Retour United Kingdom - The Bar

Crime (general And Fraud)

3PB

Guildhall Chambers

Queen Square Chambers

Leading Silks

Sarah Jones KC – Pump Court Chambers ‘Sarah is a fantastic orator with an unrivalled courtroom presence.’

Andrew Langdon KC – Guildhall Chambers ‘Andrew is the best criminal silk. He is a class act. He is well-prepared, pragmatic, careful, and strategic and has a lovely advocacy style.’

Joanna Martin KC – Devon Chambers ‘Jo is a meticulously prepared, thoughtful, thorough advocate.’

Christopher Quinlan KC – Guildhall Chambers

Charles Row KC – Queen Square Chambers ‘Charles' preparation is second to none. He is always meticulous and thorough. He has a measured approach and an innate ability to read the court.’

Adam Vaitilingam KC – Albion Chambers ‘Adam is outstanding. He has an encyclopaedic knowledge of the law and procedure. He is incredibly considerate of his instructing solicitor and will go above and beyond to provide the most comprehensive of services.’

Anna Vigars KC – Guildhall Chambers

2025 Silks

Jodie Mittell KC– 3PB

Leading Juniors

Robert Bryan – Drystone Chambers ‘Robert is a tenacious prosecutor and fearless defender in equal measure. He is ferociously bright and is an impeccable lawyer.’

Nicholas Cotter – 3PB ‘Nicholas is tactically insightful and can charm the birds from the trees. He can achieve much outside court in negotiation. He is astute and enjoys thinking several steps ahead.’

Mary Cowe – Guildhall Chambers ‘Mary is a formidable barrister. She is meticulous and relentless in her preparation, and her forensic mastery of volumes of detailed information is impressive.’

Rebecca Fairbairn – Pump Court Chambers ‘Rebecca is an exceptional advocate. She is fierce, dedicated and unrelenting. She works extremely hard and invariably achieves brilliant results for clients.’

James Haskell – Guildhall Chambers ‘James is a very experienced and well-respected advocate who regularly appears in the most serious cases. He is calm and measured in his approach.’

Piers Norsworthy – Devon Chambers

Dan Pawson-Pounds – Walnut House

Mark Ruffell – Pump Court Chambers ‘Mark’s attention to detail, conscientiousness, and ability to deal with voluminous evidence and review complex digital evidence. In terms of advocacy, his thorough preparation equips him to deal with multi-defendant cases.’

David Scutt – Guildhall Chambers ‘David is an extremely able advocate.’

Robin Shellard – Queen Square Chambers ‘Robin has a great eye for detail. He presents clear and cogent legal submissions in complex cases.'

Jennifer Tallentire – Guildhall Chambers ‘Jenny is a ferocious advocate who leaves no stone unturned to achieve the right result for her clients. She is always thoroughly and meticulously prepared.’

Mark Worsley – Guildhall Chambers

Michael Brown – KBG Chambers ‘Michael is an intelligent and articulate barrister. He is meticulous in his preparation and always has a firm grasp of the issues of every case.’

Tim Akers – Pump Court Chambers 'Tim is always well prepared and knows the facts of any case inside out, setting him up to be on top of any witness or opponent. His preparation allows him to be flexible in court and deal calmly with the unexpected.'

Peter Asteris – Pump Court Chambers

Jason Beal – Devon Chambers ‘Jason is forensic, analytic and a superb communicator. His advocacy skills are second to none.’

Helen Easterbrook – Drystone Chambers ‘Helen is an excellent jury advocate. She is well prepared and on top of her papers and knows the best points to make on her client’s behalf. Her cross-examination of expert witnesses is hugely impressive.’

Thomas Evans – 3PB ‘Tom is an excellent barrister. He is always thoroughly prepared and will fight his corner as required.’

Ellie Fargin – Pump Court Chambers ‘Ellie's cases are always well-prepared. Her strength lies in her advocacy, calm and fairness when prosecuting in court. She always gets the results.’

Edward Hetherington – Albion Chambers ‘Edward is a strong and fearless advocate who knows how to express complex points to make them understandable to juries.’

Tom Horder – 3PB ‘Tom is a first-class barrister. He is always well-prepared, and his advocacy is second to none.’

David Maunder – Queen Square Chambers ‘David is always available to promote the client's interests.’

Richard Onslow – 3PB ‘Richard is an impressive and mesmerising advocate who never fails to obtain and hold the jury's attention during questioning or speeches.’

Ramin Pakrooh – Guildhall Chambers

Charley Pattison – Albion Chambers ‘Charley is an excellent communicator. She has expertise in representing people with complex mental health or communication difficulties. Her manner in court is persuasive and directed.’

Ali Rafati – KBG Chambers ‘Ali is a formidable trial advocate and a powerhouse barrister in the courtroom. His presence will put any client at ease, and his command and knowledge of the law are second to none.’

Sarah Regan – Albion Chambers ‘Sarah is a fearless advocate. She is unafraid of lengthy and complex questioning, covering every point with a thoroughness second to none.’

Nick Robinson – 3PB ‘Nick is a good barrister. He is always well-prepared and will fight his corner as required.’

Rupert Russell – Albion Chambers

James Tucker – Queen Square Chambers 'James is a good lawyer and an excellent advocate. His knowledge of proceeds of crime legislation is second to none.'

Gemma White – 3PB ‘Gemma is highly intelligent, exceptionally diligent in preparation and has an effective laconic style of advocacy.’

Thomas Acworth – 3PB ‘Thomas is a fearless defence advocate who will fight tooth and nail for his clients. He has a razor-sharp legal mind.’

Audrey Archer – 3PB

Althea Brooks - Devon Chambers 'Althea is a hugely committed barrister. She works immensely hard, and her advocacy is authoritative and highly effective.'

Katie Churcher – KBG Chambers ‘Katie is an accomplished and skilful barrister. She is a natural trial advocate, always prepared and tuned in to every case.’

Graham Gilbert –3PB ‘Graham is a hardworking barrister of high quality. He is intelligent and scrupulously fair. His advocacy is concise and persuasive.’

Anjali Gohil – Guildhall Chambers

Robert Grey – 3PB

Chloe Griggs – Guildhall Chambers ‘Chloe is a thoroughly well-prepared and plain-speaking barrister. She is an effective and confident cross-examiner.’

Alistair Haggarty – Guildhall Chambers ‘Alistair is a measured, calm and pragmatic advocate. He is skilled at distilling the essence of a complicated case and explaining the key points to a jury in a simple and attractive style.’

Emily Heggadon - Albion Chambers 'Emily is a hard-working, diligent barrister. She advances her cases with great care and thought and leaves no stone unturned.'

Sam Jones – Guildhall Chambers

Berenice Mulvanny – 3PB ‘Berenice is a hard-working and effective advocate. She gets to the heart of the issue quickly.’

Lucie Stoker - Queen Square Chambers

Lucy Taylor – Albion Chambers 'Lucy is approachable. Her commitment and work rate are excellent, and she is always on top of her brief.'

Jonathan Underhill – 3PB ‘Jonathan is an excellent advocate who commands the attention of everyone in the courtroom. He is incredibly persuasive and always very well-prepared.’

Simon Walters - Drystone Chambers 'Simon has an effective advocacy style.'

Rob Welling - Queen Square Chambers 'Rob is a persuasive advocate. He is succinct and impactful in his submissions.'

Francesca Whebell – KBG Chambers ‘Francesca builds an instant rapport with clients and is clear with her advice and guidance. She always puts the clients at ease by explaining matters in a way they understand. She is hardworking, approachable and knowledgeable.’

Rising Stars

Althea Brooks – Devon Chambers ‘Althea is a very effective advocate. She has a calm and engaging manner in the courtroom. She always is on top of her brief and is well-respected.’

Sophie Johns – Devon Chambers ‘Sophie is incredibly hardworking and exceptionally prepared for every hearing. She demonstrates sound judgement far beyond her year of call.’

Ryan Murray – Devon Chambers 'Ryan is very knowledgeable. His ability to quickly get a jury on his side is remarkable. He is a very safe pair of hands.'

Stephanie Painter - Pump Court Chambers 'Stephanie is incredibly diligent, persuasive and consistent. She is a succinct advocate whose passion comes across effortlessly in her submissions.'

Christopher Pix – Pump Court Chambers 'Christopher is a measured, skilful and calm advocate who brings a sharp mind to every problem before him in court.'

Edmund Wylde -Pump Court Chambers 'Edmund is an outstanding advocate and a master case strategist. He quickly identifies the key issues for his case and assimilates the pertinent evidence to craft his trial plan. His advocacy is always perfectly pitched for his audience.'

Crime (general and fraud) in Regional Bar

Tier 1 sets

3PB

3PB is widely regarded as ‘a massive set with a solid stable of highly competent, persuasive and talented advocates at all levels of call’. Nicholas Cotter represented the defendant in a murder trial where the accused fatally stabbed his current girlfriend’s ex-partner and is praised for ‘providing clear and coherent advice and building an excellent rapport’. Richard Onslow is frequently instructed in complex cases, including those involving allegations of murder, sexual offences, and drug conspiracies. ‘Thoughtful and persuasive advocate’ Tom Horder successfully secured the acquittal of a defendant in a multi-handed attempted murder trial, involving a revenge attack connected to drug supply. In March 2025, Jodie Mittell KC was elevated to silk.

Les références

‘The clerking at 3PB is first class. In particular, Lee Giles and Stuart Pringle are approachable and straightforward.’

‘Lee Giles is the best clerk.’

‘Lee Giles and Stuart Pringle are a delight to work with.’

Principaux dossiers

Guildhall Chambers

Guildhall Chambers is ‘the premier set on the Western circuit’, with ‘a strength in depth which is unrivalled’. Andrew Langdon KC, noted for his ‘an unrivalled intellect and instinct’, recently represented a defendant in a multi-handed murder trial involving the death of a drug dealer. Mary Cowe, who ‘works ferociously hard and is always across the detail of his cases’, successfully prosecuted a complex homicide case in which a sex worker dragged a severely disabled victim after stealing his mobility scooter when he failed to pay for her services - the defendant entered guilty pleas to manslaughter and aggravated vehicle taking. James Haskell led the prosecution in a sensitive case involving both rape and an alleged consensual sexual relationship, ultimately securing a conviction. David Scutt, known for his ‘calm and unflustered style in court’, represented a woman - who had complex mental health issues - accused of sexually assaulting her younger brother.

Les références

‘ Lucy Northeast is a super clerk.’

‘The clerks at Guildhall chambers are very efficient. Grant Bidwell and Lucy Northeast are always supportive and do the best they can to find the correct barrister.’

‘The perfect clerking team with strength in depth.’

Principaux dossiers

Pump Court Chambers

Pump Court Chambers has ‘a strong criminal team on the Western Circuit, with strength across all levels of call’. Sarah Jones KC represented a former Mayor of Winchester, who was acquitted of attempted murder after admitting to smothering his 92-year-old terminally ill mother on a telephone call to the emergency services. Rebecca Fairbairn who is ‘a highly articulate and hard-working advocate’, successfully prosecuted a historic case of involving rape and sexual abuse of a child, with charges for offences both before and after the 2003 Sexual Offences Act 2003, securing a conviction and a 21-year sentence. Mark Ruffell has prosecuted a number of cases regarding organised crime in Portsmouth.

Les références

‘Pump Court Chambers has an efficient clerking team.’

‘The clerks are very helpful and are approachable, which makes working with them a pleasure.’

‘Pump Court Chambers is the go-to set for a variety of clients.’

Principaux dossiers

Tier 2 sets

Albion Chambers

Albion Chambers is ‘an excellent set of chambers, offering a wide-range of legal assistance and great strength in depth’. Adam Vaitilingam KC recently defended an man accused of the murder of two schoolboys in Bristol. Edward Hetherington, noted as ‘an exceptional advocate in court’, represented a defendant in a double murder case arising from a long-standing turf war, where the accused was alleged to have driven a group of teenagers around Knowle in search of targets for a retaliatory attack. Charley Pattison, ‘a committed, passionate and fearless advocate’ who is ‘always well prepared and willing to go the extra mile’, represented one of the four individuals charged with murder and secured a conviction only for robbery of the victim’s housemate.

Les références

‘The clerks at Albion Chambers are very experienced. Charlotte Fryer is all over everything and quick to assist in resolving any issues.’

‘Joanna Cload always goes out of her way to find a counsel’s assistance, particularly at short notice.’

‘Clerks room is good. Charlotte Fryer is great.’

Principaux dossiers

Tier 3 sets

Devon Chambers

Devon Chambers is a ‘go-to set’, renowned for its strong track record in high-profile cases. Joanna Martin KC is often praised for her ‘clear, persuasive and engaging advocacy’. She recently led the prosecution in a murder trial involving the death of the defendant’s wife, where the central issue was whether the couple had made a suicide pact or were the defendant’s actions a result of diminished responsibility. Jason Beal is highly regarded for his ‘meticulous approach’ and has established a strong reputation in cases involving sexual offences, serious violence, and drug conspiracies.

Les références

‘Rachael Duchnowski is helpful.’

‘Rachael Duchnowski is very approachable and always helpful.’

‘Rachael Duchnowski is vastly experienced, very approachable and always helpful.’

Principaux dossiers

KBG Chambers

KBG Chambers is ‘a strong chambers with considerable depth of barristers available’. Michael Brown brings extensive experience in both prosecution and defence, particularly in murder and serious sexual offence cases. Katie Churcher, known for being ‘confident and excellent on her feet’ with ‘an aura of capability’, is currently representing a defendant in a long-running case involving allegations of sexual and violent offences against vulnerable complainants.

Les références

‘Colin Palmer is very experienced.’

‘Colin Palmer is the best clerk.’

‘Colin Palmer is exceptional.’

Principaux dossiers

Queen Square Chambers

Queen Square Chambers is a ‘go-to set’ with ‘an excellent team of criminal practitioners that deal with the full range of criminal matters’. Charles Row KC is ‘a hard-working and engaging advocate’ and was recently instructed by the CPS in a case involving a plumber who assaulted his colleague with a hammer under the delusion that the victim was a robot controlled by Zeus. Robin Shellard, known for his ‘calm and authoritative presence in court’, acted in defence of a man charged with murder following what is alleged to be an unprovoked knife attack on a stranger in the street.

Les références

‘Colleen Inker and her team demonstrate an approachable service with instructing solicitors and are always on hand to find resolutions in tricky situations.’

‘Colleen Inker is a masterclass in clerking. She is dependable and will go above and beyond to provide an excellent service. Ken Duthie is very reliable.’

‘The best clerking team in Bristol.’

Classements par PratiqueRegional Bar