Financial Crime
UK Bar Guide 2025 : London (Bar)
Band 3
Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 7413 0353Chambers Review
23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers) is an impressive set, noted for its expertise in both the prosecution and defence of a wide range of financial crime cases. Members are regularly instructed in complex and high-value cases involving allegations of bribery, fraud and corruption, and are well regarded for their representation of clients in Serious Fraud Office and HMRC investigations. A "terrific chambers," 23ES is recognised by peers for producing "excellent and strong advice." The set's members have recently been instructed to defend David MacIntosh, a former MP charged with election donation fraud.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The clerks are a good team and very commercially aware. They are on top of diary management and avoid complications."
"The clerks are highly professional and very approachable. They come to you with solutions rather than problems, which is always welcome."
"Chambers director Wayne King is very approachable and straightforward, and he always gets back to you very quickly."
"The clerks are a good team and very commercially aware. They are on top of diary management and avoid complications."
"The clerks are highly professional and very approachable. They come to you with solutions rather than problems, which is always welcome."
"Chambers director Wayne King is very approachable and straightforward, and he always gets back to you very quickly."
Notable Practitioners
Mark Fenhalls KC is the former chair of the Criminal Bar Association of England and Wales, as well as a high-profile practitioner in fraud and financial crime. His wide practice has seen him handle, among others, cases involving tax fraud and corruption with regard to public contracts. He has a mixed practice, with impressive experience both prosecuting and defending, and is rated for his expert advice in significant Serious Fraud Office cases.
"He has extraordinary powers of litigation and an eye for seeing what path to take to get everyone where they need to be. He knows how to talk to a judge and will bring judges and opponents with him."
Cairns Nelson KC is currently co-head of the set and is recognised for his confident, reassuring and rallying manner, even when the facts of the case appear unfavourable. He has built a sterling reputation acting both for the prosecution and the defence in cases concerning matters such as carbon credits, professional reporting fraud and export control. As a former Standing Counsel to the Revenue, he offers particular expertise in tax fraud matters.
"Cairns is just a fantastic jury advocate and his court skills are so good. He has a lovely touch with the jury."
"He has that X-factor presence and exudes authority. He is very charismatic and a powerful court advocate."
"A quick-thinking jury advocate, he brings the main defence points to the forefront of the jury's mind. He is someone you want in the trenches with you in a trial."
Thomas Godfrey is a well-regarded financial crime barrister who primarily acts for defendants facing serious allegations of fraud and corruption. He has experience acting for both corporate and individual clients.
"Thomas is excellent. He is really good with clients and never takes a bad point."
Alexander Upton is experienced in the handling of fraud, corruption and bribery cases. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence in complex investigations brought by the Serious Fraud Office and HMRC.
"Alexander is highly competent, hugely enthusiastic and a born defender."
"He has a calmness and a way of dealing with things that is great."
Paul Bogan KC is a dedicated defence silk with notable experience in the realm of serious crime and fraud. His experience includes advising on cases relating to mortgage fraud, money laundering and the awarding of public service contracts.
"What is impressive is his ability to digest detail in cases. He identifies relevant issues right away and gets to grips with them really quickly."
"His meticulous preparation is second to none. He has a gift for being able to engage solicitors and the court and client with how the case should progress."