Department profile
St Philips Chambers

Crime

UK Bar Guide 2026 : Midlands (Bar)

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St Philips Chambers

Rankings

Chambers Review

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Crime - Midlands (Bar)

Band 1

What the Team is Known For

The barristers at St Philips Chambers are regularly instructed in complex criminal cases and have experience of appearing before the courts at all levels, up to and including the Supreme Court and the International Criminal Court. The set is praised as "both the junior and senior set are always willing to assist, provide support and or guidance when needed. They are all well organised and sufficiently experienced for each case they are instructed on". The set houses considerable expertise in serious crimes, including sexual offences, murder, terrorism and large-scale conspiracies, and its barristers are regularly called upon to act for both the prosecution and the defence. Recent case highlights for set members include R v Robert Orrey, concerning a man charged with murder and attempted murder of his parents.

Andrew Rourke is the senior clerk.

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Strengths

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  • St Philips Chambers has helpful and approachable clerks who work with those who instruct their counsel as part of the overall team. All clerks will do everything possible to assist.

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  • St Philips Chambers clerks provide an excellent service.

    Crime respondentUK Bar

  • St Philips Chambers clerks are always approachable, willing to assist, and try their best.

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  • Dan Zouch and Dan Shriane always go the extra mile when it is required. St Philips clerking is exceptional.

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Notable Practitioners

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  • Andrew Jackson
    Andrew Jackson

    Andrew Jackson

    Andrew Jackson is an experienced Grade 4 prosecutor who is regularly instructed in heavyweight criminal matters. He also defends, and is skilled at handling major drugs, fraud and sex offence cases. He has substantial expertise of advocacy in St Helena.

    • Andrew Jackson has the ability to explain complex matters in clear and easy-to-understand detail to lay clients.

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    • Andrew is a pleasure to work with and inspires confidence in both the defendant and those instructing him. Judges trust him to be accurate. He is that proverbial "safe pair of hands".

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  • Richard Atkins
    Richard Atkins

    Richard Atkins

    Richard Atkins KC has led the defence and prosecution of many complex criminal trials covering offences such as murder, manslaughter, rape, fraud and drug importation. He also possesses significant experience handling terrorism-related charges as well as health and safety cases.

    • Richard is an incredibly charming and persuasive advocate. He is someone who judges always listen to; he has an amazing skill to carry judges and juries with him in his arguments.

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  • Jonathan Barker
    Jonathan Barker

    Jonathan Barker

    Jonathan Barker acts for both the prosecution and the defence in serious criminal cases and regulatory proceedings. He has experience prosecuting fraud and sexual offence cases.

    • Jonathan Barker is very good.

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  • William Douglas-Jones
    William Douglas-Jones

    William Douglas-Jones

    William Douglas-Jones appears in severe and complex criminal cases, including multi-handed murder cases. He often acts for the defendant.

    • William is exceptionally bright and very good on black-letter law. He has a commanding presence.

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    • He has great rapport with defendants and prepares meticulously. He is unflappable on his feet or in conference, and inspires confidence in those who instruct him, defendants and the court generally.

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  • Carl Templar-Vasey
    Carl Templar-Vasey

    Carl Templar-Vasey

    Carl Templar-Vasey is sought after by clients and solicitors alike for his defence practice, specialising in serious crime matters. His most recent instructions have included homicide, drug offences and sexual offences.

    • Carl has the ability to install trust both in clients and those instructing him. Clients feel well supported and expertly advised. He has an approachable demeanour and welcomes a working partnership.

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    • Carl Templar-Vasey of Counsel is highly experienced, approachable and provides detailed advice and assists throughout the case preparation.

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  • Rebecca Wade
    Rebecca Wade

    Rebecca Wade

    Rebecca Wade KC has a strong serious crime practice and notable experience of handling cases involving attempted murder, rape and robbery. She regularly acts for both the prosecution and the defence.

    • Rebecca Wade has a good manner with more vulnerable defendants.

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  • Matthew Cullen
    Matthew Cullen

    Matthew Cullen

    Matthew Cullen is a respected junior with expertise in both defence and prosecution work for a range of crime matters. He is a Grade 3 prosecutor and his recent instructions have ranged from murder to theft.

    • Matthew Cullen is professional, knowledgeable and always provides cogent and accurate advice.

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    • Matthew prepares meticulously and advocates successfully. He is an excellent junior.

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  • Ben Close
    Ben Close

    Ben Close

    Ben Close is a Grade 4 prosecutor who also defends in a broad range of serious crime. He has particular expertise handling large drugs cases both led and unled.

    • Ben Close is incredibly hard-working and has very good judgement. He is no-nonsense and every thing he does is with a straight bat.

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    • Ben is fiercely bright and hard-working. He has exceptional judgement.

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  • Ben Williams
    Ben Williams

    Ben Williams

    Ben Williams is a well-regarded barrister who primarily defends in heavyweight criminal matters but who also accepts instruction for the prosecution. His broad practice covers gang-related offences, drug importation, murder, manslaughter and fraud.

    • Ben is a highly talented advocate and extremely popular.

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    • Ben Williams is a first-class advocate with perfectly pitched submissions.

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  • Jennifer Josephs
    Jennifer Josephs

    Jennifer Josephs

    Jennifer Josephs KC is a well-regarded silk who acts for both the prosecution and the defence. She has experience of handling complex sexual offence, homicide, firearms and terrorism cases, and is well versed in dealing with vulnerable witnesses.

    • Jennifer's ability to distil complex legal and factual issues into persuasive and accessible arguments is outstanding. She is in control of her advocacy and delivers clear and effective arguments.

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    • Jennifer is really hard-working. She gets to issues fast and judges admire her.

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  • Tom Walkling
    Tom Walkling

    Tom Walkling

    Tom Walkling KC is a specialist criminal barrister and a Grade 4 prosecutor with a wealth of experience handling serious criminal cases. His broad expertise encompasses murder and serious sexual assault cases. He is regularly instructed to act for both the prosecution and the defence.

    • Tom is extremely good; his case and client care management is very impressive.

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Ranked Barristers at St Philips Chambers (11)

Midlands (Bar)

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