Serena Gates 2 1200x800 1 1024x683 - Serena Gates KC

Serena Gates KC

Criminal King's Counsel
  • Year of Call
  • 2001; Door Tenant

Criminal Law

Serena is a Door Tenant of Walnut House, with strong connections to the South West. She is also a member of Red Lion Chambers in London. Appointed King’s Counsel in 2026, Serena is a leading barrister specialising in the most serious and sensitive cases, with particular expertise in homicide, terrorism, organised crime, sexual offences, and fraud.

Most of her practice involves complex trials and multiple defendants.  She also appears regularly in the Court of Appeal, and alongside her work for defence solicitors, she is also instructed by prosecuting agencies. She is recognised for her forensic approach, strategic judgment, and effective advocacy, and is consistently recommended as a leading practitioner by the editors of Chambers and Partners.

Alongside her trial practice, Serena is instructed to advise at the investigative stage, including in relation to historic international investigations, parallel criminal and regulatory exposure, and high-stakes decision-making. She brings a clear understanding of the commercial and reputational risks faced by clients, and provides pragmatic and strategic advice from the outset of an investigation.

Serena’s background as an investigator with the United Nations Syrian Commission of Inquiry, together with her prior service in the UK military, and consultancy work for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, gives her particular expertise in international, complex and sensitive investigations. She has experience operating at a strategic level in high-pressure environments and is well placed to advise in cases involving serious allegations, cross-border elements and reputational risk.

Serena is standout, highly impressive. She is great to communicate with and very clever. ― Chambers UK

She is an outstanding barrister and fabulous on the law. She is an excellent advocate, respected by judges and colleagues.― Chambers UK (2025)

Serena is on top of the details, exercises good judgement, and cross-examines very well. She works under pressure effectively and efficiently.― Chambers UK (2025)

Gates is a talented barrister who, whilst committed to her brief, remained open-minded, approachable and easy to work with.― Chambers UK (2026)

Serena has extraordinary intelligence and judgement. She is meticulous and inputted very effectively on legal issues. Her advocacy is exceptional and her case management skills are exemplary, and even when there is a crisis during a trial she can guide everyone through the problem.― Legal 500

As well as an impressive forensic approach she also has an effective and persuasive style of advocacy. This combined with an entirely sensible and reasonable approach makes her an extremely effective advocate.― Legal 500

 

Biographical and Other Information

  • King's Counsel
  • King's Counsel: 2026
  • Professional Appointments
  • Recorder of the Crown Court (2024) Football Association – Specialist Panel Member – Safeguarding Review Panel (Appointed 2026); Advisory Board Member – Legal Action Worldwide (NGO); Treasury Counsel Monitoree (September 2021 to March 2024); Senior Civilian Expert for UK HMG Office of Conflict, Stabilisation and Mediation (A cross Whitehall unit providing specialist advice to HMG departments including FCDO, NCA, HO and others.); Halsbury Rule of Law Award 2019 (for war crimes work)
  • Awards
  • Halsbury Rule of Law Award, Lexis Nexis (2019); Queen’s Commendation for Valuable Service, Operational Honours List (2008); Diplock Scholarship, Middle Temple (2000)
  • Languages
  • Spanish

Criminal Law team members