
Doughty Street Chambers is delighted to announce twenty-f...Read more
Markus is known for his thoroughness and excellent client care. He has been commended by District Judges for his “persuasive points under pressure of time” and his “focussed” written submissions.
Before coming to the Bar, Markus gained valuable experience in both the legal charity sector and at the leading business crime firm, Corker Binning. He brings a calm, reassuring presence to clients in crisis, whether they are vulnerable or High-Net-Worth Individuals (HNWIs). His work encompassed a wide range of high-profile and sensitive matters, such as:
The first private prosecution under the Reserve Forces (Safeguard of Employment) Act 1985.
A child death inquest that led to the first prosecution of an NHS Trust for unsafe care and treatment.
General Medical Council (GMC) proceedings arising from allegations of manslaughter, drug trafficking, and serious sexual offences.
Complex cross-border civil disputes and financial crime investigations.
The first Court of Appeal hearings in the Post Office Horizon scandal.
As a multilingual lawyer (French and German) with training in diplomacy, Markus is adept at dealing with matters that are international in nature. He served as Junior Counsel in a People’s Tribunal concerning organ harvesting in China, where he cross-examined a former Canadian Secretary of State. He also worked in research and advocacy roles at the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) in Paris and the United Nations Office for Drugs and Crime (UNODC) in Vienna.
Outside his court practice, Markus has undertaken placements with the Serious Fraud Office (SFO), the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Extradition Unit, and the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI), gaining insight into complex regulatory and investigatory work across government.
“This was a case where advocacy prevailed”. Remarks of Recorder Ramasamy KC upon the acquittal of the Defendant in R v SC, Isleworth Crown Court
“It is a real bonus to be able to instruct someone who is not only bright and on top of all the legal issues, but is also keen, interested, enthusiastic and hard working.” Vivien Cochrane, Partner at Shearman Bowen
“It is rare to see a young barrister thinking outside the box which reflected his enthusiasm. He impressed with his attention to detail and diligence.” Kiran Gibson, Senior Associate at Blackfords LLP
“He is very personable and easily gains the trust of clients.” Agnieszka Maria Biel, Associate at Lansbury Worthington Solicitors
“Without Markus’ help it is very likely that I would not be here today still practicing as a dentist… His meticulous attention to detail, application of relevant case law in an obscure case like mine and bravery to take on a case like mine which could easily have been lost are assets of his that I am grateful for.” Pro bono client
Markus has appeared on behalf of Requested Persons (RPs) in extradition cases concerning both Part 1 (European Union) and Part 2 (non-European Union) territories. His recent instructions include:
In 2024, Markus undertook a secondment with the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Extradition Unit. As a Reviewing Lawyer, he handled requests from Part 1 territories, including those involving serious offences such as attempted murder and armed robbery. He also appeared as an advocate in Westminster Magistrates’ Court and the High Court. His time with the CPS provided valuable insight into international cooperation, including work with Liaison Prosecutors, the National Crime Agency (NCA), and the Home Office.
Markus’ article on the evidential significance of the reports of the Committee for the Prevention of Torture (CPT) in extradition hearings was published in Sweet & Maxwell’s European Human Rights Law Review in 2019. He has also delivered talks on Chinese extradition requests at Corker Binning and on extradition and war crimes at an international conference in Croatia.
Alongside his practice, Markus sits on the Committee of the Extradition Lawyers’ Association (ELA) and is an active member of the Defence Extradition Lawyers’ Forum (DELF).
Markus has a growing sanctions practice which stems from his previous secondment with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI).
During his time at OFSI, Markus gained valuable insight into the cross-government implementation and enforcement of sanctions. Based within the Russia Licensing Branch, he advised on licensing cases and policies governed by the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (SAMLA) and a new and developing line of case law. He also delivered briefings to officials at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and the United States Department of State on joint sanctions projects.
His recent work includes:
Ongoing representation of a Designated Person in the first prosecution of an information offence under UK sanctions regulations.
Advised an individual challenging their designation by the FCDO on the basis of mistaken identity.
Advised a leading white-collar firm on compliance with OFSI’s annual frozen asset review process.
Assisted with a licence application for the release of frozen funds on behalf of a non-designated entity, involving a complex multi-jurisdictional payment route.
Advised a global strategic intelligence firm on the potential extraterritorial application of U.S. sanctions in relation to a client’s proposed divestment from a Middle Eastern jurisdiction.
In 2024 the Bar Council awarded Markus the International Professional and Legal Development Grant to attend a flagship sanctions conference in Washington DC. He has also co-authored articles on sanctions delisting and licensing for Westlaw.
Markus is available to give presentations on sanctions matters. He is a member of the London Sanctions Advisers Association (LSAA).
Markus has a busy Crown Court practice that has taken him across the country. Some of his notable cases include:
Markus has appeared on behalf of regulators and registrants at both interim and substantive hearings. He has a particular interest in regulatory proceedings arising from criminal investigations or convictions.
His cases in this area include:
Outside of the healthcare context, Markus is a member of the Advocate Scheme for Advice and Representation of Football Referees. He accepts instructions in relation to regulatory matters arising in all sports.
In 2023, Markus was instructed by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) to assist with the department’s preparation for the UK Covid-19 Inquiry. Through this work he gained insight into the government response to fraud relating to the Eat Out To Help Out and Coronavirus Job Retention schemes.
Markus was instructed as junior counsel in a pro bono inquest concerning the suicide of a 34-year-old man. Working alongside a team from the international law firm Arnold & Porter, his written submissions successfully persuaded the Assistant Coroner that the inquest should proceed with a jury. The Interested Persons included the local NHS Foundation Trust, the fire and rescue service, and police headquarters. Following the inquest, the Assistant Coroner issued a Prevention of Future Deaths (PFD) report, citing concerns over the lack of police training in mental health. The case received national media attention and was later featured as a pro bono case study.
‘To Be Understood: Are the Police Doing Enough to Help Victims of Crime with Low English Proficiency Report Crime?’ – Report commissioned by the Law Centres Network and Harrow Law Centre and compiled by Allen Overy Shearman Sterling LLP (2024). Markus was part of a team of criminal lawyers whose recommendations were published as part of the report.
‘Sanctions Licensing’ (co-authored with Peter Caldwell KC) – Westlaw (2024)
'Are the Reports of The Council of Europe’s Committee for The Prevention of Torture (CPT) Fit for Purpose for Extradition Hearings Involving Issues of Mental Health?' – European Human Rights Law Review (Sweet & Maxwell) Volume 1 (2019)
‘Out of Sight, Out of Mind: The Mental Health Act and Prisoners’ Rights’ – UK Parliament’s Joint Committee for Human Rights (2017)
‘Migration and the Right to Education: The Case of Tigere’ – Gray’s Inn Student Law Journal (GIJ) Volume 9 (2017)
‘Extradition, Diplomatic Assurances and War Crimes’ – Presentation at the Geoffrey Nice Foundation Master Class in Dubrovnik, Croatia (2021)
‘UK-China Extradition: The View from 2021’ – Presentation at Corker Binning (2021)