Department profile
Apex Chambers

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Wales & Chester (Bar)

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Apex Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Crime - Wales & Chester (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Apex Chambers is highly regarded for its strong bench of barristers, who are regularly called upon to prosecute and defend complex criminal cases. Its practice includes violent crimes, multi-handed murders and sexual offences, including those in which the victims are minors. Members have recently been involved in matters including R v Gareth Rogers, concerning historic sex abuse by a retired teacher.

Craig Mansfield is the senior clerk.

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Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerks at Apex Chambers have a very good relationship with local solicitors and will make every effort to ensure the counsel you instruct are available.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

  • Craig Mansfield, head clerk, is always helpful and happy to assist.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Ruth Smith
    Ruth Smith

    Ruth Smith

    Ruth Smith is a specialist in a wide range of cases, including those concerning serious fraud, sexual offences and violent crimes. She has gained particular praise for her personable nature and her ability to sensitively handle vulnerable witnesses.

    • Ruth is about the best there is; she is our go-to counsel of choice.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

    • Ruth is scrupulously well prepared, wonderful face to face with clients and a superb advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

    • Ruth is the leading counsel in South Wales for allegations of sexual misconduct. She is an excellent trial advocate, her detailed cross-examination is conducted with skill and style.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Christopher Rees
    Christopher Rees

    Christopher Rees

    Christopher Rees KC is a versatile and well-respected criminal barrister. He has significant experience handling cases involving complex crime and high costs, specialising in white-collar fraud, major drug conspiracies and homicides.

    • Christopher is instructed in more complex and serious matters. He gets to grips with issues quickly, is trusted by clients and is persuasive in court.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Jonathan Elystan Rees
    Jonathan Elystan Rees

    Jonathan Elystan Rees

    Jonathan Elystan Rees KC is an expert in white-collar fraud, but with significant talent and experience in general crime, sports disciplinary work and police misconduct cases.

    • Jonathan is a brilliant advocate who is able to set out difficult arguments in a way which is easy to follow.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • John Ryan
    John Ryan

    John Ryan

    John Ryan is a highly capable criminal defence advocate with experience in cases involving sexual offences and child abuse. He is instructed to act for both the prosecution and defence.

    • John Ryan gets the crux of a case and is able to set out complex issues in the simplest of ways.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Marian Lewis
    Marian Lewis

    Marian Lewis

    Marian Lewis is a strong practitioner known to sources for her expert handling of sexual offence cases and for her particular sensitivity with young or vulnerable witnesses. She has significant experience in a range of serious criminal cases, including homicide, fraud and drug conspiracies. She acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

    • Marian Lewis is a seasoned and wily practitioner.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Susan Ferrier
    Susan Ferrier

    Susan Ferrier

    Susan Ferrier has a strong criminal practice with a focus on serious sexual offences. She demonstrates expertise in cases concerning historical sexual allegations and those where young and vulnerable witnesses are involved. She is also instructed across other areas of crime, including cases relating to homicide and substantial drug conspiracies.

    • Susan is amazing with clients. She puts people at ease, has particular expertise in relation to sexual offences. She is also excellent in cross examining complainants in sensitive and emotive cases.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Timothy Evans
    Timothy Evans

    Timothy Evans

    Timothy Evans offers experience acting for the prosecution and the defence in areas such as general crime, white-collar fraud, disciplinary tribunals and regulatory law. He specialises particularly in serious fraud and confiscation cases.

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  • Martha Smith-Higgins
    Martha Smith-Higgins

    Martha Smith-Higgins

    Martha Smith-Higgins is sought after for her diverse practice in criminal law, with cases ranging from sexual assault to drugs offending.

    • Martha has excellent communication skills with clients as well as being extremely professional and knowledgeable.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

    • Martha's manner in conference with clients is fantastic and shows how thoroughly she prepares her cases.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at Apex Chambers (8)

Wales & Chester (Bar)

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