Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Northern (Bar)

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

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

1
Benjamin Myers
1
Band 1

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.

Benjamin is tactically astute and his ability to quickly understand complex issues is second to none.

Benjamin is a class act. He is very hard-working and is a brilliant advocate.

1
Damian Nolan
1
Band 1

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.

Damian is a top barrister that you can rely on.

1
David Temkin
1
Band 1

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.

1
David Toal
1
Band 1

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.

John Richard Jones
1
John Richard Jones
1
Band 1

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.

1
Michael Lavery
1
Band 1

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.

2
Alaric Bassano
2
Band 2

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.

2
Ian Whitehurst
2
Band 2

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.

Richard Littler
2
Richard Littler
2
Band 2

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.

3
Charlotte Rimmer
3
Band 3

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.

3
Fiona Clancy
3
Band 3

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.

3
Gordon Cole KC
3
Band 3

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.

Imran Shafi
3
Imran Shafi
3
Band 3

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.

3
Nicola Daley
3
Band 3

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.

3
Richard Brigden
3
Band 3

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.

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

Ranked Barristers at
Exchange Chambers

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Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

Northern (Bar)

Crime

1
Benjamin Myers KC
1
Band 1
1
David Temkin KC
1
Band 1
John Richard Jones KC
1
John Richard Jones KC
1
Band 1
Richard Littler KC
2
Richard Littler KC
2
Band 2
3
Gordon Cole KC
3
Band 3
Imran Shafi KC
3
Imran Shafi KC
3
Band 3

Juniors

Northern (Bar)

Crime

1
Damian Nolan
1
Band 1
1
David Toal
1
Band 1
1
Michael Lavery
1
Band 1
2
Alaric Bassano
2
Band 2
2
Ian Whitehurst
2
Band 2
3
Charlotte Rimmer
3
Band 3
3
Fiona Clancy
3
Band 3
3
Nicola Daley
3
Band 3
3
Richard Brigden
3
Band 3