Martin is ranked as a new silk in both leading directories and for many years has been ranked as a Leading junior in Band 1 in the Crime section as well as in the Financial Crime section of the Legal 500 edn 2025.
He is is described in Legal 500 2025 'A skilful and charismatic jury advocate with a brilliant forensic mind. Martin cuts to the chase in his cases, identifies the key issues and puts his clients first and foremost. He is a very good strategist and particularly adept at choosing his legal arguments'
Martin is a superb barrister. He is a wise and considered practitioner who shows great judgment in which battles to pick. He has a delightful Court manner which charms judges and juries alike as well as a steely resolve. Martin is a stellar performer who was made for silk robes.
Described as ‘a forceful, formidable advocate who is adept in heavyweight crime and financial crime cases' as well as 'known for his well-prepared, meticulous and devastating cross-examination.’
In Chambers and Partners 2025 silk section it was said:
"Martin McCarthy KC has always been a great analytical mind and is always able to handle complex and huge cases."
"McCarthy is very persuasive, works timelessly marshalling facts and juries love his speeches. He gets results."
Martin was ranked in Band 1 in the Crime section of Legal 500 2022. Described as 'in command of his papers' and someone who 'robustly cross examines witnesses'
In the Financial Crime section he was described as 'A junior who possesses expert tactical acumen, both in his submissions and his dealings with witnesses and juries'.
Chambers & Partners 2022 said that Martin is "A strong and insidious barrister with excellent judgment and who knows how to handle the opposition and get what he wants'.
In the Financial crime of the same directory he was rated as 'an accomplished junior ....very experienced and great to deal with. A very good jury advocate who is excellent at witness handling'.
Legal 500 2021 Fraud crime directory ranked Martin as a leading Junior in both general and Fraud crime. He is described as "charismatic" and someone who "fights tirelessly....one of the most talented fraud and business crime juniors at the bar...". He is the "go to Counsel in heavyweight crime, particularly drugs, People Trafficking and Serious Organised crime". He is a rare breed of leading junior advocates who has a firm, tenacious manner in Court mixed with charm and charisma"
Chambers & Partners 2021 ranked Martin as a leading junior in Fraud and general crime.
"well thought of and a real fighter"
"A very, very good jury advocate".
In the 2020 general crime section as follows:
"A walking disclsoure manual whose cross examinations are effective"
In Fraud:crime the same directory reads as follows:
"A thorough practitioner who will fiercely fight his clients corner"
Legal 500 2019 had the following comments:
"He can absorb and understand vast amounts of complex material and explain it to a jury".
He was recognised in the 2019 edition of Chambers & Partners directory in the area of Financial Crime and is the only member of Farringdon Chambers to be included.
"Accomplished Junior with a strong track record of defending in financial crime cases. He is esteemed for his ability in cases of fraud, money laundering and serious organised crime"
"He is brilliant on the law and has a superb cross examination technique"
He is instructed in the most substantial and complex cases of murder, fraud, drugs, corruption, money laundering, people trafficking and all aspects of organised crime. Martin has extensive experience of serious fraud and related confiscation proceedings. He has advised and appeared in complex contested cases in the Crown Court, the High Court and the Court of Appeal. He is used to working with substantial amounts of paperwork and is computer literate.
Martin is particularly experienced in cases involving experts in cell site, computers, telephone, accountancy and other such evidence.
In the last few years Martin has developed a niche practice in appeals against costs decisions and has been reported in decisions of costs Judges, the High Court and the VHCC appeals committee where he has been unusually successful in taking points of principle (R v Mooney, R v Mehmetaj, R v Zigaras, R v Sereika, R v Francis & R v Carter - all of which successfully challenged decisions of the LAA before the Costs Judge on behalf of Litigators and/or Counsel).
Martin has substantial experience of VHCC cases. Martin was formerly an Independent Costs Adjudicator (formerly known as a member of the LSC VHCC appeals committee). He is a former elected member of the Criminal Bar Association executive and is co-opted to the CBA remuneration Committee. Martin is able to give lectures to Solicitors and the Bar in Costs and costs appeals.
In relation to Cyber Crime, Martin's experience focuses on various types of Cyber Fraud, in addition to matters involving Malware, Ransomware and Phishing offences.
Martin also has experience of the whole array of sexual offences and Indecent Images over many years.
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