UK Bar Guide 2026 : South Eastern (Bar)
Ranked Barristers
Provided by 23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)
s 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.
Provided by Chambers
23 Essex Street Chambers is a well-regarded set with barristers who can "provide expertise in all areas of criminal law and at all levels." Members are instructed on high-profile sexual offences, murder cases and fraud-related matters for both prosecution and defence. Recent matters for the set have included a historic rape and sexual assault case which involved 60 counts of rape and sexual assault.
Wayne King is chambers director.
Provided by Chambers
The clerks at 23ES always go the extra mile.
The Clerks at 23ES are known for their courtesy and effectiveness, ensuring the court, the professional client and the barrister are fully informed.
Provided by Chambers
Alan Gardner KC focuses on prosecuting cases of violent crime, including those that involve sexual and firearms offences. He also has a significant understanding of complex fraud cases.
Alan Gardner is a really impressive jury advocate who is easy to work with.
Alan is an excellent barrister. He is understated but highly effective. His integrity is absolute.
Rhodri James is a very accomplished barrister who is frequently instructed on a variety of cases, including proceedings regarding sexual assault, fraud and violent crime. He has shown particular ability in defence work, achieving several high-profile acquittals in challenging cases.
Rhodri James is very thorough and great for heavyweight work and a silk in waiting.
Stephen Shay is a capable barrister who is regularly instructed to prosecute and defend serious cases such as homicide, complex fraud and sexual offences. He has further experience in the handling of people-smuggling cases and fraud offences. As a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor, he is also on the CPS specialist rape panel.
Stephen Shay is what a prosecutor should be. He is fair and considered.
James Bloomer KC is a highly regarded new silk who has in-depth experience dealing with very complex criminal cases involving such matters as serious sexual offences, money laundering and human trafficking. He is adept at acting in defence of clients and as a prosecutor.
James is a specialist with and excels when dealing with vulnerable clients, information-heavy and complicated cases.
James is thorough and diligent. He is all that you want from a barrister.
Crime
Crime
Crime
Crime
Provided by 23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers)
Rhodri James
View profile of Rhodri JamesStephen Shay
View profile of Stephen ShayAlan Gardner
View profile of Alan GardnerJames Bloomer
View profile of James Bloomer
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