Email address
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(0117) 930 9000Chambers Review
Guildhall Chambers houses a deep bench of senior and junior barristers who 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, such as the prosecution of Darren Osment in a two-month murder trial concerning the disappearance of Clare Holland in 2012.
Lucy Northeast is the senior practice manager for crime and is supported by practice manager Grant Bidwell.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"Guildhall Chambers' clerks are excellent. They are always available and will ensure cases run smoothly. They inform us of any changes and do what they can to assist."
"There is great client care and good communications from the clerks."
"The clerks are head and shoulders above the rest. The team are adept at resolving issues and everything is done with the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness."
"Guildhall Chambers' clerks are excellent. They are always available and will ensure cases run smoothly. They inform us of any changes and do what they can to assist."
"There is great client care and good communications from the clerks."
"The clerks are head and shoulders above the rest. The team are adept at resolving issues and everything is done with the perfect balance of professionalism and friendliness."
Notable Practitioners
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.
"He has a strong presence in the court with a high attention to detail."
"A class act, Andrew is a star and a formidable silk."
"Andrew is the best barrister for the most serious cases."
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.
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.
"She does what it says on the tin - she doesn't have the letters 'KC' after her name for nothing."
"She is a very fair prosecutor and an invaluable asset."
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.
"His advocacy is superb, very clear and thorough. He is very engaging, persuasive and a smooth operator because he is always really well prepared and tenacious."
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.
"A silk in all but name, her advocacy and legal arguments are pure class."
"Jennifer is a stunning advocate who can dilate the most complex issues in a manner which can be understood by professional and lay clients, whilst being enthralling to a jury."
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.
"He is as good an advocate as you could find and really should be a silk."
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 is a heavyweight advocate with powerful submissions, an eye for detail and finesse with the jury."
"David is very thorough and strong in trial."
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.
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 superb trial advocate."
"An exceptionally great barrister who always knows the entire case inside and out, he is quick on his feet and incredibly adept."
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.
"Sam is a brilliant junior with an eye for detail and his work rate is second to none."
"He is an extremely competent barrister who has an excellent rapport with clients. He is always easy to contact and responds very quickly to queries."
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 a very strong and skilled counsel."
Chloe Griggs is a rising 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 is very good with clients and explains matters in a way they will understand."
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.
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.
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.
"She has it all: attention to detail, client care and advocacy skills."
"Mary provides a very high level of expertise and demonstrates good advocacy and cross-examination skills."