Department profile
Bark&co

Crime: Legal Aid Specialists

UK Guide 2026 : London (Firms)


Bark&co

Rankings

About

Provided by Bark&co

Bark&co continues to act in large, high-profile criminal cases, following arrests for murder, money laundering, drugs importation, sexual offences, people smuggling and cyber crime. Our focus is on high-end work, much of it with an international dimension.

High-profile recent examples include the News of the World‘ phone hacking’ prosecution and subsequent computer hacking investigations; the Melanie Hall historical murder case; the case of cricket match fixing / conspiracy to pervert the course of justice involving former New Zealand captain Chris Cairns; the Clerkenwell ‘crime syndicate’ case; the Operation Yewtree sexual offences investigation; the landmark Agnes Taylor case, involving torture offences dating back to the Liberian civil war and the largest criminal case of its time; and the UK’s largest ever burglary case (carried out by an international criminal gang against a series of celebrities in December 2019). Further recent highlights have included securing the acquittal of a client on one of two conspiracies to murder following a ten-week trial at the Central Criminal Court; and acting in a high-value theft case concerning an alleged conspiracy involving the acquisition of stolen car parts for international exportation on an industrial scale, as well as assisting clients in international drugs supply, firearms and terrorism matters. While the firm is well known for its discretion, Bark&co’s services are also sought after in cutting-edge matters in the public eye.

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime: Legal Aid Specialists - London (Firms)

Spotlight

Spotlight


What the Team is Known For
Bark&co adeptly handles the full spectrum of serious crime, from violent and sexual offences through to international criminal law matters. The firm advises clients facing charges of murder and attempted murder as well as tackling large drugs supply cases and other matters related to organised crime. It also regularly handles cases concerning well-known figures in the entertainment world. The team undertakes both legal aid and privately funded work.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The team has really good lawyers who display great dedication to client care.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • They are one of the premier criminal litigation firms.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • The team at Bark & Co are at the top of their game and can deal with complex cases with ease.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • A friendly and approachable team that has real quality from top to toe.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • They have solicitors that care for their clients and will make sure they are prepared for their trials.

    Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 5Giles Bark-Jones
    Band 5Giles Bark-Jones

    Giles Bark-Jones

    Giles Bark-Jones has a wide-ranging criminal defence practice. He advises clients in cases of murder, drugs importation and historic sexual offences, among others.

    • He is very impressive.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • Giles is a professional through and through.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • Giles grasps cases very quickly.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • Band 5Ria Kudrati
    Band 5Ria Kudrati

    Ria Kudrati

    Ria Kudrati is a skilled criminal solicitor, advising clients from the pre-charge stage through to investigations and trials. She has a varied practice and can advise clients on matters including serious drug and sexual offences.

    • Ria is a great lawyer who will fight for her clients tooth and nail.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • The go-to solicitor for serious sexual offence cases.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • Ria is excellent. She is very good with youth defendants, keeping them calm, focused and maintaining realistic expectations.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
  • Associates to watchVanessa Wiggins
    Associates to watchVanessa Wiggins

    Vanessa Wiggins

    Vanessa Wiggins is an accomplished criminal defence solicitor with particular expertise representing clients accused of murder and other serious violent offences. She also has experience acting in multi-handed drugs cases.

    • Vanessa is a top quality solicitor.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK
    • Vanessa is absolutely excellent. She is very hands-on and committed to each of her cases. She gets the best out of her clients and genuinely cares.

      Crime: Legal Aid Specialists respondentUK

Ranked Individuals at Bark&co (3)

London (Firms)

Members

Provided by Bark&co

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