Nigel Fryer

Practice Overview

Nigel is a Leading Junior Barrister who has considerable experience in conducting significant cases. He has a mixed criminal and regulatory practice and is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor.

Nigel is described in the Legal 500 2024 edition as, “An extremely knowledgeable barrister and a formidable advocate who is held in the highest regard”. 

Notable and Reported cases

• R v L. (R) and F. (J.) 2009 1 Cr. App. R. 16 CA.

  COURT OF APPEAL
  
  Defence Counsel in the guideline case resolving the appropriate approach to the prosecution of an unincorporated association. Successfully argued that the Environment Agency had adopted the wrong approach in the prosecution of a golf club where they had identified the chairman and treasurer as culpable rather than the organization itself.

• Crime

  Nigels criminal practice focuses on serious and complex matters, including murder, drug importation, significant drug conspiracy, fraudulent trading, complex historical sexual offending, firearms, explosives, and fatal road traffic offences.

• Regulatory

  Nigel undertakes work nationwide, with particular emphasis on health and safety, environmental law, planning enforcement, gang master licencing trading standards and prosecutions on behalf of the Department of Business, Innovation and Skills. He believes that a team approach is essential to any regulatory case and welcomes the opportunity to advise from an early stage including at the inquest in matters involving a fatality. He is always keen to undertake site visits to understand the fine detail of a case. 

• Environmental Law

  Nigel has acted for both government authorities, private individuals and insurance companies in respect of environmental matters. General examples of work include the prosecution and defence of water and air pollution, spillage including waste, slurry and effluent, the storage of waste and the transportation of waste.

• Planning Enforcement & Statutory Nuisance

  He has extensive experience of the prosecution and defence of matters arising from breach of planning legislation, including stop, enforcement notices and breaches of listed building regulations. In addition Nigel undertakes work in the field of statutory nuisance and has advised upon, and litigated, notice abatement notices.

• Education & Qualification

  Queen Mary, University of London
  University of the West of England

  • LLB
  • BVC 
• Recommendations

  • "Nigel is an exceptional senior junior on circuit." "One of the most dedicated barristers on circuit, his advocacy is passionate and enthusiastic with a particular skill for impactful cross-examination." (Chambers & Partners 2025 - Crime)

  • ‘With a thorough and level-headed approach Nigel is a go-to for more complex cases. His tenacious and robust cross-examination of defendants is in welcome stark contrast to his soft and caring approach to vulnerable victims. Nigel has a real presence in court, commanding both respect and trust in those around him, grabbing, and most importantly, keeping the attention of jurors throughout the trial. Outside of court Nigel's attention to detail in providing written advice and skeleton arguments is exceptional.' (Legal 500, 2025 - Crime)

  • Nigel Fryer is a strong choice for both prosecuting and defending complex criminal cases. He handles matters relating to rape, drugs offences and serious violence, as well as drug conspiracies. "He has an array of knowledge and skills." (Chambers & Partners 2024, Crime)

  • "He is an extremely knowledgeable barrister and a formidable advocate who is held in the highest regard. He deals with complex cases expeditiously, robustly and successfully and has a wonderful rapport with victims and witnesses." (Legal 500, 2024 - Crime)
  • “Nigel is good at getting to the heart of a case.” “His advocacy skills are robust and methodical, and he always demonstrates an in-depth knowledge of the case.” (Chambers UK, 2023 - Crime)
    "He is a forceful cross examiner who puts the work in to really get to the heart of the evidence to achieve the best results for his clients. A very user-friendly junior." (Legal 500, 2023 - Crime)
  • "He is a senior and hard-working junior." "He is very able at prosecuting and defending. He understands what motivates people in a case, which is a valuable skill to have." (Chambers UK, 2022)
    ‘Nigel is a thoroughly prepared and exceptionally hard-working criminal practitioner. Nigel is robust in his approach and ensures that every point is properly raised and dealt with whether during legal arguments or through the trial process.’ (Legal 500, 2022 - Crime (General & Fraud))
  • 'A leading junior on circuit with particular expertise in the prosecution and defence of serious sexual offences, particularly those involving historical allegations and vulnerable witnesses.' (Legal 500, 2021)
  • ‘A very capable and charming advocate with a good manner and tone to his cross examination.’ (Legal 500, 2020)
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