Department profile
23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Northern (Bar)

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23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)

Rankings

About

Provided by 23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)

As well as being awarded "The Crime Set of the Year in 2022" by Chambers and Partners the 23ES Criminal Team is recognised in both Chambers and Partners and The Legal 500 as one of the leading criminal sets in London and Manchester.

The 23ES Criminal Team offer a nationwide presence servicing the majority of the criminal courts in England and Wales.

The 23ES Team have expertise in all aspects of criminal work including terrorism, murder, grave violence, trafficking, drug offences and sexual offences.

In recent years chambers have prosecuted and defended in some of most serious and high profile cases.

Due to the knowledge and experience of our members, we are highly skilled in all aspects of the criminal court process from pre-charge advice to Magistrates’ Court, Crown Court, Court of Appeal and Supreme Court hearings.

We are instructed by all major prosecution agencies and represent defendants in both private and legally aided cases.

We have ongoing lecture and training programmes on criminal law and procedure for all our members and instructing solicitors and we recently completed our in-house training programme for the questioning of vulnerable witnesses.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Northern (Bar)

Band 3

What the Team is Known For

23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers) has a strong presence on the Northern circuit, offering representation to its clients in both prosecution and defence. The set houses a strong bench with "excellent barristers across the board, from the junior end, to kings counsel." The barristers are highly experienced in taking instructions in complex criminal cases involving homicide, drugs and sexual offences. Recent instructions for the set have included Operation Icon, pertaining to the conspiracy to traffic women for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Sean Hulston is the senior criminal clerk in Manchester.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerking team at 23 Essex Street Chambers are excellent. Wayne King is a standout, as is Adam Chapman. The team is always reachable, always hard-working and responsive.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

  • 23ES clerks are great.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Bob Sastry
    Bob Sastry

    Bob Sastry

    Bob Sastry focuses his practice on prosecuting and defending heavyweight crime, often involving serious violent and sexual offences. He also takes on cases involving complex conspiracies, drugs and money laundering.

    • Bob is my go-to. He is amazing.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Daniel Lister
    Daniel Lister

    Daniel Lister

    Daniel Lister handles serious criminal cases including murders and those involving sexual offences. His practice is complemented by additional expertise in fraud and financial crime.

    • Daniel is impressive in each matter and clients love working with him. Nothing is too much hassle for him and he always goes the extra mile.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

    • Daniel Lister is very charming, personable and a great advocate. Clients really like working with him and he is respected by his peers. He is practical and straightforward.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Hugh McKee
    Hugh McKee

    Hugh McKee

    Hugh McKee is a popular choice for serious fraud cases, with extensive experience of carousel and commercial fraud. He has handled serious criminal cases on behalf of both the defence and prosecution, including matters involving firearms, drug supply and sexual abuse.

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Ranked Barristers at 23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers) (3)

Northern (Bar)

Members

Provided by 23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)

23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers) has rankings in the following guides

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