Dermot Keating KC

Dermot Keating KC is a highly regarded and versatile barrister whose practice spans public inquiries, professional discipline, financial and corporate crime, and serious criminal law.

He is Head of the Inquiries & Inquests Group at 25 Bedford Row and is regularly instructed in complex and sensitive matters at the intersection of criminal law, regulatory frameworks, and public accountability.

Dermot has appeared in many of the most significant public inquiries of recent years. He was counsel to the Grenfell Tower Inquiry, leading on issues relating to emergency response and compliance with the Civil Contingencies Act. He was instructed as counsel to the UK Covid-19 Inquiry examining core government decision making. His understanding of institutional process, combined with his court craft, makes him a go-to adviser and advocate in cases requiring strategic foresight and discretion.

As a leading financial crime KC, Dermot has represented individuals and companies in major fraud and tax evasion prosecutions. He has acted in high-profile cases involving the SFO, NCA, and HMRC. His calm authority and strategic approach are valued in multi-handed, document-heavy litigation. Dermot’s background in serious and organised crime, fraud, and confiscation proceedings means he is often brought into high-stakes investigations at an early stage.

In the field of professional discipline, Dermot is a Legal Adviser to the General Pharmaceutical Council, and a former Chair of a Fitness to Practice Panel. He is known for his clarity, fairness, and deep understanding of healthcare and public protection law.

Dermot brings his deep insight from across courts and tribunals into decision-making and case strategy. He sits as a Recorder in the Crown Court (authorised to deal with serious sexual offences), a Deputy District Judge in the Magistrates’ Court, Senior Chair (Health Service Products Appeals Tribunal) and as a Tribunal Judge in the First-tier Tribunal (SSCS).

Key Practice Areas

• Public Inquiries & Inquests: KC for core participants, institutions, and government departments. Highly experienced in handling large-scale, multi-witness hearings with high public scrutiny.
• Financial & Corporate Crime: Silk-level fraud, trading standards and tax crime defence; strategic advice in high-value case. Dermot has represented both companies and their officers.
• Private Crime: advising and representing those charged with serious crime including sexual offences.
• Professional Discipline & Healthcare Regulation: Advising and representing professionals in complex fitness to practice cases.
• Regulatory & Criminal Overlap: Experienced in cases involving dual-track investigations and concurrent legal processes.

“A calm, persuasive and meticulous silk with a thorough grasp of public interest litigation.”

“Measured, forensic and tactically astute… trusted by clients in sensitive, high-profile proceedings.”