Exchange Chambers‘ team has ‘great strength in depth’. ‘A silk at the very top of his game’, Benjamin Myers KC recently acted for Lucy Letby in her appeal to the Court of Appeal following her convictions for murdering babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. John Jones KC specialises in homicide defence and recently represented a man accused of the murder of his 22-month-old infant. David Toal prosecuted a man who was convicted and sentenced to eighteen years imprisonment after using artificial intelligence to create child sexual abuse pseudo-photographs based on innocuous images of children, and selling them to paedophiles, as well as encouraging the rape of a child under thirteen.
Crime (general and fraud) in
Regional Bar
Exchange Chambers
Les références
‘All the clerks are exceptional and will go above and beyond in assisting with administration and contacting the court. Graeme Hipkiss particularly stands out. Nick Buckley is exceptional.’
‘Andy Leech is great to work with. Very prompt and efficient with his responses and strives to assist in any way he can.’
‘Nick Buckley is an exceptional senior clerk. He manages a tight ship where things get sorted. Andy Leech provides an excellent service.’
Principaux dossiers
Lincoln House Chambers
Lincoln House Chambers is ‘an excellent set’ with several strong barristers defending and prosecuting various criminal matters. Head of chambers Kate Blackwell KC is ‘an outstanding advocate’, who practises exclusively in criminal defence, emphasising cases involving sexual offences charges. Simon Csoka KC is ‘an extremely persuasive advocate who achieves outstanding results’, and represented a Cayman Islands customs officer in a successful appeal against conviction for cocaine importation, her lawyer having made sexual advances towards her in the run-up to trial, and when they were rebuffed, underprepared for trial. Alexander Leach KC, ‘a calm and composed advocate with a forensic eye for detail and a commanding presence in the courtroom’, recently prosecuted in a six-handed people trafficking case, centred on the smuggling of highly vulnerable migrants, including very young children, hidden in the rear of refrigerated lorries. In March 2025, Richard English KC was elevated to silk.
Les références
‘The senior clerks, David Wright and Andy McGuiness run a very well-organised set of chambers and always respond to emails and phone calls.’
‘Andy McGuiness and David Wright are both excellent clerks. They are helpful and assist whenever possible.’
‘Andy McGuiness is excellent.’
Principaux dossiers
7 Harrington Street
At 7 Harrington Street, members have established expertise in handling the full range of criminal law matters. Nicholas Johnson KC prosecuted in the Lucy Letby case at trial and on appeal. Nigel Power KC, ‘a very strong advocate who will fight his client’s case as hard as it can be fought’ with ‘a prodigious work ethic’, acted as defence counsel for one of the defendants in a case involving multi-handed voice over internet protocol minutes MTIC fraud. Jonathan Duffy acted for one defendant charged in a case concerning multi-handed people trafficking, and Philip Astbury was junior counsel for the prosecution in the case regarding the stabbing attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, in which three children were killed - the defendant, who was seventeen at the time of the offence and entered a guilty plea, received a minimum term of 52 years.
Les références
‘John Kilgallon is quite simply the best criminal clerk.’
‘The clerks are excellent. They respond efficiently to queries and have a friendly manner.’
‘7 Harrington Street has a good mixture of very experienced clerks.’
Principaux dossiers
Kenworthy's Chambers
Kenworthy’s Chambers is home to a distinguished team of seasoned counsel, frequently instructed in complex and high-profile criminal matters, acting for both the prosecution and the defence. Barry Grennan is renowned for his formidable defence work in challenging cases, including drug conspiracies, historic sexual offences, and murder. Patrick Cassidy brings a wealth of experience across a broad spectrum of criminal law, regularly appearing before the courts at all levels. David Morton is highly skilled in managing cases involving a wide array of criminal allegations.
Les références
‘The clerks are always very helpful, quick to respond to enquiries.’
Principaux dossiers
18 St John Street Chambers
The criminal law team at 18 St John Street Chambers is widely renowned for ‘offering a great depth of experience and talent all round’. Among its leading silks, Siobhan Grey KC is praised for her ‘extremely hard working and meticulous preparation for trial’ and notably securing the overturning of the conviction of a man who had spent twenty years in prison for a murder he did not commit in a Privy Council case from Saint Kitts. Described as ‘a highly effective performer’, Rachel Shenton prosecuted alone a man who was convicted of murdering his father; the matter involved bad character evidence and issues regarding causation given the father was not taking his prescribed warfarin.
Les références
‘James Hotchin i attentive, and James Parks runs a tight ship.’
‘James Hotchin provides high levels of service.’
‘James Hotchin is excellent. He replies to emails and queries efficiently and will go out of his way to try to assist.’
Principaux dossiers
23 Essex Street
23ES has a strong reputation for its expertise across the full spectrum of criminal law. Bob Sastry, a ‘go-to barrister’ with ‘sharply honed advocacy skills’, recently acted in a drug conspiracy case involving a defendant accused of travelling to North America to import Class A drugs into the UK. ‘Tenacious advocate’ Daniel Lister represented a defendant in a multi-handed case of robbery and kidnapping, where violence was used against a vulnerable cryptocurrency trader to force the transfer of over £600,000 worth of assets.
Les références
‘Wayne King is a class act in the clerks’ room.’
‘Sean Hulston and Wayne King ensure that instructing solicitors receive a high level of service from the barristers in chambers.’
‘The clerks offer a top-tier service. Wayne King goes out of his way to help and always knows how to recommend the right barrister for the case.’
Principaux dossiers
Nine Chambers
Nine Chambers is active in both prosecution and defence across a broad range of criminal matters. Vanessa Thomson, praised as ‘fierce in the courtroom’ and known for leaving ‘no stone unturned’ in her case preparation, acted for a teenager charged with attempted murder after crashing his stepmother’s car during a police pursuit.
Les références
‘Chris Swann and Austin Brock-Clements are great and always happy to assist.’
‘Chris Swann is helpful and quick to respond.Chris Swann is exceptional.’
‘9 St John Street Chambers is a superb set with real quality at all levels and superb clerking.’
Principaux dossiers
Deans Court Chambers
The barristers at Deans Court Chambers are regularly instructed in serious criminal cases, covering a broad spectrum of grave offences. Michael Hayton KC is currently acting for the lead defendant in a multi-handed murder trial involving the killing of a rival gang leader. Virginia Hayton appeared as junior counsel in a multi-defendant case concerning the murder of a drug dealer, while Joseph Hart is frequently instructed in complex cases involving allegations of murder and serious sexual offences.
Les références
‘Peter Kelly never fails to assist. He is super quick to respond with a solution every time.’
‘Deans Court Chambers is an excellent set.’
Principaux dossiers
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers is widely regarded as ‘a first-class set’, with a strong practice spanning both defence and prosecution work. Nina Grahame KC, ‘a leading silk with the perfect temperament for supporting the most vulnerable in society’, recently led the successful defence of an 18-year-old driver acquitted of secondary involvement in a joint enterprise murder following a late-night road rage incident.
Les références
‘All of the clerks are polite, helpful and effective.’
‘The clerks are responsive and proactive.’
‘All the clerks are hardworking, professional and helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings is regarded as a ‘great set’, with a strong reputation for handling a wide range of criminal law matters. Mark Connor, noted for being ‘thoroughly prepared’ and lauded for his ‘clear oral advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a man who received a 32-year custodial sentence for multiple counts of child sexual abuse and possession of indecent images of children. Gemma Maxwell, recognised for her ‘outstanding written work, advocacy, client care, and commitment’, represented a defendant in a joint enterprise murder trial arising from a road rage incident. Described as ‘a highly dedicated and tenacious barrister’, Rebecca Penfold is renowned for her ‘unwavering passion for justice’ and acted for a defendant accused of attempted murder by stabbing.
Les références
‘Avril Vaughan is very helpful.’
‘Mark Heald is tremendous.’
‘Mark Heald is exceptional, extremely dedicated.’
Principaux dossiers
Exchange Chambers
Les références
‘All the clerks are exceptional and will go above and beyond in assisting with administration and contacting the court. Graeme Hipkiss particularly stands out. Nick Buckley is exceptional.’
‘Andy Leech is great to work with. Very prompt and efficient with his responses and strives to assist in any way he can.’
‘Nick Buckley is an exceptional senior clerk. He manages a tight ship where things get sorted. Andy Leech provides an excellent service.’
Principaux dossiers
Lincoln House Chambers
Lincoln House Chambers is ‘an excellent set’ with several strong barristers defending and prosecuting various criminal matters. Head of chambers Kate Blackwell KC is ‘an outstanding advocate’, who practises exclusively in criminal defence, emphasising cases involving sexual offences charges. Simon Csoka KC is ‘an extremely persuasive advocate who achieves outstanding results’, and represented a Cayman Islands customs officer in a successful appeal against conviction for cocaine importation, her lawyer having made sexual advances towards her in the run-up to trial, and when they were rebuffed, underprepared for trial. Alexander Leach KC, ‘a calm and composed advocate with a forensic eye for detail and a commanding presence in the courtroom’, recently prosecuted in a six-handed people trafficking case, centred on the smuggling of highly vulnerable migrants, including very young children, hidden in the rear of refrigerated lorries. In March 2025, Richard English KC was elevated to silk.
Les références
‘The senior clerks, David Wright and Andy McGuiness run a very well-organised set of chambers and always respond to emails and phone calls.’
‘Andy McGuiness and David Wright are both excellent clerks. They are helpful and assist whenever possible.’
‘Andy McGuiness is excellent.’
Principaux dossiers
7 Harrington Street
At 7 Harrington Street, members have established expertise in handling the full range of criminal law matters. Nicholas Johnson KC prosecuted in the Lucy Letby case at trial and on appeal. Nigel Power KC, ‘a very strong advocate who will fight his client’s case as hard as it can be fought’ with ‘a prodigious work ethic’, acted as defence counsel for one of the defendants in a case involving multi-handed voice over internet protocol minutes MTIC fraud. Jonathan Duffy acted for one defendant charged in a case concerning multi-handed people trafficking, and Philip Astbury was junior counsel for the prosecution in the case regarding the stabbing attack on a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport, in which three children were killed - the defendant, who was seventeen at the time of the offence and entered a guilty plea, received a minimum term of 52 years.
Les références
‘John Kilgallon is quite simply the best criminal clerk.’
‘The clerks are excellent. They respond efficiently to queries and have a friendly manner.’
‘7 Harrington Street has a good mixture of very experienced clerks.’
Principaux dossiers
Kenworthy's Chambers
Kenworthy’s Chambers is home to a distinguished team of seasoned counsel, frequently instructed in complex and high-profile criminal matters, acting for both the prosecution and the defence. Barry Grennan is renowned for his formidable defence work in challenging cases, including drug conspiracies, historic sexual offences, and murder. Patrick Cassidy brings a wealth of experience across a broad spectrum of criminal law, regularly appearing before the courts at all levels. David Morton is highly skilled in managing cases involving a wide array of criminal allegations.
Les références
‘The clerks are always very helpful, quick to respond to enquiries.’
Principaux dossiers
18 St John Street Chambers
The criminal law team at 18 St John Street Chambers is widely renowned for ‘offering a great depth of experience and talent all round’. Among its leading silks, Siobhan Grey KC is praised for her ‘extremely hard working and meticulous preparation for trial’ and notably securing the overturning of the conviction of a man who had spent twenty years in prison for a murder he did not commit in a Privy Council case from Saint Kitts. Described as ‘a highly effective performer’, Rachel Shenton prosecuted alone a man who was convicted of murdering his father; the matter involved bad character evidence and issues regarding causation given the father was not taking his prescribed warfarin.
Les références
‘James Hotchin i attentive, and James Parks runs a tight ship.’
‘James Hotchin provides high levels of service.’
‘James Hotchin is excellent. He replies to emails and queries efficiently and will go out of his way to try to assist.’
Principaux dossiers
23 Essex Street
23ES has a strong reputation for its expertise across the full spectrum of criminal law. Bob Sastry, a ‘go-to barrister’ with ‘sharply honed advocacy skills’, recently acted in a drug conspiracy case involving a defendant accused of travelling to North America to import Class A drugs into the UK. ‘Tenacious advocate’ Daniel Lister represented a defendant in a multi-handed case of robbery and kidnapping, where violence was used against a vulnerable cryptocurrency trader to force the transfer of over £600,000 worth of assets.
Les références
‘Wayne King is a class act in the clerks’ room.’
‘Sean Hulston and Wayne King ensure that instructing solicitors receive a high level of service from the barristers in chambers.’
‘The clerks offer a top-tier service. Wayne King goes out of his way to help and always knows how to recommend the right barrister for the case.’
Principaux dossiers
Nine Chambers
Nine Chambers is active in both prosecution and defence across a broad range of criminal matters. Vanessa Thomson, praised as ‘fierce in the courtroom’ and known for leaving ‘no stone unturned’ in her case preparation, acted for a teenager charged with attempted murder after crashing his stepmother’s car during a police pursuit.
Les références
‘Chris Swann and Austin Brock-Clements are great and always happy to assist.’
‘Chris Swann is helpful and quick to respond.Chris Swann is exceptional.’
‘9 St John Street Chambers is a superb set with real quality at all levels and superb clerking.’
Principaux dossiers
Deans Court Chambers
The barristers at Deans Court Chambers are regularly instructed in serious criminal cases, covering a broad spectrum of grave offences. Michael Hayton KC is currently acting for the lead defendant in a multi-handed murder trial involving the killing of a rival gang leader. Virginia Hayton appeared as junior counsel in a multi-defendant case concerning the murder of a drug dealer, while Joseph Hart is frequently instructed in complex cases involving allegations of murder and serious sexual offences.
Les références
‘Peter Kelly never fails to assist. He is super quick to respond with a solution every time.’
‘Deans Court Chambers is an excellent set.’
Principaux dossiers
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers is widely regarded as ‘a first-class set’, with a strong practice spanning both defence and prosecution work. Nina Grahame KC, ‘a leading silk with the perfect temperament for supporting the most vulnerable in society’, recently led the successful defence of an 18-year-old driver acquitted of secondary involvement in a joint enterprise murder following a late-night road rage incident.
Les références
‘All of the clerks are polite, helpful and effective.’
‘The clerks are responsive and proactive.’
‘All the clerks are hardworking, professional and helpful.’
Principaux dossiers
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings is regarded as a ‘great set’, with a strong reputation for handling a wide range of criminal law matters. Mark Connor, noted for being ‘thoroughly prepared’ and lauded for his ‘clear oral advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a man who received a 32-year custodial sentence for multiple counts of child sexual abuse and possession of indecent images of children. Gemma Maxwell, recognised for her ‘outstanding written work, advocacy, client care, and commitment’, represented a defendant in a joint enterprise murder trial arising from a road rage incident. Described as ‘a highly dedicated and tenacious barrister’, Rebecca Penfold is renowned for her ‘unwavering passion for justice’ and acted for a defendant accused of attempted murder by stabbing.
Les références
‘Avril Vaughan is very helpful.’
‘Mark Heald is tremendous.’
‘Mark Heald is exceptional, extremely dedicated.’