Mary Prior KC was called to the Bar in 1990 by Gray’s Inn and was elected a Master of the Bench in 2021. Mary has invested her time to support various aspects of the Inn’s Education programme including delivering advocacy training, sitting on scholarship interview panels and as Vice Chair of the Inn’s Outreach committee.
Mary has extensive criminal law experience and is Head of 36 Crime. She is also a Recorder (a part-time judge), hearing criminal and family cases.
“Being called to the Bar at Gray’s Inn was a dream come true. My mother, who packed tiles in a factory, had lived to see this momentous day. My father had died when I was 21. The Benchers who took the trouble to come and speak to my mother found many things in common with her. She talked about that moment until her dying day. That kindness and inclusivity has been the mantra of my time in Gray’s Inn. Whenever I have needed assistance it has been provided. In turn I have mentored, guided, encouraged and supported our students and practitioners. Having a dinner when I took Silk hosted by Baroness Hale was a real highlight. Watching our students gain pupillage, tenancy and progress within our profession is all the reward we require. It has always been a privilege to be a part of the Gray’s Inn family.”
- Extended Bio
Mary Prior KC took silk in 2017 and her areas of expertise include complex & organised crime, cybercrime, financial & corporate crime, general crime, murder & violent crime, proceeds of crime, asset forfeiture & financial compliance, regulatory and serious sexual offending.
She also has special expertise in questioning and representation of the most vulnerable members of society with a particular focus on those on the autism spectrum, with ADHD and with personality disorders.
Amongst many notable representations Mary secured the acquittal of the youngest person in the UK to be accused of terrorism.
Mary is Vice Chair of the Criminal Bar Association and will be Chair in September 2024. Before this appointment Mary was Chair of the Midland Circuit Social Mobility Programme. She is a lecturer in all aspects of law, and in particular RASSO (Rape and Serious Sexual Offences), a trainer for the Midland Circuit and a vulnerable witness advocacy trainer. She is co-chair of the Leicestershire Schools Courts Competition, co-chair of Women in Criminal Law – Midlands, Patron of Bringing [Dis]ability to the Bar and the Non-Russell Group of Lawyers.