Crime

Kate Blackwell KC is a criminal and regulatory specialist who regularly appears in complex white-collar criminal and serious fraud cases, with noted experience in corruption and money laundering. She is also known for her work in relation to high-profile sexual offences, acting for both the prosecution and defence.

"Her cross-examination and closing speeches are outstanding and she is a commanding and engaging advocate. She goes the extra mile in preparing cases, is exceptionally thorough and communicates well."

"Kate is an excellent all-rounder and great with clients. She is a brilliant trial advocate, who is tactically very astute."

"Her commitment and expertise are second to none. Her presence in court with the jury is a joy to watch and clients are always impressed."

"Her tactical genius and unmatched advocacy skills are a direct result of experience."

Peter Wright KC has appeared in some of the most noteworthy trials of recent years and continues to defend and prosecute headline-grabbing murder, drugs, fraud and terrorism cases. He also acts for companies that are being investigated for health and safety offences.

"Peter is one of the best and most experienced criminal silks in the country, and continues to appear in the most high-profile cases."

Simon Csoka KC is a highly impressive silk who has a wealth of experience in a broad range of cases such as those concerning organised crime, high-profile murder and fraud. He has extensive experience as a criminal defence advocate and represents prison and police officers, among others.

"He is one of the best defence counsel in the country. He is known for his legal expertise in highly technical cases and often persuades judges of his view of the law."

"He has a huge intellect and combines that with exceptional legal arguments and advocacy."

"He is exceptionally bright and devastating in his trial advocacy. He is feared by prosecutors and controls the courtroom."

Alexander Leach KC is instructed in serious criminal matters such as murder, fraud and organised crime. He regularly acts for defendants in large, multi-handed cases as well as prosecuting.

"He is an exceptional advocate and his court presence, judgement and knowledge of the law are impeccable. He has a professional yet approachable and compassionate manner."

"He is fast becoming one of the go-to silks on the Northern circuit."

"Alexander is hard-working and has a lovely turn of phrase that juries warm to."

Andrew Thomas KC is a well-regarded silk with a significant criminal practice. He is also adept at handling civil matters.

"He is in high demand nationally both prosecuting and defending, with a specialism in environmental crime and business crime."

Clare Ashcroft is highly regarded for her skilled handling of complex criminal cases. She defends clients facing serious allegations, such as murder, sexual offences and conspiracy to supply Class A drugs. She is noted for her particular knowledge of sentencing law, in which she has a doctorate.

"Clare is thorough and has meticulous preparation. She is a thoughtful, careful and controlled advocate, who communicates with juries and is on top of every detail."

"An outstanding counsel with a broad range of experience and expertise in criminal defence work, Clare has excellent client care skills, is emphatic and has outstanding legal knowledge."

"Clare is a senior junior specialising in representing vulnerable defendants."

Ian McMeekin is a vastly experienced criminal practitioner with a reputation for strong defence advocacy and broad expertise in serious crime cases. He has handled murder, drug trafficking, armed robbery and sexual offences, as well as large-scale fraud and terrorism charges.

"He is extremely experienced, intelligent and an excellent tactical thinker. His court craft is excellent and he prioritises communication with his lay clients, going above and beyond in preparation."

"His legal knowledge and flare in court stands out."

"He is in high demand by career criminals and typically involved in cases involving violence, guns and drugs."

Rebecca Filletti is a sought-after junior with notable expertise in criminal defence. Her caseload includes murders, firearms conspiracies and drugs offences. She is particularly adept at representing vulnerable clients.

"Rebecca is a joy to work with. Her client care skills are exceptional and her legal and analytical skills are second to none. She is a magnificent advocate."

"The attention to detail she gives her cases is second to none. She is very hard-working and an exceptional advocate, with strong client care skills."

"She is a fantastic counsel specialising in criminal defence work. She has excellent client care skills, advocacy and legal knowledge. She always strives to go the extra mile."

"Rebecca has excellent communication with solicitors, clients and other professionals. She is very professional in court and has excellent knowledge of the law."

Richard English is a notable practitioner with a significant reputation for his work in cases involving mentally disordered defendants. He primarily practises on the defence side, but he is also called upon to prosecute in complex multi-handed cases.

"He is an excellent junior barrister, he is extremely knowledgeable and able to explain the most difficult points to clients. He provides full advice and has a wonderful courtroom manner."

Richard Simons is a leading junior who concentrates on defending clients facing allegations of serious criminal conduct. He has experience handling murder and firearms cases. He also handles cases concerning fraud, robbery, terrorism and kidnapping.

"He has a flare with clients that stands out from most. He manages to put clients at ease and is exceptionally bright."

Simon Gurney is a talented junior who is noted for his expert handling of a range of serious criminal matters. He primarily acts for defendants, and is regularly instructed in homicides and cases involving historic sexual abuse. He is also well regarded for his expertise in drug conspiracies.

"Simon is an exceptional barrister and a pleasure to work with. He works incredibly hard for clients and has one of the sharpest legal minds and is a real standout."

"He is a superb advocate, with fantastic court presence, and his speeches and submissions are a work of art. His preparation is meticulous and he is superb with clients."

"Simon is a very intelligent and high-level barrister."

Tim Storrie KC is highly regarded for his expertise in both financial crime and general criminal matter. He acts for both the prosecution and the defence on significant homicides and cases involving organised crime.

"Tim's use of language is captivating. He holds the jury's attention with every word and his written work is remarkable. Tim is methodical, structured and notices everything that others overlook."

"He has a reputation for appearing in high-profile cases of the utmost seriousness whilst retaining an approachable and friendly manner with clients and juries."

Defence specialist Brenda Campbell KC offers a wealth of expertise in a range of proceedings, including homicide and terrorism allegations. She has also been instructed in cases in Northern Ireland.

"She is an excellent trial advocate and among the best cross-examiners."

Gerard Doran is an experienced junior with expertise across criminal matters. His caseload includes money laundering, homicide and large-scale drugs conspiracies, as well as defending in financial crime.

"Gerard is a brilliant junior barrister and has an ease with clients that assures them while fighting their corner."

Mark Ford KC is a well-respected silk with a notable practice incrime. He is acknowledged for his experience in the most substantial and serious criminal cases concerning homicide and serious sexual offences.

"Mark is well prepared for trial and is an effective advocate."

"He is tactically astute and does a good job representing clients."

Richard Dawson is a well-regarded junior with a notable criminal practice. He is particularly sought after for his expertise in dangerous driving cases, and he also handles matters relating to organised crime and drugs offences.

"Richard is knowledgeable, pragmatic, approachable and an outstanding advocate."

"He approaches complex cases with ease and professionalism. He has great client care skills and considers appropriate legal arguments, ensuring a brilliant outcome for the client."

"He is a very knowledgeable and professional advocate and a great asset to Lincoln House Chambers."

Sarah Magill is an up-and-coming junior with a strong practice in criminal law. She has experience on serious cases including homicides, and has further expertise in courts martial and terrorism offences. She prosecutes as well as defends.

"Clients appreciate Sarah for her fierce nature and her communication.Her advocacy skills are exceptional and she can connect with the jury, presenting compelling and intuitive arguments."

"An excellent barrister who is both passionate and realistic, Sarah has a fantastic rapport with the clients and always goes the extra mile."