Jim Sturman represented Harold Shipman's family

Jim Sturman QC topped a list of 12 barristers who were paid nearly �9m between them over the past 12 months.

Mr Sturman, who earned �1,180,000 in criminal Legal Aid, has also helped defend Colin Stagg - leading to his acquittal for Rachel Nickel's murder.

Payments were for work over many years, for a variety of cases, said the DCA.

Sports law

Last year's top earner, Richard Ferguson QC, was paid �864,000.

Confirming Mr Sturman's earnings, the Department for Constitutional Affairs said: "It is the first time a barrister has received more than �1m from the public purse."

Mr Sturman was called to the Bar in 1982 and took silk in 2002.

Away from the criminal courts, he specialises in sports law and has appeared at Football Association and UEFA disciplinary committees for stars including Jose Mourinho, John Terry, Kieron Dyer and Joe Cole.

The second highest earning lawyer was Simon Bourne-Arton QC, who earned �902,000.

The DCA also revealed the name of the highest paid barrister in civil Legal Aid - Ajmalul Hossain QC, who earned �536,000.

The DCA said all sums also included sums for VAT and other costs such as travel.