Piers Desser
Piers is an experienced Solicitor-Advocate specialising in Criminal Litigation and leads what the Legal 500 says is the “professional and reputable” crime department at Ronald Fletcher Baker.
For many years a Recommended Lawyer in the Legal 500, he has now been recognised as a Leading Individual in London in the 2020 edition which describes him as “the consummate criminal lawyer . . . highly intelligent, thoughtful and diligent”.
Piers possesses a wealth of expertise in advocacy including regularly conducting trials and legal applications. He has experience in all areas of crime encompassing the gravest of cases, fraud, white collar crime, asset confiscation, account freezing orders and regulatory offences.
Piers believes in adopting a positive approach, where appropriate taking technical arguments, arguing that cases should be stopped because of evidential issues or where prosecution would not be in the public interest.
His clients regard him as a solicitor who provides “excellent legal advice”, has “great negotiation skills and a shrewd understanding of the prosecution’s motives and incentives” and goes “beyond the call of duty”. As a result he is often referred sensitive cases by other lawyers and professionals in which the person is facing dual criminal and professional discipline proceedings.
As well as representation at the Magistrates’ Courts and Crown Courts he also has experience of Judicial Review and particularly Court of Appeal matters.
Additionally, Piers has broad experience in extradition hearings, especially those involving human rights issues, and he is regularly instructed in cases which require the closest attention to detail and benefit from a novel approach.
Piers Desser's Recommendations

'He provided me with excellent legal advice, which in the end led to a very satisfactory resolution of my case. In securing this outcome he demonstrated great negotiation skills and a shrewd understanding of the prosecution's motives and incentives. More than anything I would like to commend Mr Desser for his great human touch. He was infallible in his moral support to me and my wife. Mr Desser went beyond the call of duty in always being understanding and compassionate towards us.'
Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP is ‘singled out by its attention to detail and well deserved reputation for tenaciousness’. The firm advises on a broad range of serious crime matters. Managing partner Rakeebah Rahim has ‘a great track record and is amazingly organised’, she is supported by the ‘personable and reassuring’ Deniz Oguzkanli and Piers Desser who is ‘a very astute and considered lawyer’ - The Legal 500 2019
Piers Desser is ‘a safe pair of hands in all cases’. – The Legal 500 2017
Piers Desser leads Ronald Fletcher Baker LLP’s ‘professional and reputable’ crime practice. The group deals with most aspects of serious crime and specialises in pre-charge investigations. - The Legal 500 2016