Gary Summers
Introduction
Gary is a respected UK barrister with 40 years’ experience.
He focuses mainly on private prosecutions, dispute resolution, financial investigations and mediation and crisis management - he also has other specialisms in medical and criminal defence.
Background and expertise
Private Prosecution
In private prosecution cases, Gary seeks to identify crimes, perpetrators and backers - including those perverting the course of justice. He files information, procures summonses and prosecutes individuals in the UK courts.
Dispute Resolution
Gary has advised on countless cases in the UK Court of Appeal and High Court. In the past 15 years he has advised claimants and defendant in multi-million loss cases in High Court, arbitration and insolvency proceedings involving marine insurance; construction; metal trading; receivables finance and investment fraud.
Since 2016 using his licence to litigate, Gary has been directly instructed in several civil fraud cases in the Commercial Court for claimants and defendants; insolvency cases in the High Court; contentious probate cases in the Chancery Divisions and Central London County Court, cases in the Family Division and Central Family Court and Judicial review cases in the Administrative Court.
Private prosecutions
In private prosecution cases, Gary seeks to identify crimes, perpetrators and backers – including those perverting the course of justice. He files information, procures summonses and prosecutes individuals in UK courts.
Financial investigations
In financial investigations, Gary seeks to identify crimes, perpetrators and backers, and provides evidence to authorities and/or private clients. He may also cause a recovery process to be instituted here and abroad, to recover the fruits of frauds.
Gary is an acknowledged expert in asset confiscation – and ranked as a leading junior in fraud in the Legal 500 (2006–14 edition).
In 2007, Gary set up an international forensic investigation capability – tested in 2007–08 during a substantial investigation in Dubai.
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Recent Cases
Contested extradition proceedings in Dubai successfully resisted by UAE/ Italian combined legal team directed by Gary.
Contested extradition proceedings in Dubai successfully resisted by UAE/ Belgian combined legal team directed by Gary.
Challenge in the extradition court in the Netherlands against a European Arrest Warrant issued by Germany.
Challenge in the extradition court in the Netherlands against a European Arrest Warrant issued by Italy.
Challange by E to two red notices at the CCF at Lyon France.
Private Prosecutions
Acting for the private prosecutor in proceedings for fraud.
Acting for the private prosecutor in proceedings for conspiracy to defraud.
Acting for the private prosecutor in proceedings for Fraud
Acting for the private prosecutor in proceedings for Fraud
Dispute resolution (Commercial Court/Business and Property Court)
Instructed under license to litigate in the Chancery Division for a Part 8 application for ToLATA declaration under the Trusts of Land and Appointment of Trustees Act 1996
Instructed under license to litigate (instructing Lesley Anderson QC) in the Chancery Division (Business and Property Court) London for two director defendants and the estate of a third in connection with allegations of breach of director’s duty arising from a management buyout and a claim for £18m. Contribution Proceedings under Civil Liability (Contributions) Act 1978.
Instructed under license to litigate (instructing Brie Stevens Hoare QC) in the Commercial Court London for the Claimant in connection with allegations of an unlawful means conspiracy arising from the acquisition of Jaeger Group Ltd and Aquascutum Group Ltd in 2012 and a claim for £124m.
Acting for the defendant in civil fraud proceedings.
Acting for the defendant in civil fraud proceedings.
Acting for the claimant in civil fraud proceedings.
Advised in claims in the BVI and London against Grant Thornton (UK) and Kaupthing bank (Iceland)
Dispute Resolution (Chancery Division - Insolvency)
Acting for A in contested bankruptcy proceedings.
Acting for the petitioner in winding up proceedings.
Dispute Resolution (Administrative Court)
Acting for the Applicant in Judicial Review proceedings.
Acting for the Applicant in Judicial Review proceedings.
Acting for the Interested Party in Judicial Review proceedings.
Dispute Resolution (Family Division/Central Family Court)
Acting for the applicant for financial relief in divorce proceedings in the High Court Family Division.
Acting for the applicant for protective steps order; single issue order (signing application for private school);financial relief in divorce proceedings in the High Court Family Division.
Dispute Resolution (Contentious Trust and Probate)
Instructed under license to litigate in the Chancery Division for LN’s Part 8 application for a Beddoes declaration in relation to a Trust.
Acting for the claimants in contested probate proceedings.
Acting for the claimants in section 50 proceedings to remove an Executor.
Disciplinary/Regulatory
Acting for Dr M in contested proceedings (18 day trial) before the MPTS
Successful High Court appeal against impairment findings and erasure.
HCPC Registration appeal.
GMC interim orders panel (IOP) and fitness to practise panel Suspension successfully resisted at IOP. Allegations concerning criticisms of care of terminally ill patient by doctor in private practice.
GDC Fitness to practise case; instructed by Capsticks for the GDC. Issues of consent in emergency treatment.
GDC Fitness to practise case; instructed by Capsticks for the GDC. Profound treatment issues concerning a well-known West Midlands implant specialist.
General Chiropractic Council Fitness to practise case; instructed by Crowell and Moring for the defence. One of a series of cases relating to the capability of chiropractors generally and their website descriptions.
What my clients say
Ms N
'In 2019, I instructed Mr. Gary Summers to work in a highly complex Commercial case, heard in a four-week trial in the High Court, Chancery Division ( sitting at the Rolls Building London)
I was always fully consulted and in control of the process. Gary acted with commercial integrity and the financials were will transparent. I was kept informed of and decided on all expenditure. The whole service was very cost effective.
Gary completely understood the mental, and at times physical strain of the whole process and of a legal system totally alien to a layperson. His support was unwavering throughout and he was always available to respond to my questions and concerns. I always felt that my well-being was at the heart of his entire service'
Mr T
'A calm and brilliant senior lawyer with many years of experience. Gary has represented me directly from 2018 to date - where two other so-called leading solicitors failed - with the confidence needed during serious commercial litigation in the commercial court as the Claimant against two financial institutions.
He has pitched himself against two leading solicitor firms representing the defendants with large teams, ensuring that as the client I understand in detail and at every stage of the journey the process and procedures of law during our twice weekly discussions. I would highly recommend him.'
Mr P
'Mr Summers is a respectable and knowledgeable barrister who provided us with vital support regarding legal and technical matters of the law.
Mr Summers worked on a tight schedule to prepare our defence case. He was very reassuring and right at the outset explained the technical points he would use to fight our case.
I found Mr Summers to be highly professional, extremely helpful and plain speaking. His service to us as defendants in a complex commercial legal matter was highly valuable.
Mr Summers is easy to talk to and listens carefully to his client, presenting legal arguments to us clearly in both a reliable and timely manner. he was supportive throughout the whole process including the preparation for and in attendance of court, whilst being always contactable. He condensed and articulated the relevant points of our case and managed our time effectively.
Mr Summers was completely dedicated to us and I feel we were well represented throughout the entire proceedings. Without hesitation I would recommend Mr Summers and would also like to thank him for his support and thoughtfulness during my case.'
Mr S
'In 2015 the solicitors firm in which I was employed faced a major crisis. We were bring sued for several million pounds (by two well-known sports celebrities) in connection with unsecured loans and property matters undertaken by our senior partner. Our professional indemnity (PI) insurers has pulled the run out from under us and we were refusing cover. Our senior partner was potentially facing financial ruin.
Gary spent ten intensive days undertaking a thorough investigation into the issues and produced a perceptive report with diagnostics and solutions. He negotiated ruthlessly with the PI insurers. Gary's focus and tough and street-wise approach ensured that the insurers remained on cover which ultimately saved the firm.
Mr B
(Crown Court Defence Trial Rape and Sexual Assault)
' I knew from the outset that I had chosen my defence well. By the time the trial date arrived Gary had carried out extensive research and was well prepared in his defence. As a result of Gary's outstanding defence, I was found not guilty unanimously by the jury on six counts of profoundly serious charges.
Mr K
ICC v Uhuru Kenyatta President of Kenya
'Gary Summers handled a high-profile international investigation of great complexity with total professionalism yielding sensational results for the client. His seniority as a barrister provided him with the back-up legal expertise needed to negotiate a quagmire of dancer and ensured the investigation got to the bottom of what has happened. The investigation deployed a range of experts in telecommunications, linguistics and audio identification amongst others. He had the experience of knowing where to go to get the cutting-edge expertise needed to crack the case. The case organisation, essential in these situation was 100% effective.'
Mr B
Gary Summers is a top-class Counsel, Investigator and Licenced Litigator. From the very first telephone conversation he made me feel at ease in hat would turn out to be a very complex murder investigation, for which Gary is so very well equipped as he is able to call upon and work with other experts such as former Scotland Yard murder squad detectives, and forensic scientists.
Our very first meeting was very meaningful with his analysis of the facts impressive, with me likening his understanding and intuition to that of a modern-day Sherlock Holmes. Gary quickly structured the sequence of events to lead to a formal report and further witness reports to see the matter to a conclusion. He makes a highly formal process accessible when dealing with complex and serious matters. I recommend Gary to any case that is of a serious nature to get the job done.'
Mr E
Healthcare Disciplinary
'In 2012 out of the blue I receive a letter that was to change my life. False allegations had been made about me and they were serious enough to be investigated by the NHS Fraud Squad and the Police. I knew I had not done any of the things i had been accused of and I contacted a barrister - Mr Summers - directly. From the moment I met him I knew I had someone who could fight my corner. His professionalism and support were so reassuring. The case was dropped by the Crown Prosecution Service and NHS Fraud Division.
My nightmare would continue as I was reported by my employer to the Health Care Professions Council (HCPC). Mr Summers went into action to refute the false allegations. He would conference call me and keep my up to dater on every stage of the case and his knowledge of the law was evident. Throughout this ordeal without the support of Gary Summers I feel my life would have been ruined. The case was finally heard having been adjourned on several occasions but despite this Gary was there every step of the way and the outcome was again no case to answer.'
Dr B
' I was recommended the direct access legal services of Gary Summers by a colleague following the sudden and unexpected withdrawal for my medical indemnity cover by my insurer. This left me in a very vulnerable and precarious position, facing a lengthy General Medical Council (GMC) disciplinary hearing without any legal representation. It was at this point that Gary came to my rescue and agreed to defend me.
His ability to unpick the complexities of the case, leave no stones unturned and cleverly present the evidence in my favour shone through. I have never met another lawyer more ardent, prepared or focused. Nothing seems to faze him at all or distract him from his goal on the case, which of course makes him extremely tough to beat.
GMC disciplinary hearings are extremely distressing and stressful for any doctor to have to endure during their medical career and I was so grateful for Gary's support and encouragement throughout.
I was also subject to intruding media attention during my hearings which was very stressful. Gary's ability to negotiate with the GMC press office and press photographers ensured that this unwanted attention was kept to an absolute minimum. He successfully defenced me in the Interim Order Tribunal (IOT) hearing which meant that I could continue to practice medicine as a doctor pending the result of the Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service (MPTC) hearing.
He also succeeded in getting 75% of the GMC Heads of Charge (HOC) against me to resume my career.'
Publications
- Joint editor of Fraud Law Practice and Procedure, Lexis Nexis
- Numerous articles in the New Law Journal and Money Laundering Bulletin

PROFILE: Gary Summers
Year called
1985
Specialisms
Crime
Confiscation / POCA
Cybercrime
Financial Crime
Fraud, Bribery & Corruption
Private Prosecution
Disciplinary
Mediation
Regulatory / Disciplinary
International
Confiscation / POCA
Cybercrime
Financial Crime
Fraud, Bribery & Corruption
Financial and Corporate law
Civil Fraud
Corporate Offences
VAT Tribunals
Direct access
Yes
Contact
020 7489 2727
Education
BA Law (Hons) (2:1), East London University
Memberships
Private Prosecutors' Association
Association of Regulatory and Disciplinary Lawyers