Department profile
25 Bedford Row

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : London (Bar)


25 Bedford Row

Rankings

About

Provided by 25 Bedford Row

25 Bedford Row is a leading criminal defence set, involved in the most serious and high-profile cases. In the last two years, Chambers has developed significantly under the Headship of Tyrone Smith KC and Nicola Howard KC, together with Alfie Clerk as Director of Clerking.

We are renowned for setting the highest standards in jury advocacy and legal arguments.

Members act for defendants facing every kind of offence against the person. We conduct more homicide cases than perhaps any other criminal set together with other types of serious violence and child neglect. These cases naturally require the highest level of skill and experience and the ability to employ skill and compassion to maximum effect. 

Organised crime includes multi-million pound drug trafficking cases, modern slavery and people trafficking, large scale robbery, blackmail, cybercrime and money laundering. Many members have been at the forefront of Encro related cases.

We ably defend allegations of sexual assault, historical sexual abuse, indecent images, prostitution and rape. Skilled advocacy and cross-examination ensure the rights of defendants are protected and that complainants are dealt with fairly.

We have unrivalled expertise in appellate advocacy. Frequently advising/appearing in the Court of Appeal, the Divisional Court (Case-Stated and Judicial Review) and applications for leave to the Supreme Court.

We are committed to supporting multiple organisations set up to assist with access to justice.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - London (Bar)

Band 2

Band 2


What the Team is Known For

25 Bedford Row is a set noted for its "strength in depth and exemplary client care," whose members regularly appear in reported murder, manslaughter, sex and terrorism cases, among others. They specialise in defence and are regulars at the Old Bailey and Court of Appeal, and are particularly known for their involvement in multi-handed murder trials, including those relating to young offenders. A recent case of note is R v TC, concerning a county lines drug dealer who was charged with murder and GBH.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • Alfie Lee is really driving the chambers forward as a standout criminal set. He takes real time to understand the client's needs.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Alfie Lee and Charlie Gardner and incredibly responsive, professional and hard-working. No problem is left unsolved. They are truly first-class.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • The clerking team at 25 Bedford Row are second to none. They have really pushed the bar high and it will take a lot to beat them.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Director of Clerking Alfie Lee, Senior Practice Clerks Charlie Gardner and Chris Jones are a pleasure to deal with. They are personable and always go the extra mile.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • 25 Bedford Row clerks are excellent. They are communicative and proactive. They quickly return calls and emails.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Aisling Byrnes
    Band 1Aisling Byrnes

    Aisling Byrnes

    Aisling Byrnes is an excellent junior who attracts praise from observers for her handling of factually sensitive and emotive cases, and is noted for her sympathetic dealings with vulnerable clients. She focuses her practice on all areas of serious crime and has particular expertise in sexual offences and domestic violence cases.

    • Aisling has a forensic style in her examination. She is highly considered and has an ability to achieve the impossible.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She puts clients at ease and is an exceptional cross-examiner.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is a go-to on sex cases and serious cases involving domestic issues or assaults or drugs. She is a fantastic advocate and will achieve the best result for a client every time.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Aisling is first-class, dynamic, perfect with clients and sets the bar extremely high.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Byrnes is an exceptional advocate and her client care is exceptional. She has great presence in court.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Dominic Thomas
    Band 1Dominic Thomas

    Dominic Thomas

    Dominic Thomas boasts a wealth of experience of both leading and acting as sole junior in serious homicide proceedings. He appears on behalf of the defence both at trial and on appeal.

    • Thomas' client care is second to none.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Dominic Thomas is a ferocious advocate with a piercing intellect. Our clients feel they have a champion fighting for them.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Thomas is a fantastic advocate, jury-friendly and great to work with.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • His advocacy is masterful. He possesses great judgement.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1George Carter-Stephenson
    Band 1George Carter-Stephenson

    George Carter-Stephenson

    George Carter-Stephenson KC is a well-regarded silk who specialises as a defence advocate in criminal, regulatory and fraud matters. He has vast experience across a broad spectrum of criminal matters, including complex murder and conspiracy to commit murder cases.

    • He is a legend. He leaves no stone unturned. He is an excellent advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • George is extremely level-headed and really excellent with clients.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • George Carter-Stephenson remains a leader in the field who commands every case he is in. His attention to detail, his brilliance in cross-examination and thorough case preparation stood out.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • He is an experienced and effective advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Jeremy Dein
    Band 1Jeremy Dein

    Jeremy Dein

    Jeremy Dein KC is an incredibly capable defence practitioner who specialises in serious matters including murder, terrorism and organised crime. He is often entrusted with high-profile cases that have attracted significant media attention. Dein has significant appellate experience and is known for his sure touch when dealing with vulnerable defendants with mental illness.

    • Jeremy Dein is very, very good and comes into his own the more complex the case. His experience in the appeal courts really stands out when submitting and drafting grounds of appeal.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Paul Hynes
    Band 1Paul Hynes

    Paul Hynes

    Paul Hynes KC is regularly instructed in very serious, complex and high-profile criminal matters. He focuses his practice on criminal defence and regularly appears in heavyweight crime cases including those relating to terrorism, firearms and violent criminal offences.

    • Paul Hynes KC is usually the smartest man in the room. He makes it all look effortlessly easy with an extraordinary memory and his attention to detail.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Hynes builds a great rapport with the judge and jury.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Paul Mendelle
    Band 1Paul Mendelle

    Paul Mendelle

    Paul Mendelle KC is a respected and impressive silk with extensive experience of the most serious and high-profile criminal cases. He has handled numerous murder cases, including those relating to gangland warfare, as well as a number of corruption-related matters.

    • His work ethic is great and extraordinary and he is so committed to clients. He is a real asset to any defendant.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Paul is a hugely experienced class act and fights hard.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Mendelle does an excellent job and is an excellent advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Tyrone Smith
    Band 1Tyrone Smith

    Tyrone Smith

    Tyrone Smith KC is an impressive silk who routinely acts in murder, manslaughter, drugs and all manner of other serious criminal cases. He is particularly noted for his skill in motor manslaughter matters, and is an expert in telecommunications evidence.

    • He is of a different level. Clients love him and he has an excellent analytical mind and superb advocacy.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Behind his easy manner is a brilliant trial tactician.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Smith provides excellent judgement and tactics.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Tyrone has a great strategic mind. He is impressive to watch.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Tyrone is a great cross-examiner. He is calm, reasonable and charming.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Arlette Piercy
    Band 2Arlette Piercy

    Arlette Piercy

    Arlette Piercy is a highly experienced and trusted junior who accepts instructions exclusively in criminal defence cases, especially those relating to serious violence such as murder, attempted murder and armed robbery. Gang-related crimes in particular are a feature of her practice.

    • Arlette is a passionate advocate who is unapologetic about fighting hard for her client.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Arlette acts well under pressure. She is well articulated and persuasive, and has excellent preparation.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Arlette goes the extra mile for every client. She really does care, she sees things outside of the box and will push every door for her client. She is a pleasure to work with.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Ben Smitten
    Band 2Ben Smitten

    Ben Smitten

    Ben Smitten is a sought-after junior who acts exclusively as a criminal defence advocate and adviser in murder, large-scale fraud and serious organised crime cases. He also frequently defends UK nationals charged with criminal offences in other jurisdictions. Smitten mainly accepts privately funded cases unless the matter is of public importance, such as the inquest and criminal proceedings arising from the Hillsborough stadium disaster.

    • Smitten leaves no stone unturned.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • He is one of the leading senior juniors and has a tenacious work ethic. He makes a serious impact in the case.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Clare Wade
    Band 2Clare Wade

    Clare Wade

    Clare Wade KC provides expert representation to defendants facing a range of serious allegations. She is particularly experienced in defending vulnerable women accused of murder.

    • Clare Wade KC is great. She's very experienced and is respected in the Court of Appeal.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2David Wood
    Band 2David Wood

    David Wood

    David Wood is a well-respected junior who is often instructed in crime and regulatory matters. He has experience handling serious crime cases such as murder, theft and drug-related matters.

    • He gets great results. He is the cream of the cop.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • David Wood is an excellent advocate. He goes above and beyond to assist.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • David was really polished, professional and has good judgement.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Emma Akuwudike
    Band 2Emma Akuwudike

    Emma Akuwudike

    Emma Akuwudike is a skilled and well-regarded junior who is noted for her extensive experience in firearms matters. Akuwudike is also regularly instructed on cases relating to murder, serious sexual offences and drugs conspiracies, among others.

    • Emma has tactical awareness and is a tough negotiator.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is good at hard, sensitive cases, and she really fights for clients.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is vastly experienced and excellent with clients.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Akuwudike is an excellent advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Emma Akuwudike is an extremely experienced counsel.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Jeffrey Israel
    Band 2Jeffrey Israel

    Jeffrey Israel

    Jeffrey Israel undertakes a variety of defence work, often acting on high-profile and sensitive cases. He has experience representing individuals accused of offences of a sexual and violent nature, some of which have attracted media attention.

    • Jeffrey maintained good rapport with the client and pinpointed what was at the heart of the criminal case.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Lisa Wilson
    Band 2Lisa Wilson

    Lisa Wilson

    Specialist defence practitioner Lisa Wilson is an adept junior who frequently takes leading roles on cases. She has particular experience in handling complex cases relating to murder and historical sexual offences, among others.

    • Wilson is a force of nature. She is sharp, strong and fast, as well as difficult to beat.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Lisa Wilson is a very strong and passionate advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Michael Neofytou
    Band 2Michael Neofytou

    Michael Neofytou

    Accomplished junior Michael Neofytou is regularly instructed to defend complex gang-related murder and drugs cases. He routinely acts as leading junior in serious criminal trials.

    • Michael Neofytou is an outstanding junior who excels as an advocate, lawyer and man who can charm a courtroom.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • He cuts through all the irrelevant bits and has a very good bedside manner for clients.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Paul Keleher
    Band 2Paul Keleher

    Paul Keleher

    Paul Keleher KC is highly experienced in all areas of crime, including cases relating to terrorism, drug trafficking, fraud, serious violence and sexual abuse. Keleher is skilled at dealing with complex evidence and disclosure issues.

    • He is a master tactician, thoroughly well prepared, completely in control of the case and very clever. He always has his eye on the key issues. He is an all-round brilliant advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Keleher is an amazing guy and knows his stuff.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Sebastian Gardiner
    Band 2Sebastian Gardiner

    Sebastian Gardiner

    Sebastian Gardiner is a junior who is noted for his specialist expertise in drugs cases. On a broader level, Gardiner is experienced in serious crime matters, such as those relating to EncroChat.

    • He is very capable in dealing with complex drug cases. He knows his way around any issues surrounding such cases.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3James Martin
    Band 3James Martin

    James Martin

    • James Martin is the man you want on your side. He is robust and punchy.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • He stood firm under serious pressure. He is excellent.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Peter Doyle
    Band 3Peter Doyle

    Peter Doyle

    • Peter Doyle KC is a very experienced silk, with a charming manner. He has a light touch, which judges like and respect.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • He is a really senior, respected member of the Bar.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Everyone likes him and it benefits his client. His manner also helps and he helped a client in a hard case.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Sheryl Nwosu
    Band 3Sheryl Nwosu

    Sheryl Nwosu

    • She was great to work with.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Nwosu did an exceptional job in keeping a very difficult client very happy, and worked very hard.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Sheryl is a very strong leading junior and fearless in every way.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Nwosu's client service is second to none.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Stephen Moses
    Band 3Stephen Moses

    Stephen Moses

    • He knows his law as well as anyone and is great in court. He fights really hard for the client and is utterly charming with it.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Laurie-Anne Power
    Band 4Laurie-Anne Power

    Laurie-Anne Power

    • Power has fantastic preparation.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is a fierce advocate who is gentle and empathic with her clients. She is one of my first-choice silks.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Laurie-Anne Power KC is an outstanding silk who is going from strength to strength. She has the command of any courtroom.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She stands out and makes an impression.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 4Rudi Fortson
    Band 4Rudi Fortson

    Rudi Fortson

    • Fortson is a very good lawyer. Juries like him and as do judges. He is an effective but sympathetic cross-examiner.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Rudi is and always has been a real professional.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5John Cooper
    Band 5John Cooper

    John Cooper

    • A determined individual who gives everything his all.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Michael Gomulka
    Band 5Michael Gomulka

    Michael Gomulka

    • Pleasant, personable, willing and attentive.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Osman Osman
    Band 5Osman Osman

    Osman Osman

    • Osman Osman is quick to pick up issues, good with clients and authoritative.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Osman is very good at handling any serious criminal matter and putting the client at ease.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 5Simon Pentol
    Band 5Simon Pentol

    Simon Pentol

    • He was excellent, easy to work with and doing his best for his clients. He is very collaborative.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Pentol fights your corner every step of the way. His court presence is unrivalled.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • He is quite good and very experienced.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 6Beth O'Reilly
    Band 6Beth O'Reilly

    Beth O'Reilly

    • Beth is proactive, provides incredible attention to detail, is forensic on disclosure and clients adore her.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is great.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • O'Reilly is going places and is tenacious. She fights the corner as best she can.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingChantel Gaber
    Up and ComingChantel Gaber

    Chantel Gaber

    • Chantel is a first-class advocate who is all over her brief. She is personable with clients and very strong in court.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Gaber is incredibly calm and impressive.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Chantel is an outstanding up-and-coming junior counsel. She is incredibly dedicated and always going the extra mile for her clients, and truly fights for them.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Chantal has always gone the extra mile and more.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is a very hard-working junior.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Up and ComingKerrie Ann Rowan
    Up and ComingKerrie Ann Rowan

    Kerrie Ann Rowan

    • Kerrie Ann Rowan is a great junior who is dedicated to the clients and the case.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is brave and takes on the big and difficult legal challenges and holds her own.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Kerrie is good and a safe pair of hands. She did a very good cross-examination.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • She is determined and not afraid to keep going. She is a hard worker.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at 25 Bedford Row (30)

London (Bar)

Members

Provided by 25 Bedford Row

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