Tom Little KC: Leading the Charge in Modern British Criminal Prosecution

Tom Little KC is the First Senior Treasury Counsel at the Old Bailey, appointed on 1 April 2024 by the Attorney General. With over 25 years at the Bar, he served six years as Senior Treasury Counsel, prosecuting high-profile murder cases—including those of Jo Cox MP, Sarah Everard, and Sir David Amess MP—and advising on serious fraud, terrorism, and national security prosecutions. Renowned for his courtroom prowess, he is a leading authority in criminal advocacy, public law, and mentoring the next generation of Treasury Counsel.

Introduction

Tom Little KC is a central figure in the British criminal justice system. As First Senior Treasury Counsel at the Central Criminal Court (“Old Bailey”), he commands unparalleled respect and authority in prosecuting the nation’s most serious offences. From high-profile murder trials to complex appeals, his work defines modern criminal litigation in the UK. This article explores every facet of his personal and professional life, delivering informative, SEO-focused insight that supports first-page visibility.

Who Is Tom Little KC?

Tom Little KC, appointed King’s Counsel in 2018, is currently the First Senior Treasury Counsel, a highly prestigious position in the UK prosecutorial hierarchy. He leads a specialized team tasked with prosecuting the most serious criminal offences, offering legal advice to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS), and representing the state in complex, high-stakes cases.

Age and Early Life

Although Tom Little KC’s exact date of birth isn’t publicly confirmed, professional records indicate he was called to the Bar in 1997. Assuming he completed legal education soon after his undergraduate degree at age 22–24, this places his birth year around 1973–1975, making him approximately 50–52 years old in mid-2025. His early years were marked by academic excellence and leadership traits that forecasted his future legal prominence.

Family and Personal Background

Little is publicly documented about Tom Little KC’s personal family life—no records feature his parents, siblings, or spouse. His public persona remains firmly centered on his legal career. From publicly available information, it’s known that he maintains a low media presence, focusing public attention on his professional achievements rather than personal affairs. Respect for his privacy is typical among high-profile Crown advocates.

Legal Education and Entry to the Bar

Tom Little KC earned his law degree from a leading UK institution—likely Oxford, Cambridge, or London—though the specific university is not disclosed in public profiles. He would then have completed the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC), followed by a pupillage in Chambers. He was called to the Bar in 1997, practicing initially in criminal defence and prosecution. His rapid ascent to senior positions reflects both his aptitude and commitment.

Rise Through the Ranks

In his early years at the Bar, Tom Little KC honed his skills in Crown Court trials and appellate work. His expertise in high-profile cases and ability to handle sensitive material led to his 2017 appointment as Senior Treasury Counsel. Over six years, he led prosecutions in cases involving terrorism, organised crime, fraud, and murder—earning his reputation as a powerhouse advocate.

Senior Treasury Counsel and Appointment as First Senior Treasury Counsel

From 2017 to 2024, Little represented the Crown in major criminal trials as Senior Treasury Counsel. On 1 April 2024, he was appointed First Senior Treasury Counsel, replacing his predecessor in a role with responsibilities including strategic leadership, advising the Attorney General’s Office, and overseeing a cohort of Treasury Counsel. This appointment places him at the apex of criminal advocacy in the UK.

Landmark Cases and Criminal Convictions

Murders of High-Profile Individuals

Jo Cox MP (2016): Little played an integral prosecutorial role in securing the killer’s conviction.

Sarah Everard (2021): A highly sensitive case surrounding public safety and police trust.

Sir David Amess MP (2022): The prosecution emphasized constitutional importance and addressed national trauma.

Historic Sexual Abuse

High-profile defendants such as Max Clifford and Lord Ahmed of Rotherham were prosecuted, showcasing Little’s competence in organised and sensitive criminal investigations.

Terrorism and Major Public Safety Cases

Little has prosecuted terrorism-related charges and offences against national security—often sentencing individuals convicted of plotting or carrying out extremist acts.

Practice Areas: Fraud, Terrorism, Public Inquiries, and More

Tom Little KC’s diverse case portfolio includes:

Serious & complex fraud – collaborating with the Serious Fraud Office and the Financial Conduct Authority.

Terrorism offences – prosecuting under the Terrorism Act and National Security laws.

Inquests and inquiries – chairing Crown Prosecution Service teams in high-impact public public inquests like the Yassar Yaqub death in 2022.

Judicial reviews – handling appeals related to criminal procedure and ethics, including high-profile cases like Belhaj, Umerji, and Hunter.

Leadership and Mentorship

As the senior legal figure at “the Room” within the Old Bailey, Tom Little KC mentors rising stars in criminal law. His team includes 18 Treasury Counsel who collaborate on case strategy, prosecution methods, and courtroom advocacy. His stewardship extends to developing the CPS Pathway and Mentorship initiatives, purposely designed to nurture diverse talent and support career development in criminal prosecution.

Reputation and Peer Recognition

Tom Little KC’s peers recognize his dual strength: legal precision and compelling advocacy. His awards and rankings include:

Crime Silk of the Year 2021

Chambers UK: Band 1 in Crime and Protest Law; Band 3 in Financial Crime; Band 4 in Administrative & Public Law.

Praise cites include: “a very good black letter lawyer… good jury advocates and good court advocates: he’s both.”

These accolades reflect his influence on national prosecution standards and reputation for excellence.

Tom Little KC: Wikipedia Profile Overview

Though Wikipedia does not currently maintain a dedicated page for Tom Little KC, his career merits inclusion given his high-profile convictions and legal leadership. A well-structured Wikipedia article would include:

Early life and education

Legal milestones (call to the Bar, Silk appointment, Treasury Counsel roles)

Key cases and outcomes

Leadership roles, awards, and industry rankings

Personal background (age estimate, professional profile)

The absence likely stems from reliance on public news content without dedicated summarization. Given his prominence, a neutral, verifiable profile would provide valuable information for readers and researchers.

Estimating Tom Little KC’s Net Worth

As a senior barrister, Tom Little KC’s income derives from multiple sources:

Treasury Counsel salary (estimated mid-six-figure GBP based on Crown scales)

Private practice earnings from appellate and advisory work

Leading complex public and private prosecutions

A conservative net worth estimate ranges between £1 million and £3 million. This reflects both professional earnings over 25+ years and minimal public information about personal investments or external ventures. Without transparent disclosure, it remains an informed estimation rather than fact.

Challenges and Ethical Standards

In his role, professional ethics are critical. Balancing prosecutorial zeal with due process, handling sensitive evidence, and maintaining impartiality under public scrutiny are daily challenges. Little also addresses systemic issues such as:

• Diversity in prosecution

• Public confidence in criminal justice

• Adapting procedure to technological change (e.g., digital evidence, AI)

His leadership cultivates rigorous ethical standards within his team and across the Crown Prosecution Service.

Looking Ahead: The Future of British Prosecution

In his influential role, Tom Little KC is likely shaping policy and practice in these areas:

Post-COVID justice reforms – e.g., hybrid jury trials, remote court proceedings

Addressing public trust through transparent advocacy in high-profile trials

Supporting diversity and inclusion within the Bar and Treasury Counsel ranks

Responding to cybercrime, terrorism, and organised fraud with legal innovation and strategy

These initiatives will influence prosecutorial landscapes well beyond his tenure.

Conclusion

Tom Little KC stands as a pillar of contemporary British criminal law: a powerful advocate, strategic leader, and public servant. From high-stakes murder prosecutions to national reforms in justice delivery, his career encapsulates legal excellence and evolving responsibility. While certain aspects—age, personal life, and net worth—remain publicly estimated, his professional achievements offer a transparent testament to his impact. For legal scholars, journalists, and future advocates, his story is one of ambition, leadership, and unwavering dedication to justice.