Who? Julian Young, 54-year-old senior partner at central London firm Julian Young & Co and specialist in criminal law.

Why is he in the news? He is representing Abul Koyair, one of two men arrested after a police raid on an east London house last Friday in connection with suspected terrorist activity. His brother Abdul Kahar was shot in the shoulder during the raid in Forest Gate, which the police stated was ordered in response to specific intelligence. They believe a plot was being hatched to use a chemical device in the UK, but so far no such device has been found. Both men are being held at Paddington Green high security police station in central London under the Terrorism Act 2004. There have been conflicting reports over the shooting of Mr Kahar, with some newspapers suggesting that the shot may have been fired by Mr Koyair rather than the police. Through their solicitors, both men have denied any knowledge of a bomb or involvement in terrorism. Mr Koyair has also disputed the reports that he was responsible for shooting his brother.


Route to the case: One of his colleagues picked up the case as duty solicitor.


Background: Law degree at North London Polytechnic followed by an MBA at Middlesex Polytechnic. He then completed the Law Society finals at the College of Law and articles at central London firm Monty Landy. He worked at several different firms in and around London as well as prosecuting for the Post Office, before setting up his own firm 12 years ago.


Thoughts on the case: 'There is lots of uncertainty surrounding this case but I have to concentrate on basic and fundamental legal and human rights issues. There is no political axe to grind here. It's early days and as he hasn't been charged yet there isn't much I can say, but I suspect that if and when he has been, I'll have a lot to say.'


Dealing with the media: 'There's been a lot of media hype and misinformation, and I have been doing my best, with my client's permission, to set the record straight on certain matters. There is an incredible amount of misinformation caused by rumour and information being disseminated, which I have no control over and which the police seem also to be unable to control. It's distracting to have people briefing in all different directions, but that's life and you just have to get on with it.'