Alison Morgan KC: A Leading Barrister at 6KBW College Hill

The name Alison Morgan KC carries weight and authority in the world of criminal law. Known for her razor-sharp intellect, exceptional advocacy, and relentless commitment to justice, she has built a formidable reputation as one of the United Kingdom’s leading barristers. With a career spanning some of the most high-profile cases of the past two decades, Alison Morgan KC is a prominent figure at 6KBW College Hill, one of London’s most respected sets of chambers. Her practice covers a wide spectrum of criminal litigation, terrorism trials, corporate crime, and major public inquiries, cementing her as a trusted advocate at the very top of the profession.
The Journey to King’s Counsel
Early Career and Call to the Bar
Alison Morgan was called to the Bar in 2000, embarking on a career path that would see her quickly rise through the ranks of criminal advocacy. Her early years were marked by rigorous courtroom work, where she demonstrated a natural ability to dissect complex legal issues and communicate them with clarity and precision.
Junior Treasury Counsel Appointment
In 2012, Alison Morgan was appointed Junior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court by the Attorney General. This appointment placed her at the centre of some of the most sensitive and high-stakes prosecutions in the country. It was here that she honed her skills further, prosecuting cases of terrorism, organised crime, and violent offences.
Achieving Silk
Her outstanding contribution to the law was recognised when she was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 2019 (now King’s Counsel following the change in monarchy). This prestigious title marked her as one of the finest advocates of her generation, trusted to lead in the most complex trials and appeals.
6KBW College Hill: The Home of Excellence
About 6KBW
Situated in the heart of London, 6KBW College Hill is renowned as a leading set of chambers specialising in criminal law, fraud, regulatory matters, and public law. It is widely regarded as the “go-to” set for complex criminal litigation, attracting some of the sharpest legal minds in the country.
Alison Morgan KC at 6KBW
As one of the most senior members of 6KBW, Alison Morgan plays a pivotal role in maintaining the chambers’ stellar reputation. Her work reflects the ethos of 6KBW: rigorous preparation, fearless advocacy, and a commitment to justice both in prosecution and defence. Clients and colleagues alike describe her as analytical, strategic, and commanding in court.
Landmark Cases and High-Profile Work
The Stephen Lawrence Case
One of the earliest high-profile moments in her career came when Alison Morgan acted as Junior Counsel for the Prosecution in the trial of those accused of murdering Stephen Lawrence. This trial was one of the most significant in modern British legal history, and her role placed her in the public eye as a capable and trusted barrister.
The Ellison Review
Following the Lawrence case, she went on to act as Junior Counsel in the Ellison Review, a public and independent review into allegations of police corruption. This role highlighted her capacity not only as a courtroom advocate but also as a meticulous investigator of systemic legal and institutional failings.
Terrorism Prosecutions
Over the last fifteen years, Alison Morgan KC has been at the forefront of some of the most complex terrorism prosecutions in the United Kingdom. These include:
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The Ricin Conspiracy.
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The 21/7 Bomb Plot.
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The plot to bomb the London Stock Exchange.
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The Parsons Green Station attack.
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The case of Khairi Saadallah, relating to the Reading terrorist attack.
Her work in these cases demonstrates her ability to manage sprawling evidence, multi-jurisdictional issues, and intense public scrutiny.
Grenfell Tower Investigation
Alison Morgan KC is also heavily involved in the ongoing criminal investigation into the Grenfell Tower tragedy. This case is one of the most important and emotionally charged legal proceedings in recent history, and her leadership in such a sensitive matter reflects her standing as a barrister who balances sharp advocacy with compassion.
Expertise Beyond Prosecution
Corporate Crime and Financial Investigations
Alison Morgan’s expertise extends far beyond terrorism and violent crime. She has substantial experience in corporate and financial crime, including advising in the Serious Fraud Office investigation into Rolls Royce Plc. She was also part of the team that prosecuted Barclays Plc and senior executives, demonstrating her versatility in handling both individual and corporate defendants.
Currently, she continues to represent individuals under investigation by the Serious Fraud Office in relation to bribery and fraud allegations, reinforcing her reputation in this demanding area of practice.
Defence Work
Although much of her career has focused on prosecution, Alison Morgan KC has also taken on notable defence cases. She acted for the former Pictures Editor of The Sun newspaper, who was acquitted of misconduct in public office. This balance of prosecution and defence illustrates her versatility and her ability to see cases from all sides of the legal spectrum.
Skills and Advocacy Style
Analytical Brilliance
Peers and judges often describe Alison Morgan KC as “brilliantly analytical,” capable of cutting through layers of evidence to identify the crux of a case long before others do.
Advocacy Skills
Her advocacy style is both commanding and persuasive. Chambers & Partners consistently praise her exceptional advocacy skills, her ability to form an overview of the case, and her mastery of legal detail.
Victim Care and Compassion
What sets her apart is not only her sharp legal mind but also her human touch. She is known for her sensitivity to victims and families, often praised for going above and beyond in providing care and engagement.
Recognition and Rankings
Legal Directories
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Chambers & Partners consistently rank her as a leading silk in criminal law, citing her as “an excellent lawyer and advocate.”
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Legal 500 has recommended her for her outstanding contribution to criminal litigation, noting her as one of the standout barristers of her generation.
Judicial Appointments
In addition to her work as a KC, Alison Morgan has served as a Deputy High Court Judge, further underlining her judicial acumen and her ability to operate at the highest levels of the justice system.
International Contributions
Work with the Commonwealth
Alison Morgan KC has also contributed to international legal development, working with the Commonwealth Secretariat on comparative terrorism legislation and procedures across member countries. Her international work highlights her ability to apply her expertise beyond the courtroom, shaping policy and best practice on a global scale.
The Impact of Alison Morgan KC
A Role Model for Aspiring Lawyers
For aspiring barristers, Alison Morgan KC represents the pinnacle of what can be achieved through dedication, intellect, and perseverance. Her career demonstrates the importance of versatility: from handling terrorism prosecutions to advising on corporate fraud, her adaptability is a lesson to the next generation of lawyers.
Contribution to Justice
Whether prosecuting terrorists, advising on corporate wrongdoing, or leading sensitive inquiries, Alison Morgan KC has consistently worked in the pursuit of justice. Her impact is not confined to winning cases but extends to shaping the very way the law responds to crime, terrorism, and corruption.
Conclusion
The story of Alison Morgan KC is one of excellence, resilience, and dedication to the highest standards of the legal profession. As a senior member of 6KBW College Hill, she continues to shape the landscape of criminal law in the United Kingdom. From prosecuting landmark terrorism trials to advising on international legal frameworks, her career reflects both depth and breadth of expertise.
In an era where the law faces ever-evolving challenges, Alison Morgan KC stands as a beacon of professionalism, skill, and integrity. Her name is synonymous with justice, making her one of the most respected barristers of her generation.