Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Western (Bar)

1
Band 1

What the Team is Known For

Guildhall Chambers houses a deep bench of senior and junior barristers who "regularly handle the most complicated and sensitive cases with conspicuous skill and command the ear of the judge." They are experienced in both the prosecution and defence of serious crimes such as homicides, serious sexual offences, terrorism and modern slavery. The team is also noted for its expert handling of serious fraud and is a top choice on the circuit for high-profile cases. Recent instructions have included R v Vladmir Ivashikin, a case concerning the high-profile retrial of a son accused of murdering his stepfather.

Lucy Northeast is the senior practice manager for crime.

Strengths

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Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

Andrew Langdon
Star Individuals

Andrew Langdon KC has a reputation as one of the strongest criminal practitioners on the circuit. He is particularly known for his involvement as both prosecution and defence counsel in extremely high-profile, serious crime matters, including multi-handed homicides and cases of false imprisonment.

Andrew is so experienced, no one can touch him and he is a standout.

Andrew is simply the best silk on the Western Circuit and one of the best silks in the country. His level of commitment to his cases is astounding and his delivery and gravitas is spell-binding.

Richard Smith
Star Individuals

Richard Smith KC is a highly experienced silk able to act as both prosecution and defence counsel in the most challenging and complex criminal cases, including those that feature vulnerable defendants accused of serious offences. He handles cases involving murder, manslaughter and serious sexual allegations.

Richard is pure class. His courtroom presence and aura is unparalleled. He always seems to have the ear of the judge and his captivating stage craft in front of juries is in a different league.

1
Anna Vigars
1
Band 1

Anna Vigars KC is often instructed in heavyweight criminal cases, including those of murder and manslaughter. She boasts particular expertise in cases involving serious sexual allegations and those with significant health and safety elements. She brings confidence to cases with multiple defendants and complainants. She has experience of sensitive cases involving offences such as female genital mutilation and child sexual exploitation.

Anna is a wonderful leader for prosecution or defence in the stormiest of challenges. She brings a calm, measured and extremely fair approach to any case.

Anna deals extremely compassionately with cases that have sensitivities and provides excellent communication throughout.

1
Christopher Quinlan
1
Band 1

Christopher Quinlan KC is noted for his ability to handle criminal matters of the utmost seriousness, including the defence of some particularly challenging cases of murder, manslaughter and sexual violence. He takes on both prosecution and defence work.

Christopher is a master of tactics in any case for prosecution or defence and his understanding of criminal evidence is unparalleled on the Western Circuit. A tough, robust and highly effective silk.

1
Jennifer Tallentire
1
Band 1

Jennifer Tallentire is a well-regarded junior who is called upon to prosecute and defend challenging cases involving murder, rape and the sexual abuse of minors. She is adept at handling cases with multiple defendants.

Jennifer is the elite of the junior bar. A stunning advocate consistently delivering a masterclass in client care, advocacy and an example to anyone in the profession. The best of the best.

1
Ramin Pakrooh
1
Band 1

Ramin Pakrooh is experienced in prosecuting and defending on challenging cases such as firearms distribution, large-scale drug operations and violent crime, including homicide. He has also represented police officers in both criminal courts and disciplinary tribunals. He has further expertise in road traffic fatality cases.

Ramin is a quality defence advocate.

Ramin is one of the most charismatic barristers on the circuit - always interesting and captivates juries.

2
David Scutt
2
Band 2

David Scutt is a well-respected junior who prosecutes and defends serious crime cases involving organised crime, rape, drugs and human trafficking charges. He is well respected by his peers for his ability to handle multiple layers of complexity in what are usually very difficult and often sensitive cases.

David Scutt is a charming advocate who is not scared of a fight!

2
Mark Worsley
2
Band 2

Noted for his advocacy skills, Mark Worsley both prosecutes and defends serious crime cases. His practice focuses on organised crime, armed robberies and acts of violence. He is a Grade 4 prosecutor and a member of the RASSO specialist panel.

Mark is a class act. His no-nonsense and charming approach in court before judge and jury is based on an excellent understanding of the law and case analysis in even the most complicated of cases.

2
Ray Tully
2
Band 2

Ray Tully KC boasts experience in all areas of serious crime, including murder, manslaughter and rape. He has acted in many of the Western Bar's most significant cases.

Ray is a phenomenally industrious barrister who injects passion and commitment into every case.

Ray is a tenacious advocate who you’d want on your side.

2
Samuel Jones
2
Band 2

Samuel Jones focuses on defence work, and is particularly well-versed in crimes involving serious violence and sexual offences. He also prosecutes cases, and is highly recommended overall for the strength of his courtroom advocacy. He is further noted for his ability in drugs, dishonesty and fraud cases.

Samuel does top-end serious work.

3
Alistair Haggerty
3
Band 3

Alistair Haggerty both prosecutes and defends, and has experience acting alone and as a led junior. His practice spans serious crime including RASSO charges and homicides.

Alistair is utterly fair and has a charming ease with judge and jury which is underpinned by detailed preparation and a highly ethical and fair approach at all times.

3
Chloe Griggs
3
Band 3

Chloe Griggs is an impressive junior who brings her experience as a former Crown prosecutor to bear in her crime practice. She has experience on large, complex cases from national drugs conspiracies to gang weapons offences. Although she predominantly acts for the prosecution, she also accepts defence instructions.

Chloe's preparation is faultless, her tactics are sound and her cross-examination is well-structured and can be devastating.

Chloe is extremely engaged and industrious in advancing her client's cases.

3
Gregory Gordon
3
Band 3

Gregory Gordon is adept at prosecuting and defending complex criminal cases. He has expertise in an array of areas, including child abuse, sex offences and animal cruelty. He is often called upon for cases which involve vulnerable defendants and witnesses.

3
James Haskell
3
Band 3

James Haskell is a specialist criminal practitioner who is also regularly instructed in the criminal elements of professional disciplinary proceedings. As well as an accomplished defender, he is also a Grade 4 CPS prosecutor and is appointed to the Crown's specialist rape panel.

3
Mary Cowe
3
Band 3

Mary Cowe is an experienced junior who prosecutes and defends serious criminal cases, including sexual offences, child cruelty, drugs, serious violence and high-value frauds. As a Grade 4 prosecutor she is regularly instructed by the CPS in complex criminal matters.

Mary has a phenomenal work ethic - completely on top of work and performs at a very high level. She is extremely hard-working, masters details of cases and performs advocacy at the highest level.

Mary Cowe provides superb communication throughout - almost instant, very thorough, and replies to all queries.

Ranked Barristers at
Guildhall Chambers

Provided by Chambers
Filter by
Band

Silks (KC)

Western (Bar)

Crime

Andrew Langdon KC
Star Individuals
Richard Smith KC
Star Individuals
1
Anna Vigars KC
1
Band 1
1
Christopher Quinlan KC
1
Band 1
2
Ray Tully KC
2
Band 2

Juniors

Western (Bar)

Crime

1
Jennifer Tallentire
1
Band 1
1
Ramin Pakrooh
1
Band 1
2
David Scutt
2
Band 2
2
Mark Worsley
2
Band 2
2
Samuel Jones
2
Band 2
3
Alistair Haggerty
3
Band 3
3
Chloe Griggs
3
Band 3
3
Gregory Gordon
3
Band 3
3
James Haskell
3
Band 3
3
Mary Cowe
3
Band 3