Department profile
Guildhall Chambers

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Western (Bar)


Guildhall Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

Provided by Chambers

Crime - Western (Bar)

Band 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

Provided by Chambers

  • Lucy Northeast and Grant Bidwell, practice manager, are the pinnacle of clerking. Everything is managed seamlessly, nothing is too much trouble. The perfect balance of familiarity and professionalism.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Star IndividualsAndrew Langdon
    Star IndividualsAndrew Langdon

    Andrew Langdon

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • 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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Star IndividualsRichard Smith
    Star IndividualsRichard Smith

    Richard Smith

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Anna Vigars
    Band 1Anna Vigars

    Anna Vigars

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Anna deals extremely compassionately with cases that have sensitivities and provides excellent communication throughout.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Christopher Quinlan
    Band 1Christopher Quinlan

    Christopher Quinlan

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Jennifer Tallentire
    Band 1Jennifer Tallentire

    Jennifer Tallentire

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 1Ramin Pakrooh
    Band 1Ramin Pakrooh

    Ramin Pakrooh

    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.

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

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2David Scutt
    Band 2David Scutt

    David Scutt

    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!

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Mark Worsley
    Band 2Mark Worsley

    Mark Worsley

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Ray Tully
    Band 2Ray Tully

    Ray Tully

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Ray is a tenacious advocate who you’d want on your side.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 2Samuel Jones
    Band 2Samuel Jones

    Samuel Jones

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Alistair Haggerty
    Band 3Alistair Haggerty

    Alistair Haggerty

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Chloe Griggs
    Band 3Chloe Griggs

    Chloe Griggs

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
    • Chloe is extremely engaged and industrious in advancing her client's cases.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
  • Band 3Gregory Gordon
    Band 3Gregory Gordon

    Gregory Gordon

    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.

  • Band 3James Haskell
    Band 3James Haskell

    James Haskell

    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.

  • Band 3Mary Cowe
    Band 3Mary Cowe

    Mary Cowe

    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.

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

      Crime respondentUK Bar

Ranked Barristers at Guildhall Chambers (15)

Western (Bar)

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