Email address
[email protected]Contact number
(020) 3301 0910Chambers Review
6KBW College Hill is a premier criminal prosecution and defence set renowned for its involvement in the most serious criminal and regulatory cases. It is noted for its "wide breadth of talented barristers." Members of the set regularly act at all levels of the court system, and have made numerous appearances in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in a number of foreign jurisdictions. Recent cases for the set have included the appeal of Stuart Layden who was charged with murder.
Richard Summerscales is the senior clerk.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"It is a very well-established set with excellent clerks. Mark Essex is a superb senior whose class and grasp is deserving of the praise this set receives."
"The clerks are brilliant to work with."
"The clerks are attentive and proactive. They are an amazing marketing machine who really know how to provide a high-quality service."
"It is a very well-established set with excellent clerks. Mark Essex is a superb senior whose class and grasp is deserving of the praise this set receives."
"The clerks are brilliant to work with."
"The clerks are attentive and proactive. They are an amazing marketing machine who really know how to provide a high-quality service."
Notable Practitioners
Former First Senior Treasury Counsel Duncan Penny KC is extremely experienced in high-profile matters. He routinely acts in cases that attract national media coverage including those relating to serial sex attacks, cold case reviews, terrorism and murder.
"He is a legend and is extremely high calibre."
"Duncan is experienced and analytical."
Alison Morgan KC regularly prosecutes some of the most high-profile criminal cases in the country. These have included era-defining murders, as well as arson charges and other serious criminal matters.
"She is brilliant and always in demand."
"She is very proactive and engages with the team very well."
David Perry KC is a high-profile advocate who is particularly renowned for having been instructed in the most significant appeals of recent times. Perry is highly experienced in acting for both the prosecution and the defence, and undertakes only the most challenging and complex criminal matters, both domestically and internationally. He regularly acts before the Supreme Court and foreign criminal courts, and is known for representing high-profile clients.
"He is absolutely fantastic and is really great with clients. He has a very lovely, calm and reassuring manner and just instils confidence."
"He is a very impressive and sharp barrister."
Former Senior Treasury Counsel Duncan Atkinson KC is a well-regarded silk for his prosecution of the most serious and complex criminal matters. He frequently handles high-profile murder, manslaughter and terrorism-related cases.
"He is an expert prosecutor and his analysis is fantastic. He gives evidence clearly and in a user-friendly way."
"He is brilliant, really charming and very fair."
Jacob Hallam KC is a popular advocate who regularly appears at the Central Criminal Court. He has expertise in prosecuting complicated and high-profile murders.
"Jacob is incredibly charming, very bright and his advocacy is incredibly effective. He is clear, insightful and very impressive."
Senior Treasury Counsel Paul Jarvis is regularly instructed by the CPS, as well as private and legal aid defence clients. He has a wealth of expertise in handling serious sex and homicide cases, and further experience handling cases regarding allegations of child abuse, burglary and terrorism.
"He is a go-to barrister at the Old Bailey and has encyclopedic knowledge of the law."
"He is an expert in historical sex offences and is very calm and measured."
Treasury Counsel Peter Ratliff is a highly reputable junior, known for acting as prosecution and defence counsel in all manner of serious criminal cases including murders. His experience includes the handling of cases relating to hacking and firearms importation.
"He has really good judgement and is immensely hardworking."
"He is incredibly fair-minded and fair in his dealings with the defence counsel. He is really impressive and has the ability to visualise the case from a witness' perspective."
"Peter really is the perfect example of a talented, fair and effective advocate. He really makes the trial process easier and is an absolute pleasure to work with."
"Peter pays meticulous attention to detail in complex cases."
Sasha Wass KC is a high-profile silk instructed in many of the most high-profile cases of recent years. She frequently handles murder and sexual assault cases, whether they be recent or historical in nature.
"She is an outstanding advocate and fantastic with clients. She always commands the utmost respect from the judge."
"She is really well-liked and her advocacy is a pleasure to behold. She makes the complex look straightforward and her speeches are just fabulous."
Simon Denison KC is a fantastic barrister and former Treasury Counsel who possesses in-depth knowledge of all areas of serious and complex crime, and has a particularly impressive understanding of challenging homicide and conspiracy to murder briefs. He frequently prosecutes complex, multi-handed murders and also has experience in gang-related crime and drug cases.
"He is an extremely strong and persuasive advocate."
"He is very calm, remarkably thoughtful and a very effective barrister."
Simon Ray is a junior who has regularly undertaken high-profile cases across the full spectrum of serious crime, including those relating to young offenders. He is highly experienced in assisting City clients with criminal advice.
"Simon is absolutely fantastic and is a great advocate with an experienced, cool head."
"Simon is unflappable and a trusted advisor."
Aftab Jafferjee KC is an excellent prosecutor who undertakes all manner of serious criminal matters. He routinely represents clients at the Central Criminal Court and is hugely experienced in terrorism and murder cases.
"He is a great prosecutor and a very impactful advocate."
Alistair Richardson is instructed on a mixture of both prosecution and defence work and has been appointed as Junior Treasury Counsel. He has a varied practice that includes instruction in cyber and white collar crime.
"He is a great barrister with a great legal brain and he is very approachable."
Annabel Darlow KC has an impressive docket of prosecution work across serious crime including cases relating to homicide and terror offences. She also has significant experience of handling fraud matters.
"Annabel is quite simply a superb advocate.She has a rare combination of humility and a razor-sharp mind.She is always on top of briefs andhas a tough,no-nonsenseapproach that gets results."
"A first-class advocate and cross-examiner, Annabel's preparation is excellent and her attention to detail is impressive."
Ben Lloyd is an impressive junior with a strong reputation for terrorism, homicide and extradition cases. As Junior Treasury Counsel, he is regularly instructed by the CPS and is known for his involvement in pro bono matters.
"He's terrific, available and has a fantastic attitude. He's brilliant; clients love him and turn to him directly."
"Ben is a very safe pair of hands. He is hardworking, thoughtful and very easy to work with."
Denis Barry is a very experienced barrister who handles a rich diet of serious and organised crime work. Regularly instructed by the CPS Appeals Unit in judicial review and appellate work, he has particular expertise in cases involving complex medical evidence and psychiatric issues.
"He is a super bright criminal practitioner and presents himself in court wonderfully."
"Denis is exceptionally experienced, very good with clients and really hard-working."
"He is absolutely incredible and really impressive. He makes a hugely complex case look effortless and keeps the jury engaged throughout the case."
John Ryder KC is a noted silk who specialises in defending the most complex and serious cases from violent crime to substantial fraud. He has particular experience of acting in cases relating to organised crime, and is well known for the depth of his experience in handling international criminal matters, particularly those in the Cayman Islands.
"John Ryder was born to be an advocate. He has rare skill and expertise and is utterly captivating. His advocacy and judgement are unequalled."
"He is a giant in the criminal bar and is an inspiration."
Louis Mably KC has a wealth of experience handling the full range of general criminal cases. His recent work includes prosecuting violent robbery, homicide and criminal appeals in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court.
"Louis is excellent and forensic."
"Esther is extremely thorough in her work and has a first class eye for detail. She is also personable and cares for her clients."
"Tony is a consummate professional and highly thought of. He is very bright and at the top of his game."
"He is a really effective and tactically astute advocate. Juries admire his straightforwardness in his cross-examination."
"He is clearly an expert in this area and his knowledge is second to none. He handles very sensitive matters with thoughtfulness and makes clients feel supported and heard."
"Lucy is a safe pair of hands for clients. She pays close attention to the detail of the case and regularly achieves favourable outcomes."
"She is very organised, calm and thorough and has a really nice style with the jury."
"She is very hard-working and reliable."
"He is thoughtful, careful, conscientious and a quick-witted advocate. He's good both on paper and in court."
"Martyn is hugely talented."
"He is very authoritative in court and very accomplished."
"Lyndon is tenacious and well-respected in court."
"Lyndon develops a very thorough understanding of the case and presents to the jury in a very user-friendly way."
"He is a rising star who is experienced and incredible. He is a walking encyclopedia and fully on top of developments coming out of the courts. He is really brilliant and familiar with niche areas."
"He is very approachable and breaks things down in a simple manner for lay clients. He is very knowledgeable and very clear and robust in his submissions."