No5 Barristers’ Chambers continues to be recognised as ‘a very efficient barristers’ chambers’, with its members appearing in a wide array of high-profile and complex criminal cases, including allegations of murder, terrorism, drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Michael Duck KC recently secured convictions in a trial involving the fatal stabbing of a non-league footballer on a nightclub dance floor—two defendants were convicted of murder, while a third was found guilty of affray. Michelle Heeley KC, described as ‘excellent with clients and advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a defendant in a case involving the homophobic murder of an elderly gay man; the offender received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years. John O’Higgins recently represented a man convicted of manslaughter after being accused of murder in a case involving the brutal assault of a vulnerable individual in his own home. Ian Bridge and Tim Pole remain go-to counsel for serious road traffic matters and are regularly instructed in cases involving fatal collisions and life-altering injuries.
Crime (general and fraud) in
Regional Bar
No5 Barristers' Chambers
Les références
‘Andrew Trotter can always be relied on to provide a response and keep up to date with the progress of a case or counsel’s instructions. He goes above and beyond his duties.’
‘Micky Powell and Andrew Trotter offer sterling service and are always available to take calls and emails and respond swiftly.’
‘The clerks are friendly and approachable and very swift to respond. Andrew Trotter leads the set excellently.’
Principaux dossiers
St Philips Chambers
Displaying ‘strength in depth and a wide variety of counsel’, St Philips Chambers remains the ‘go-to set’ for advice on the full spectrum of serious criminal work. ‘Effective and robust cross-examiner’ Richard Atkins KC recently prosecuted a case involving a gang who, after attacking a rival’s home on consecutive nights, fatally hacked the rival’s father to death with machetes in broad daylight, resulting in convictions for all defendants for conspiracy to murder, two for murder, and one for manslaughter. Rebecca Wade KC, who is known for her ‘calm and measured approach in advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a gang involved in the fatal stabbing of a man over an electric bike, raising issues around joint enterprise, loss of control, and property ownership, and concluded with multiple convictions for other defendants and a life sentence with a 25-year minimum term for the principal offender. ‘Excellent criminal barrister’ Tom Walkling KC and Jennifer Josephs KC, who is widely praised for her ‘flawlessly prepared, incisive and powerful cross-examination and legal submissions’ took silk in March 2025.
Les références
‘Andrew Rourke, Dan Zouch and Daniel Shriane are reliable, helpful and approachable.’
‘Daniel Shriane is exceptional.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and always do their best to assist where they can. Andrew Rourke can be relied on to sort out any issues that may arise.’
Principaux dossiers
The 36 Group
The 36 Group is ‘a strong chambers with quality, reliable barristers at every level, for both prosecution and defence’. Mary Prior KC successfully defended a young man with severe schizophrenia who was acquitted of the murder of his mother, whom he fatally stabbed in the street, believing she was an alien intent on destroying the world. ‘An assiduous and conscientious barrister’, Christopher Donnellan KC prosecuted a 51-year-old man convicted of murdering his mother in a complex case involving issues of fitness to plead, conflicting psychiatric evidence, legal arguments over the reliability of a 999 call made by the defendant. Sarah Knight, noted as ‘a highly capable advocate’, prosecuted a cross-border organised crime group from a travelling community involved in a conspiracy to steal and burgle over £500,000 from ATMs across England and Scotland.
Les références
‘Jack Curtis stands out for his calm efficiency and willingness to get the best result possible. Daisy Parsons and Lewis Collier are long-term diary planners, seamlessly resolving diary management issues with pinpoint accuracy. Michelle Simpson is a great example of what a top-class act looks like.’
‘The clerks are exceptionally efficient and informative. Jack Curtis, Elliot Styles, Daisy Parsons and Lewis Collier do everything they can to assist and, with crystal balls in hand, predict difficult situations, take control and fix it.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and honest. Elliot Styles goes out of his way to help with difficult situations.’
Principaux dossiers
Stanford House, 19 Castle Gate
‘A go-to local chambers’ with ‘a good group of barristers’, Castle Gate Chambers handles both prosecution and defence in serious crime matters, including murder, sexual offences, and drug conspiracies. Andrew Vout KC, noted for being ‘very diligent in preparation’, recently secured convictions against five gang members for the murder of one of their own. ‘An excellent tactician and a fantastic jury advocate’, James Horne KC has ‘the ability to grasp the issues in a case swiftly, and confidently navigate clients through any difficulties’ and is renowned for defending clients in high-profile and complex murder cases. Laura Pitman, whose ‘advocacy skills make her stand out’, has established expertise in handling cases of homicide, large-scale drug conspiracies and serious violence. ‘A skilled and measured advocate’, Laura Hocknell is currently prosecuting a seven-handed conspiracy involving the supply of Class A and B drugs and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, with defendants using rented Airbnbs across the country as bases for drug preparation and distribution.
Les références
‘The clerk’s room is well run by Richard Pell. He is personable, reliable and always on hand with an ability to help.’
‘Richard Pell runs the clerks’ room superbly. He leads by example, is responsive, switched on, and personable.’
‘Richard Pell is an excellent clerk. He is hands-on, organised and a good communicator.’
Principaux dossiers
No5 Barristers' Chambers
Les références
‘Andrew Trotter can always be relied on to provide a response and keep up to date with the progress of a case or counsel’s instructions. He goes above and beyond his duties.’
‘Micky Powell and Andrew Trotter offer sterling service and are always available to take calls and emails and respond swiftly.’
‘The clerks are friendly and approachable and very swift to respond. Andrew Trotter leads the set excellently.’
Principaux dossiers
St Philips Chambers
Displaying ‘strength in depth and a wide variety of counsel’, St Philips Chambers remains the ‘go-to set’ for advice on the full spectrum of serious criminal work. ‘Effective and robust cross-examiner’ Richard Atkins KC recently prosecuted a case involving a gang who, after attacking a rival’s home on consecutive nights, fatally hacked the rival’s father to death with machetes in broad daylight, resulting in convictions for all defendants for conspiracy to murder, two for murder, and one for manslaughter. Rebecca Wade KC, who is known for her ‘calm and measured approach in advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a gang involved in the fatal stabbing of a man over an electric bike, raising issues around joint enterprise, loss of control, and property ownership, and concluded with multiple convictions for other defendants and a life sentence with a 25-year minimum term for the principal offender. ‘Excellent criminal barrister’ Tom Walkling KC and Jennifer Josephs KC, who is widely praised for her ‘flawlessly prepared, incisive and powerful cross-examination and legal submissions’ took silk in March 2025.
Les références
‘Andrew Rourke, Dan Zouch and Daniel Shriane are reliable, helpful and approachable.’
‘Daniel Shriane is exceptional.’
‘The clerks are extremely helpful and always do their best to assist where they can. Andrew Rourke can be relied on to sort out any issues that may arise.’
Principaux dossiers
The 36 Group
The 36 Group is ‘a strong chambers with quality, reliable barristers at every level, for both prosecution and defence’. Mary Prior KC successfully defended a young man with severe schizophrenia who was acquitted of the murder of his mother, whom he fatally stabbed in the street, believing she was an alien intent on destroying the world. ‘An assiduous and conscientious barrister’, Christopher Donnellan KC prosecuted a 51-year-old man convicted of murdering his mother in a complex case involving issues of fitness to plead, conflicting psychiatric evidence, legal arguments over the reliability of a 999 call made by the defendant. Sarah Knight, noted as ‘a highly capable advocate’, prosecuted a cross-border organised crime group from a travelling community involved in a conspiracy to steal and burgle over £500,000 from ATMs across England and Scotland.
Les références
‘Jack Curtis stands out for his calm efficiency and willingness to get the best result possible. Daisy Parsons and Lewis Collier are long-term diary planners, seamlessly resolving diary management issues with pinpoint accuracy. Michelle Simpson is a great example of what a top-class act looks like.’
‘The clerks are exceptionally efficient and informative. Jack Curtis, Elliot Styles, Daisy Parsons and Lewis Collier do everything they can to assist and, with crystal balls in hand, predict difficult situations, take control and fix it.’
‘The clerks are always helpful and honest. Elliot Styles goes out of his way to help with difficult situations.’
Principaux dossiers
Stanford House, 19 Castle Gate
‘A go-to local chambers’ with ‘a good group of barristers’, Castle Gate Chambers handles both prosecution and defence in serious crime matters, including murder, sexual offences, and drug conspiracies. Andrew Vout KC, noted for being ‘very diligent in preparation’, recently secured convictions against five gang members for the murder of one of their own. ‘An excellent tactician and a fantastic jury advocate’, James Horne KC has ‘the ability to grasp the issues in a case swiftly, and confidently navigate clients through any difficulties’ and is renowned for defending clients in high-profile and complex murder cases. Laura Pitman, whose ‘advocacy skills make her stand out’, has established expertise in handling cases of homicide, large-scale drug conspiracies and serious violence. ‘A skilled and measured advocate’, Laura Hocknell is currently prosecuting a seven-handed conspiracy involving the supply of Class A and B drugs and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life, with defendants using rented Airbnbs across the country as bases for drug preparation and distribution.
Les références
‘The clerk’s room is well run by Richard Pell. He is personable, reliable and always on hand with an ability to help.’
‘Richard Pell runs the clerks’ room superbly. He leads by example, is responsive, switched on, and personable.’
‘Richard Pell is an excellent clerk. He is hands-on, organised and a good communicator.’