Chambers Review
Provided by Chambers
Crime - Northern (Bar)
What the Team is Known For
St John's Buildings is an impressive set for serious criminal matters housing a dedicated bench of barristers operating out of Manchester, Sheffield, Liverpool and Chester. Members are highly regarded for their handling of cases relating to murder and manslaughter, drug trafficking, serious violence and sexual offences. The set is also regularly instructed in matters involving organised crime and high-value frauds, and its barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence. Recently, members have been instructed in R v Nisar Hussain et al, pertaining to historic allegations of sexual offences against children.
Scott Baldwin is the senior clerk in Liverpool.
Strengths
The clerks at St John's Building are consistently reliable, exceptionally quick to respond, and a pleasure to deal with. They strike the right balance between professionalism and approachability.
Andy and Joe are always quick to respond to enquiries whether by email or by phone. They are highly approachable and able to deal with any enquiry.
Notable practitioners
Gemma Maxwell is an experienced crime junior, with expertise on large drugs cases as well as sexual abuse and financial crimes. She is a Grade 3 prosecutor.
Gemma Maxwell is brilliant. She is exceptional.
Keith Harrison receives very strong praise for his advocacy and experience as a criminal practitioner. While mainly acting for defendants, he also undertakes prosecution instructions. His work regularly includes cases concerning serious criminal acts, including homicide, sexual offences, robbery, fraud and large-scale drug conspiracies.
Rebecca Penfold is a sought after junior who brings her expertise to a range of criminal matters. Rebecca is appointed as a deputy district judge.
Not only is Rebecca fearless in the courtroom, she is also deeply supportive of her colleagues. She is a standout team player as well as a formidable individual performer.
She combines an unshakeable sense of justice with a fierce commitment to each and every client. Her written and oral advocacy is second to none.