Fatima Jama

“Your defence sentencing note is a model of its kind."

Judge at The Crown Court

"What an excellent result.... Undoubtedly down to your excellent preparation yet again."

Instructing Solicitor

"Thank you so much for stepping up last minute and performing miracles!"

Instructing Solicitor

"This is a fantastic result, thank you very much! I have spoken to the client and he could not sing your praises enough, he said you were great and would like me to pass on his thanks."

Instructing Solicitor

"...client's over the moon with his result and was singing your praises."

Instructing Solicitor

"Thank you very much for all your help today - I really appreciate you going the extra mile to assist!"

Instructing Solicitor

"You have been absolutely brilliant."

Instructing Solicitor

Fatima Jama is developing a busy defence practice in all areas of Chambers’ work.

A considerable part of her practice includes private instructions. Fatima is also increasingly instructed to defend allegations of serious drug and firearms offences, which often raise issues of gang affiliation, county lines, and modern slavery. Alongside this, Fatima is currently assisting a senior member of chambers in an on-going substantial private prosecution case involving allegations of multi-million-pound fraud.

Fatima undertakes publicly funded as well as private work, including pre and post-charge advice. Fatima has represented a broad range of professionals including company directors and accountants. She is known for her innovative, thorough approach, and common touch with clients.

Fatima has published several articles with a particular focus on general crime, white-collar crime and financial regulation. Her articles have appeared on Lexology, The Expert Witness Journal and Financial Regulation International.

Prior to commencing pupillage, Fatima worked at the Financial Conduct Authority for 5 years, in the Enforcement and Market Oversight Division, initially assisting in investigations involving allegations of market misconduct. Fatima was then promoted to a position in the Market Integrity Unit where she identified and developed cases involving breaches of the UK listing regime.

Fatima also worked in the business crime and regulatory department of a City firm. She assisted in the defence of the Serious Fraud Office’s case for one of the defendants suspected of EURIBOR manipulation and worked on regulatory matters investigated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority and the Bar Standards Board.

During her time as a criminal caseworker at two separate criminal defence solicitors’ firms, Fatima managed a diverse caseload including historic sexual offences, terrorism, firearms, fraud, drug and violent offences and conspiracy matters.

Fatima is registered with the Bar Council Public Access Directory and accepts instructions on a direct access basis.

Expertise

Notable Crime - Drug Related Offences cases

R v AA – Portsmouth Crown Court [2025]

Instructed as junior counsel on a complex drug trafficking case involving the importation and supply of cannabis. It was alleged that the defendant was part of an organised crime group based in West Sussex that imported cannabis from Switzerland through courier services and fast parcels, subsequently selling it through online websites and to physical shops across the UK. The prosecution’s case relied on forensic analysis of the plant material showing THC concentrations above the 0.2% legal limit. The police, however, had not adhered to the testing procedures mandated by European Union regulations. Following prolonged legal submissions, the court determined the test results were inadmissible pursuant to section 78 of the Police and Criminal Evidence Act 1984. As a result, after 9 weeks of proceedings, the prosecution offered no evidence and jury delivered not guilty verdicts on all charges.

R v EK – Isleworth Crown Court [2025]

Successfully secured a Suspended Sentence Order for a defendant charged with drug importation, involving controlled substances valued at £420,000 street value.

R v AA – Wimbledon Youth Court [2025]

Successful representations made to the Crown to discontinue serious drugs charges for youth defendant. The Crown were persuaded not to proceed with the case, despite the defendant’s prior convictions. The matter involved a vulnerable young person who had been identified as a victim of modern slavery through a positive conclusive grounds decision. The case was further complicated by the client’s status as a refugee who had fled the Syrian conflict four years before arriving in the UK.

R v OD – Lewes Crown Court [2025]

Successful representations made to the Crown to discontinue drug charges for defendant of good character.

R v SC - Portsmouth Crown Court [2025]

Secured a reduced sentence for a defendant charged with 2 counts of being concerned in supplying Class A drugs despite their previous convictions. The defence persuasively argued the categorisation for a lesser role, rather than a significant role as initially contended, by strategically using the Crown’s own evidence to demonstrate the defendant was operating under direction within an organised crime structure. The sentencing judge was aided by the defence’s detailed sentencing note. The sentence was effectively mitigated down to a Community Order – substantially below what could have been imposed.

R v OW – Guildford Crown Court [2024]

The defendant was sentenced for two offences committed while serving a life sentence for murder. The offences of being concerned in the supply of class B drugs and unauthorised possession of a mobile phone inside a prison were committed on separate occasions. The judge was persuaded to impose short sentences which while consecutive to each other were concurrent with his existing sentence. The defendant was coming to the end of the minimum term of his life sentence making the case exceptionally challenging.

Notable Crime - Offences Against the Persons cases

R v EDR - Harrow Crown Court sitting at Willesden Magistrates’ Court [2025]

Defendant was originally charged with section 18 GBH with intent and possession of an offensive weapon after an unprovoked incident involving an unknown complainant—offences carrying a real risk of a “dangerousness” finding if convicted. Through detailed preparation and sensitive representation, the Defence presented comprehensive evidence of the Defendant’s significant vulnerabilities, including his diagnosed physical and mental health conditions, learning difficulties, and the psychotic state he was experiencing at the time of the incident. On the day of trial, the Crown accepted pleas to the lesser offence of section 20 GBH instead. The Defendant ultimately received a sentence of time served.

R v AS – Isleworth Crown Court [2025]

The 16-year-old defendant who had committed offences at age 15 entered guilty pleas to section 18 grievous bodily harm, violent disorder, possession of a bladed article, and possession of cannabis. Notwithstanding this being the defendant’s fifth conviction for a knife-related offence and having previously been sentenced to and breached a Youth Rehabilitation Order with Intensive Supervision and Surveillance, the court was persuaded through compelling oral submissions and comprehensive mitigation to impose a further Youth Rehabilitation Order with Intensive Supervision and Surveillance despite custody being an option available.

R v MB – Ipswich Crown Court [2025]

Secured unanimous acquittals in a 7-day trial for a defendant who faced two counts of assault on emergency workers before the Resident Judge after just 76 minutes of jury deliberation and successfully opposed two prosecution bad character applications. The case received local media coverage which can be viewed here.

R v DD - Harrow Crown Court sitting at Willesden Magistrates’ Court [2025]

Defendant acquitted of assaulting an emergency worker. The prosecution case was that the defendant assaulted a police officer while attempting to flee, motivated by the desire to conceal a lock knife that was later discovered in his possession. The defendant had initially entered ‘not guilty’ pleas to both offences, but later accepted possession of the bladed article. The Crown argued that the defendant’s initial dishonesty about the knife undermined his credibility regarding the assault allegation. The defendant received a conditional discharge for the bladed article count.

Notable Crime - Sexual Offences cases

R v AJ – Ipswich Crown Court [2025]

Jury returned a not guilty verdict following a five-day trial for a defendant charged with one count of sexual assault. The case involved complex challenges stemming from the defendant’s significant vulnerabilities, but their good character was effectively maintained.

R v HS – Portsmouth Crown Court [2025]

Instructed to represent an Indian national charged with multiple serious sexual offences, including two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration, arising from a non-domestic “stranger rape” allegation. The defendant faced the real prospect of a finding of dangerousness and an extended sentence. Through meticulous preparation of a comprehensive sentencing note and persuasive oral submissions, the court was persuaded not to impose a finding of dangerousness, despite the nature of the offences. A total sentence of 9 years’ imprisonment was imposed. The court also declined to impose a Sexual Harm Prevention Order, heavily criticising the prosecution’s draft as “vague, disproportionate, unenforceable and unnecessary” following submissions.

R v PD – Portsmouth Crown Court [2025]

Suspended Sentence Order imposed on the defendant charged with 7 serious offences including making indecent images of children (Category A, B and C), distribution of indecent images (Category A and B), and possession of prohibited images and extreme pornography. This was a particularly challenging case given the defendant’s extensive relevant previous convictions, and the nature of the distribution offences, which typically result in immediate custody. Through thorough case preparation and effective advocacy, a comprehensive defence sentencing note was prepared demonstrating the defendant’s efforts toward rehabilitation.

Notable Crime - Offences Involving Vulnerable Defendants cases

R v AA – Inner London Crown Court [2025]

Following representations, the Crown was persuaded to offer no evidence against the defendant, who faced two separate indictments for various either-way offences. The case presented challenges due to the defendant’s vulnerability.

R v JW – Chelmsford Crown Court [2025]

Following a successful application to vacate the defendant’s plea in the Magistrates’ Court, successful representations were made to the Crown in Crown Court proceedings to review prosecution in accordance with the Code for Crown Prosecutors with additional reference to the CPS guidance on suspects and defendants with mental health conditions or disorders. This case presented unique challenges due to the defendant’s significant vulnerability, but their good character status was preserved.

Notable Crime - Public Order Offences cases

R v UR – Stoke-On-Trent Crown Court [2025]

The defendant was sentenced for an offence of violent disorder while serving a 15-year sentence for drug and modern slavery offences. The violent disorder was committed on a separate occasion involving different circumstances. The judge was persuaded to impose a short sentence concurrent to his existing sentence.

Fatima is often instructed on post-conviction matters, including criminal appeals.

Fatima is frequently instructed on a post-conviction basis in relation to complex issues of confiscation.

Notable Private Prosecution cases

RSPCA v IS & KZS – Luton Crown Court [2025]

Low-level Community Orders imposed on both defendants who were convicted of serious animal cruelty offences.

Notable Civil Applications cases

Police v BV – Lewes Crown Court [2024]

Successful application to discharge an indefinite Sexual Harm Prevention Order.

2019: Called to the Bar of England and Wales
2014- 2015: Bar Professional Training Course, Very Competent
2011- 2014: LLB (Hons). Upper Second-Class Degree

Inquest Lawyers Group
The Society of Young Legal Aid Lawyers
Human Rights Lawyers’ Association
Young Fraud Lawyers’ Association
Women In Criminal Law
The Criminal Bar Association
Financial Services Lawyers Association
The Honourable Society of the Inner Temple
Young Bar Mentoring (Mentor)
Youth Justice Legal Centre