctly in a matter that is easily digestible. She is always fully prepared for any conference or hearing and always has a comprehensive grasp of the case. Her advocacy is fluent and accomplished.
Legal 500 Leading Junior, 2024
Lucy is a barrister with 23 years of experience, as well as a background working in the Criminal Justice System that spans 30 years. She has worked in-house with Reeds, for 14 years, from 2010 and was previously a Director and Head of the Crown Court Department before returning to the Independent Bar in 2018. Prior to joining Reeds, and while at the Independent Bar, Lucy continued to be regularly instructed by Reeds and returned, full-time in 2022 (though retaining ‘Door Tenancy’ at Furnival Chambers in London).
Lucy has wide recognition as a specialist in defending sexual allegations and is ranked consistently as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500.
Her unique position, as a barrister who is equally at home presenting cases in court, or taking the role of ‘solicitor’, provides her with an invaluable insight to both aspects of a case which is unmatched.
When involved at pre-charge, Lucy is able to bring into play her experience that comes from putting a case before a jury and doing so at such an early stage has resulted in many cases being dropped before charge. Lucy knows what to include, and equally importantly – what not to.
Lucy’s efforts to avoid a trial do not stop at the pre-charge stage. In those cases where there is simply insufficient evidence available to work with, her focus then switches to representations that can be made post-charge and this too has resulted in a number of Lucy’s cases being dropped altogether ahead of trial, or with significantly reduced charges being accepted and what might have seemed to be an inevitable prison sentence avoided. Lucy is known for her in-depth legal analysis and argument and meticulous attention to detail, alongside her reassuring, client-centric approach and down-to-earth manner.
Clients value Lucy’s honesty, hard-work and ability to explain her thinking, as well as her commitment to ensuring she fully understands the case and objectives from her client’s perspective. A thoughtful tactician, Lucy regularly receives instructions in highly sensitive situations from individuals with a prominent position or reputation to protect – although she is equally adept at dealing with young and/or vulnerable defendants and those from less stable or disadvantaged backgrounds – many of Lucy’s clients have been gang members.
Though recognised as a specialist in sexual offences – with particular expertise in online sexual offending – Lucy’s experience covers the full range of criminal defence work, including murder, serious violence, firearms, terrorism ,conspiracies, organised crime, drugs, kidnap, and dishonesty.
Lucy is consistently ranked as a Leading Junior in the Legal 500. She is recommended to clients by her peers, including members of the judiciary and professional witnesses.
“Lucy is a tremendous barrister who is wonderful to work with. She has an incredible ability to connect with clients and break down and explain complex issues with ease. She is meticulous, classy and fearless. Her advocacy is measured and deeply persuasive.” [Legal 500, 2025]
Positions Held
Lucy has extensive experience in conducting s.28 cases (cases where a complainant is cross-examined before trial) and has provided training to solicitors on the topic. She is also an Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University and a retained guest lecturer for the Santa Clara Law School (California) who run a Summer School hosted by Magdalen College, Oxford. She is a registered pupil-supervisor (qualified to train barristers) and is Direct Access qualified. She has contributed to many legal articles, and was a member of the Justice Working Party: Prosecuting Sexual Offences Prosecuting Sexual Offences.
Lucy is a founding member of Women in Criminal Law, a member of the South Eastern Circuit, Thames Valley Bar Mess and Criminal Bar Association.
Academic
Lucy’s academic awards include a First Class LLB (awarded the Linnell’s Prize for highest marked law degree) from Oxford Brookes University, as well as being a Jules Thorn Major Scholarship holder and Blackstone’s Entrance Exhibitioner – from Middle Temple. Lucy undertook her pupillage at a well-respected criminal set, Charter Chambers (in Temple), before returning to Oxford to practice.
Lucy draws on her courtroom advocacy skills, combined with her ability to digest and distil large volumes of material enabling her to home in on the key issues in a case when acting in her capacity as litigator in the Complex Crime Team (where she deals with allegations of murder, firearms, serious organised crime, gang violence, trafficking/slavery, fraud, money laundering and large-scale drug supply conspiracies/importation).
Lucy’s extensive experience in trial presentation and preparation as counsel similarly provides her with the focus and intellectual clarity necessary to determine the best strategic approach and shape a case from an early stage in proceedings. Lucy regularly advises on and drafts representations which have resulted in many cases avoiding charge or being discontinued before trial. In court, she is a persuasive and engaging jury advocate and with a keen tactical eye. She also regularly undertakes appeals where she has not had conduct of the original proceedings.
Her straight-forward, personal approach puts clients at ease and engenders a strong relationship of trust.
In accordance with the Solicitors’ Regulatory Transparency Rules for motoring offences we confirm that Lucy Tapper charges Level A hourly rates.
Professional Memberships:
- Barrister (door tenant at Furnival Chambers)
- Specifically authorised to conduct litigation
- Member of the CBA and South-Eastern Circuit
- Founder Member of Women in Criminal Law
- Pupil Supervisor;
- Duty Solicitor;
- Accredited Police Station Representative;
- CLAS;
- LLB with First Class Honours;
- Associate Lecturer at Oxford Brookes University;
- Retained Guest Lecturer for Santa Clara University Summer Law School;
- Member of the Justice Working Party on ‘Prosecuting Sexual Offences’
Endorsements and Awards
Consistently ranked in the Legal 500 as a Leading Junior (London Bar)
Middle Temple Scholar (Blackstone and Jules Thorn Scholarships)
Linnell’s Prize for highest marked Law Degree.
Recent and notable cases
Lucy is primarily recognised for her proven track record in delivering expert legal representation with discretion and precision across the full range of sexual offences; from her involvement in the notorious ‘Operation Bullfinch’ trial – to regular instruction in technical cases involving online sexual offending. Some examples of recent and/or prominent cases include:
R v H – Operation Bullfinch (Oxford Grooming Gang) case: Lucy was instructed by Julian Richards and worked alongside Eleanor Laws KC to secure one of the only two complete acquittals in the case. Oxford grooming sex case: Brothers jailed for life – BBC News
R v I, R v S and R v A – Operation Silk, Operation Nautical (1 and 2) – follow-on grooming/CSE cases in Oxford. Led by Tracy Ayling KC, Lisa Wilding KC and acted as leading junior. Acquitted in both Nautical cases.
R v A – Lucy acted alone for a carer accused of raping vulnerable female he was tasked with attending (acquitted).
R v W – Lucy acted alone for a teacher accused of sexually abusing two young boys he taught and tutored (acquitted).
R v I – Lucy acted alone for a teacher accused of historic sexual abuse of a pupil over 25 years earlier (acquitted).
R v MJ – Lucy acted alone for a young man with Autism and other developmental difficulties, establishing that he was not fit to plead or stand trial and following representations, persuading the prosecution to offer no evidence.
R v K – Lucy acted alone for a young man accused of raping a female at a party. Numerous witnesses (acquitted).
R v W – Lucy acted alone in a s.28 case involving a child witness, defendant accused of sexual assault and oral rape (acquitted).
Lucy is also regularly instructed in serious allegations of murder, attempted murder and violence.
R v B – RAF pilot accused of attempting to murder his partner, a Squadron Leader – acquitted. RAF Benson pilot said he ‘tried to kill’ girlfriend, court hears – BBC News
R v N – >1m car-jacking operation and separate kidnapping. Guilty of car-jacking, NG of kidnap. Teenage gang who stole more than £1million of cars in ‘terrifying’ north London robberies jailed | The Standard
R v M – represented 16 year-old charged with conspiracy to murder – joint enterprise shooting – at the Central Criminal Court. Haringey shooting: Gang members guilty of murder – BBC News R v S – Terrorism allegations for defendant with far-right views. Acquitted. Leamington Spa: Ben Styles built sub-machine gun ‘for religious war’ – BBC News
R v M – represented 16 year-old charged with conspiracy to murder – joint enterprise shooting – at the Central Criminal Court. Haringey shooting: Gang members guilty of murder – BBC News
R v S – Terrorism allegations for defendant with far-right views. Acquitted. Leamington Spa: Ben Styles built sub-machine gun ‘for religious war’ – BBC News
R v F – Successful defence of not guilty to attempted murder by reason of insanity, prosecuted by a KC. Stoke Newington: Man charged over stabbing in high street bank – BBC News
R v B – Missing person case – young girl from care last seen with her boyfriend, became a murder investigation when body discovered buried in a pre-existing grave. (Televised on Netflix -‘My Lover, My Killer). Jayden Parkinson ‘murdered by violent ex-boyfriend’, jury told – BBC News
R v P – large-scale Encrochat drugs operation (Venetic) – partner of main offender. Successful reduction of sentence following appeal to Court of Appeal.
R v M – successful basis of plea leading to suspended sentence for 21 year-old said to have held upper/significant role, involved in supply of Class A.
R v W – sentence significantly shorter than expected on GP for high-value class A supply with careful basis and detailed mitigation. Early analysis of the evidence meant that full credit preserved.
R v C – Acquittal for PWITS Class A drugs in multi-handed county lines case.
R v K – conspiracy involving rival gangs and firearms. Defendants arrested in the back of a specially modified vehicle with firearms, knives and balaclavas. Negotiated plea that enabled defendant to receive a suspended sentence.
Successful application to discharge SHPO
Successful appeal against conviction for 18 year-old charged with sexual assault
Crown offer no evidence on rape following submissions (prior to trial)
Crown offer no evidence on rape in Youth Court following pre-trial representations
Acquittal for rape (carer accused of raping mentally vulnerable patient) – jury trial
Acquittal for rape (taxi driver accused of raping passenger) – jury trial
No further action – allegation of sexual assault within family, following representations (pre-charge)
No further action – allegation of IIOC, following representations (prior to trial)
Acquittal for multiple allegations of historic child sex offences (jury trial)
(Narrowly) avoided custody for PWITS Class A x 3
Intentional Strangulation – Representations prior to trial successful – non-custodial sentence for common assault.
Successful application to vacate plea for a case that had come to me as a CFS. Resulted in no charges following detailed legal argument.
Acquittal for 2 x sexual assault in nightclub for media personality (jury trial)
No further action for IIOC following representations (pre-charge instruction transfer)
No further action for rape (pre-charge instruction transfer).
Successful appeal against revocation of taxi licence.
Successful representation at University Conduct Hearing
Successful representations to drop charges of arranging to meet a child following sexual grooming prior to trial.
Successful (and very detailed) representations to drop charges relating to deliberate damage and assault while working as a plumber – dropped prior to trial.
No further action for 13 year-old accused of assaulting teacher.
Testimonials
“Excellent & professional service from Lucy Tapper who gave us confidence & professional service throughout. A real people person, I cannot fault her for her work in any aspect of the case in & out of the court. Worked so hard for us & achieved an excellent outcome. A credit to Reeds and the courts. Thank you so much, we are now getting our lives back on track…”
AF
“We are so pleased that you got this result for us. Thank you so much for all you have done. Today has proved that you are worth every penny… We had our first meal together in a long time without a heavy heart and a tears in our eyes. I know we have a way to go but you have enabled us all to take the first steps.”
MD
“Thank you so much for your extremely thoughtful and careful consideration in preparing the defence. In this highly strung emotional case you managed to keep me and other actual/potential defence witnesses concise and objective in difficult circumstances, through your ability to look at the other side of the coin.”
JR
“I don't know how I will ever thank the people that supported me through this and you were one of those. Yes, you may say were doing your job, but more than anything you supported and guided me through the darkest days of my life, facing so much uncertainty. I would like you to know how much that meant to me and how much comfort that brought me. Thank you so, so much! I wish I could do more than say thank you, it doesn’t feel enough.”
DM
"Lucy was always clear, always gave me the information and guidance I needed to make the decisions myself. She had great knowledge of the system and how it works and my case. Better than most of the other people at the courts, including the Judges at most times. I always knew what to expect and all the options. Very satisfied with her work.
Anon
From now on, Lucy is the Mary Poppins of the legal world in my eyes, it was almost like you swooped in when I needed someone and took me through this process and gave me confidence that my truth will finally be heard in the place that it needed to be. from the first day that we met in person I could feel your good energy and you could see that there was an injustice that was happening which you would not allow to happen. I was extremely touched by your closing speech in the court, it was almost like you took all the words from my head and sang it like a lullaby for all to hear, this is how I really knew that I was being heard. Reeds are very lucky to have you onboard
Client
We can never thank you enough for your dedication, professionalism and expertise in proving X’s innocence.
PS
Lucy Tapper was brilliant from the start. She was understanding and considerate to the whole family. I could not have asked for any more of her and most of all, I felt like she truly cared.
MS
It is rather hard to put into words just how grateful we are, not only for the incredible job you did but for your kindness throughout the whole process. You were, in short, amazing. We have had a few family meals since the verdict and each time we have raised a glass to you and I imagine we will continue to do so for many years to come… You have given the ultimate gift of liberty to X. Thank you.
TB
“Beautifully and thoughtfully handled; after your dissection of the evidence there was only one possible outcome ... Thank you again for your superhuman efforts – from all the family and friends too. We are indebted.”
CL
“Lucy was perfect.”
KF
“Excellent & professional service from Lucy Tapper who gave us confidence & professional service throughout. A real people person, I cannot fault her for her work in any aspect of the case in & out of the court. Worked so hard for us & achieved an excellent outcome. A credit to Reeds and the courts. Thank you so much, we are now getting our lives back on track…”
AF
“We are so pleased that you got this result for us. Thank you so much for all you have done. Today has proved that you are worth every penny… We had our first meal together in a long time without a heavy heart and a tears in our eyes. I know we have a way to go but you have enabled us all to take the first steps.”
MD
“Thank you so much for your extremely thoughtful and careful consideration in preparing the defence. In this highly strung emotional case you managed to keep me and other actual/potential defence witnesses concise and objective in difficult circumstances, through your ability to look at the other side of the coin.”
JR
“I don't know how I will ever thank the people that supported me through this and you were one of those. Yes, you may say were doing your job, but more than anything you supported and guided me through the darkest days of my life, facing so much uncertainty. I would like you to know how much that meant to me and how much comfort that brought me. Thank you so, so much! I wish I could do more than say thank you, it doesn’t feel enough.”
DM
"Lucy was always clear, always gave me the information and guidance I needed to make the decisions myself. She had great knowledge of the system and how it works and my case. Better than most of the other people at the courts, including the Judges at most times. I always knew what to expect and all the options. Very satisfied with her work.
Anon
From now on, Lucy is the Mary Poppins of the legal world in my eyes, it was almost like you swooped in when I needed someone and took me through this process and gave me confidence that my truth will finally be heard in the place that it needed to be. from the first day that we met in person I could feel your good energy and you could see that there was an injustice that was happening which you would not allow to happen. I was extremely touched by your closing speech in the court, it was almost like you took all the words from my head and sang it like a lullaby for all to hear, this is how I really knew that I was being heard. Reeds are very lucky to have you onboard
Client
We can never thank you enough for your dedication, professionalism and expertise in proving X’s innocence.
PS
Lucy Tapper was brilliant from the start. She was understanding and considerate to the whole family. I could not have asked for any more of her and most of all, I felt like she truly cared.
MS
It is rather hard to put into words just how grateful we are, not only for the incredible job you did but for your kindness throughout the whole process. You were, in short, amazing. We have had a few family meals since the verdict and each time we have raised a glass to you and I imagine we will continue to do so for many years to come… You have given the ultimate gift of liberty to X. Thank you.
TB
“Beautifully and thoughtfully handled; after your dissection of the evidence there was only one possible outcome ... Thank you again for your superhuman efforts – from all the family and friends too. We are indebted.”
CL
“Lucy was perfect.”
KF
“Excellent & professional service from Lucy Tapper who gave us confidence & professional service throughout. A real people person, I cannot fault her for her work in any aspect of the case in & out of the court. Worked so hard for us & achieved an excellent outcome. A credit to Reeds and the courts. Thank you so much, we are now getting our lives back on track…”
AF