Department profile
St John's Buildings

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Northern (Bar)

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St John's Buildings

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Crime - Northern (Bar)

Band 3

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.

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Strengths

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  • 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.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

  • 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.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

Notable Practitioners

Provided by Chambers

  • Gemma Maxwell
    Gemma Maxwell

    Gemma Maxwell

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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  • Keith Harrison
    Keith Harrison

    Keith Harrison

    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.

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  • Rebecca Penfold
    Rebecca Penfold

    Rebecca Penfold

    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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar

    • 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.

      Crime respondentUK Bar
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Ranked Barristers at St John's Buildings (3)

Northern (Bar)

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