Lili Prais – Black Chambers

Lili Prais KC

Year of Silk: 2024
Year of Call: 2010

Prior to calling to the Bar, Lili gained significant experience as a Criminal Defence Solicitor in private practice. She also regularly appeared at Mental Health Tribunals and was involved in lengthy and complex Children’s Referral Proofs.

Since calling, Lili is consistently instructed in the High Court of Justiciary and Sheriff Court. She has developed an extremely busy practice, specialising in Criminal Trials. Prior to taking silk in 2024, she was regularly instructed as leading Counsel and sole Counsel. Lili has been instructed in many complex and sensitive cases, including Murder, Attempted Murder, Rape and other Sexual Offences (involving children and vulnerable witnesses), Firearms Offences, Drug Offences, Assault and Robbery. She is also instructed in complex and lengthy Fatal Accident Inquiries.

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Areas of Practice

Criminal Trials covering the full spectrum of criminal offences tried in both the Sheriff Court and the High Court of Justiciary
Post conviction proceedings including Proceeds of Crime and Criminal Appeals
Extradition
FAI’s and Public Inquiries
Health and Safety
Childrens’ Referrals
Mental health
Human Rights
Road Traffic Violations

Publications

Faculty of Advocates Consultation Response on Scottish Government: The Not Proven Verdict and related reforms, 2022.

Appointments & Memberships

Ad-Hoc Advocate Depute
Ad-Hoc Nursing and Midwifery Council
Faculty of Advocates Board of Examiners (including assessor of intrants in examinations)
Dean’s Council and Admissions Committee
Curator of the Library
Faculty of Advocates Criminal Bar Association member

Testimonials

“When instructing Counsel, there are fundamental skills required – clarity of advice, case management and advocacy being the most obvious. Lili possesses all of these skills. However, what sets her apart is what she offers over and above the fundamentals.”

“The ability to engage both instructing agent and client at the level required in each case is a rare skill indeed. Lili has that. Not only do agents want to instruct her, clients request her. There can be no higher praise”.

“Approachable, very helpful, knowledgeable and impressive in court. She is a realist and can present complex legal issues in a straightforward way which our clients appreciate.”

“Hardworking, dedicated and proactive throughout. In addition, at consultations, she has a delightful manner with clients. She is knowledgeable, compassionate and straightforward in terms of her advice and assistance. She responds quickly to any difficulties or advice required by the Instructing Agent. In short, Lili is a joy to work with”.

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Selected Cases

Petch & Foye v HMA 2011 JC 210 (7 judge bench) Calculation of punishment part – Discretionary Life Sentences and Orders for Lifelong Restriction.

Stephen Henderson v HMA 2011 JC 96 Devolution Issue. Firearms Act 1968 – reserved matter.

HMA v RDK: Lead Counsel in historic allegations of sexual offending in children’s residential school.

HMA v JH & others: Allegations of fraud. Longest ever criminal trial in Scotland.

HMA v MH: plea negotiated to rape of 12 year old. 3 year sentence of imprisonment.

HMA v ES: negotiated diversion from prosecution.

HMA v LB: s51A defence in Murder.

HMA v DB: s51A defence in Rape.

HMA v TW: s1 RTA 1988 – death by dangerous driving.

M9 Fatal Accident Inquiry.