Professional Profile

Zayd Ahmed is a highly experienced criminal defence and entertainment law barrister representing both professional and lay clients in the Crown Court and County Court. He has conducted in excess of 200 trials, achieving a consistently strong record of acquittals, discontinued cases and favourable sentencing outcomes. Zayd is particularly known for his forensic approach to evidence, detailed knowledge of disclosure obligations and strategic use of legal submissions to expose weaknesses in the prosecution case.

Zayd is also dually qualified as a duty solicitor, giving him a detailed and practical understanding of the police interview process and the operation of PACE Codes of Practice. This background allows him to robustly challenge unlawful procedures, breaches of code and unreliable identification evidence from the earliest stages of proceedings.

Before qualifying as a barrister, Zayd worked for some of the leading criminal defence firms, litigating high-profile and complex cases involving murder, terrorism and large-scale fraud. Alongside his criminal practice, Zayd has developed a complementary entertainment law practice, advising artists, producers and entertainment businesses on contracts, royalties and reputation management.

Zayd has held several senior representative roles within the profession. He is a former Chair of the Young Criminal Bar Association, an elected member of the Bar Council, and a recognised advocate for social mobility and the interests of Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic barristers practising in England and Wales.