John offers expert advice on:

- Frozen Accounts - Frozen Crypto-Assets - Confiscation Hearings

John McNamara is an experienced barrister specialising in account freezing, cash forfeiture and crypto forfeiture cases. With a strong track record of providing expert legal advice and representation, he is dedicated to delivering practical and effective solutions for his clients. John’s in-depth knowledge and professional approach make him a trusted figure in his field.

Direct Access

John is direct access qualified. This means he can accept instructions directly from clients without a solicitor. This can often be more cost effective than instructing a solicitor and a barrister. If the case would benefit with the involvement of a solicitor, John has worked with some of the top criminal solicitors across London, and can make arrangements to find the right solicitor for the job.

Location

Based near St. Paul’s in London he has been helping individuals facing criminal allegations and the seizure of their money and property for over a decade. He has appeared in courts across England & Wales.

Expertise

John has particular expertise in:

  • Cases involving the freezing of bank accounts

  • Cases where cash or crypto-assets are detained by law enforcement

  • Acting for the partners and family members of convicted persons, to protect their property in confiscation hearings (section 10A POCA applications)

  • Defending individuals facing applications to increase a confiscation order (section 22 POCA applications)

  • Advising individuals and businesses who have been affected by the loss or detention of assets.

Black and white portrait of a bearded man in a suit and tie, smiling and looking at the camera.

Services

Offices in the heart

of the City

 

What do the legal directories say about John?

"A focused and a strong advocate, looking at what his clients want to achieve and translating this into his strategy." Chambers & Partners 2026 - POCA & Asset Forfeiture

“Very analytical and someone quick to grasp the strengths of the case, he's a really good negotiator who gives honest, realistic advice." Chambers & Partners, 2026 - POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

"John is committed to excellence. He is a real star." The Legal 500, 2025 - Crime

"He is very down to earth: clients like him and repeatedly request for him to be instructed." The Legal 500, 2025 - Proceeds of Crime (POCA) and Asset Forfeiture

"He knows his stuff, is very immersed in this area and is not someone you want to be against.” Chambers & Partners, 2025 - POCA Work & Asset Forfeiture

"John understands and grasps the POCA regime in a way that very few do." The Legal 500 2022 - POCA

"John is highly intelligent, and his attention to detail is bettered only by his bedside manner with clients, who appreciate his calm and succinct style.” The Legal 500, 2022 - Crime

Contact John

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