Department profile
Exchange Chambers

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Northern (Bar)


Exchange Chambers

Rankings

About

Provided by Exchange Chambers

We are one of the leading criminal sets in the UK, with a stellar reputation in our field. Our barristers specialise in all types of serious and general crime, financial crime and criminal regulatory work.

We receive instructions to prosecute and defend at every level, and accept both publicly-funded and privately-funded work.

We provide specialist representation and astute, strategic advice at all stages of a case, including pre-charge, trial and appeal. Key areas of practice include:

    • Cyber crime
    • Drug trafficking
    • Fraud
    • Human trafficking
    • International crime
    • Money laundering
    • Murder and manslaughter
    • Private prosecutions
    • Road traffic offences
    • Robbery
    • Serious and organised crime, including corruption and bribery
    • Serious sexual offences including historic abuse
    • Terrorism
    • Violent offences

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Northern (Bar)

Band 1

Band 1


What the Team is Known For

Exchange Chambers retains its reputation as a go-to set on the Northern Circuit for complex and high-profile criminal cases and are "well known for the depth of advocates they have available to represent both the prosecution and defence". Members are regularly instructed in cases relating to serious crimes, such as homicides, drugs offences and sexual abuse, and are also highly regarded for their expertise in terrorism cases and large-scale frauds. The set's barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence, and the chambers houses a number of Category 4 prosecutors. Recent cases have included the defence of Lucy Letby, concerning the appeal and a retrial for one count of murder.

Kate Masher and Dave Haley are the senior criminal clerks in Liverpool and Manchester.

Strengths

Provided by Chambers

  • The clerking team at Exchange Chambers is exceptional.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks are approachable, efficient and responsive. They are proactive in managing availability and logistics, making the process smooth and stress-free.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Exchange Chambers has fantastic clerks.

    Crime respondentUK Bar
  • The clerks have a good rapport with solicitors and are professional and decisive. They quickly address problems that arise.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Band 1Benjamin Myers
    Band 1Benjamin Myers

    Benjamin Myers

    Benjamin Myers KC is a highly experienced criminal barrister who has an emphasis on serious criminal matters such as homicide, drug trafficking and organised crime. He is regularly instructed in cases concerning high-value fraud and money laundering. He is also very capable of taking on major cases concerning sexual and violent offences, including rape and armed robbery.

    • Benjamin is absolutely at top of his game. He is very well respected for his skill and wider contribution to the Bar.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Benjamin is tactically astute and his ability to quickly understand complex issues is second to none.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Benjamin is a class act. He is very hard-working and is a brilliant advocate.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Damian Nolan
    Band 1Damian Nolan

    Damian Nolan

    Damian Nolan is a criminal specialist who is highly experienced in criminal matters as well as regulatory offences. He has predominantly defended cases involving drugs, homicide, blackmail and armed robbery, although he also takes on the prosecution of serious sexual offences and cases involving serious organised crime. He is instructed in heavy and complex fraud cases. His practice also encompasses health and safety work.

    • Damian's attention to detail and forensic analysis, as well as being able to take those and speak to a lay client who is unaware of court proceedings, stand out. He is very tenacious.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Damian is a top barrister that you can rely on.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1David Temkin
    Band 1David Temkin

    David Temkin

    David Temkin KC is experienced in both the prosecution and defence of a range of serious criminal matters. He is regularly instructed in homicide, fraud and complex conspiracy to rape cases.

    • David is skilful at managing cases as well as the client and their families. His written work is phenomenal.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1David Toal
    Band 1David Toal

    David Toal

    David Toal is an experienced criminal practitioner who regularly undertakes complex and substantial cases, including human trafficking, rape and other violent offences. He is regularly instructed in cases which attract significant publicity. He frequently represents professionals facing criminal and regulatory proceedings, particularly police officers and healthcare professionals. He is also called upon to prosecute cases involving serious sexual offences, and is a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor.

  • Band 1John Richard Jones
    Band 1John Richard Jones

    John Richard Jones

    John Richard Jones KC specialises in serious crime and fraud work, with particular expertise in money laundering and related confiscation issues, drugs and sexual offences. He is regularly involved in cases arising out of domestic terrorism. His practice also includes regulatory as well as environmental law.

    • John's attention to detail in the preparation of cases is second to none; no stone is left unturned.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Michael Lavery
    Band 1Michael Lavery

    Michael Lavery

    Michael Lavery is an impressive junior known for his defence work. He regularly acts in serious murder and multi-handed drugs cases. He also specialises in white-collar crime.

  • Band 2Alaric Bassano
    Band 2Alaric Bassano

    Alaric Bassano

    Alaric Bassano acts for the prosecution and defence in serious criminal matters such as homicide, attempted murder, rape and serious sexual violence. He is also instructed in cases concerning drug trafficking, firearms and gang offences.

  • Band 2Ian Whitehurst
    Band 2Ian Whitehurst

    Ian Whitehurst

    Ian Whitehurst is an experienced criminal advocate whose expertise in organised crime includes gang-related homicide, drug conspiracies, corruption, conspiracy to supply firearms and armed robbery. Whitehurst also takes on cases concerning public disorder and has a specific interest in cyber-related criminal activity. He is equally adept at handling both prosecution and defence work.

    • Ian Whitehurst is an excellent, hard-working junior.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Richard Littler
    Band 2Richard Littler

    Richard Littler

    Richard Littler KC is a popular choice for high-profile, sensitive criminal cases, including those involving homicide and sexual offences. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

    • Richard is a very able advocate. He is strong, forceful and does not miss legal points.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Charlotte Rimmer
    Band 3Charlotte Rimmer

    Charlotte Rimmer

    Charlotte Rimmer is experienced in the handling of serious criminal cases involving sexual abuse, child abuse and multi-handed drug matters. She predominantly acts for the prosecution.

    • She is incredible.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Fiona Clancy
    Band 3Fiona Clancy

    Fiona Clancy

    Fiona Clancy is an experienced junior who both prosecutes and defends. She is proficient in handling a broad variety of serious cases, including homicides, organised crime and firearms offences.

  • Band 3Gordon Cole
    Band 3Gordon Cole

    Gordon Cole

    Gordon Cole KC is noted for his expertise in serious criminal cases relating to murders, drugs, manslaughter and serious sexual assaults. He is also regularly instructed in complex frauds and cases involving police corruption. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

    • Gordon Cole KC is very good.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Imran Shafi
    Band 3Imran Shafi

    Imran Shafi

    Imran Shafi KC has an excellent reputation as defence counsel in highly complex criminal cases. His workload includes cases relating to drug conspiracies, murder and sexual offences, and he has notable experience in matters with multiple defendants.

    • Imran is extremely knowledgeable and tenacious. He is hugely experienced, having dealt with complex and high-profile cases.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Nicola Daley
    Band 3Nicola Daley

    Nicola Daley

    Nicola Daley is a well-regarded junior with impressive experience in a wide range of criminal cases. She is sought out for her expertise acting for both the prosecution and the defence in cases involving drugs offences, homicide and modern-day slavery, among others.

  • Band 3Richard Brigden
    Band 3Richard Brigden

    Richard Brigden

    Richard Brigden is a proven defence advocate. He is noted for his expert handling of complex serious criminal offences including homicide, drugs and sexual offences.

    • Richard is very good and tenacious. He leaves no stone unturned.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Richard has very sound judgement and good courtroom manner. He has gravitas in court and is very down to earth.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Exchange Chambers (15)

Northern (Bar)

Members

Provided by Exchange Chambers

Exchange Chambers has rankings in the following guides

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