Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Crime - Wales & Chester (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
Chester-based Linenhall Chambers comes highly recommended by clients for having "a range of members all with differing approaches that allows us to tailor our selection of counsel to our client." Its barristers regularly prosecute and defend cases relating to homicides, sexual offences and organised crime, as well as financial crime. The set's members have been instructed on cases including R v Martin Beattie, a case concerning historic sexual offences.
Gareth Stickels is the senior criminal clerk.
Strengths
The clerks in the criminal department of this set are fantastic. They take no issue in assisting with multiple conference requests, last minute instructions or any other issues that may arise.
Notable practitioners
Simon Rogers wins praise for his impressive criminal practice. He is called upon to prosecute and defend cases relating to homicide, large-scale drugs conspiracies and sexual offences.
Simon Rogers is the go-to for a large number of solicitors in North Wales. He is a brilliant barrister, and widely regarded as one of the best around.
Anna Pope is a respected junior barrister with an impressive serious crime practice. She is particularly well-versed in cases involving murder, kidnap and sexual offences.
Anna is a compassionate advocate regularly approached to deal with clients that require additional support or a gentler approach.
Owen Edwards KC prosecutes and defends serious criminal cases. He has considerable experience in cases involving homicides, serious sexual offences and drug conspiracies.
Owen is considered one of the go-to silks in Cheshire and North Wales.
Denise Fitzpatrick is an experienced junior adept at handling both the defence and prosecution of complex cases involving such issues as serious and historic sexual offences and assaults.
Denise gives every case her all and clients really appreciate her diligence.
Frances Wilmott is a very experienced criminal barrister who is highly sought to prosecute cases involving a broad range of complex criminal issues including sexual and violent assault and drugs offences. She is also very adept at representing defendants.
Frances is widely regarded as hard-working, sensible and thoroughly prepared.
James Coutts is an accomplished junior. He regularly appears in complex criminal cases involving allegations of serious violence and murder.
Maria Masselis is an experienced junior who is noted for her expertise in the prosecution of sexual crime matters. She is a Category 4 prosecutor and is RASSO certified. Masselis is also highly experienced at defending clients in complex matters concerning such issues as drug offences.
Maria is a strong advocate and provides an experience to clients of being fought for. She is direct, logical and communicates clearly and concisely with clients.