Mountford Chambers

Head of Chambers: Christopher Henley KC

Senior Clerk: Ben Heaviside

Deputy Senior Clerk: Dean Allen

Chambers Administrator: Orla O’Sullivan

Clerks: Jordan Wescott, Olivia Clark, Jessica Mason

The Chambers: Mountford Chambers is one of the longest established sets in the United Kingdom, specialising in all areas of criminal law but with a particular emphasis on serious crime, regulatory, public law and business crime.

Work Undertaken: As leaders in the field, members of Chambers handle a full spectrum of criminal and related investigations. Chambers provides a highly skilled and experienced team of advocates across all its specialist areas.

Fraud: Mountford Chambers has deep expertise across the spectrum of business and financial crime. Members are regularly instructed in multi-million-pound fraud and money laundering cases, often spanning multiple jurisdictions and involving forensic accounting and vast disclosure exercises. Recent instructions have included defending directors and senior executives in large-scale VAT and MTIC frauds, multi-defendant mortgage frauds exceeding £40 million, and capital gains tax frauds of similar scale. The set also has a strong track record in fraudulent trading trials brought by Trading Standards, account freezing and confiscation proceedings under POCA, and cases involving complex financial instruments and investment schemes. Barristers at Mountford Chambers appear at every level, from advising corporates in SFO and HMRC investigations to securing acquittals at trial for individuals accused of serious financial misconduct.

Crime: Mountford Chambers’ criminal practice spans the full range of general crime, representing clients in serious and complex matters at every stage of the process. Members are regularly instructed in homicide, serious assault, gang-related violence, sexual offences, and multi-defendant drug trials. Recent publicly reported work includes defending individuals in multi-week trials for murder and attempted murder, gang violence with extensive forensic and digital evidence, and cases involving complex evidential and procedural issues. Mountford is experienced in navigating challenging investigations, advising on strategy and disclosure, and providing robust advocacy at trial and on appeal. Members combine tactical acumen with meticulous attention to detail, ensuring a strong defence in complex criminal proceedings.

Asset Recovery & Civil Fraud: Mountford Chambers has extensive experience in asset recovery and civil fraud, acting for both parties in complex restraint, confiscation, and forfeiture proceedings. Members have been involved in high-value cases, including challenges to account freezing orders, restraint of assets obtained through alleged fraud, and recovery of misappropriated funds. Recent examples include securing the discharge of multi-million-pound freezing orders, advising on civil claims connected to fraud by business partners, and assisting in proceedings under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Chambers combines deep forensic expertise with strategic advocacy to protect clients’ assets and navigate complex legal and evidential frameworks effectively.

Private Prosecution: Private prosecution is a rapidly expanding practice area for the criminal bar. Members of Mountford Chambers regularly advise corporations or individuals on the merits of bringing such cases. Members have acted for private individuals and organisations in matters ranging from regulatory breaches and professional misconduct to animal welfare offences. Recent work includes prosecuting individuals for breaches of the Animal Welfare Act, pursuing complex private fraud cases involving company directors or business partners, and handling high-value financial disputes on behalf of private clients.

Regulatory & Disciplinary Proceedings: Chambers acts for a wide range of regulated professionals, including doctors, dentists, nurses, lawyers, police officers, accountants, and professional sportspeople, in proceedings before disciplinary tribunals and professional regulators. Members are regularly instructed before the Bar Standards Board, Solicitors Disciplinary Tribunal, Police Disciplinary Tribunal, General Dental Council, General Medical Council, NMC, and accountancy and actuarial panels. With extensive experience in financial and fraud matters, members also appear before the FSA, VAT, and HMRC tribunals.

Criminal Regulatory: Chambers provides expert representation in complex criminal regulatory cases, acting for both prosecution and defence across England, Wales, and internationally. Members are regularly instructed in matters involving the Health and Safety Executive, Environment Agency, Care Quality Commission, Office for Rail and Road, and other regulatory bodies. They offer strategic advice at all stages, from early investigations to contested hearings and appeals, with a focus on mitigating financial, legal, and reputational risks. Members are also experienced in crisis management and media handling, ensuring clients receive comprehensive support in complex regulatory proceedings.

Inquests & Inquiries: Mountford Chambers provides expert representation in inquests and public inquiries, acting for a diverse range of clients, including bereaved families, public bodies, and professionals. Members are regularly instructed in high-profile cases, such as the UK Covid-19 Inquiry, the Post Office Horizon IT Inquiry, and the Undercover Policing Inquiry. They offer strategic advice and advocacy at all stages, from early investigations to public hearings and appeals, ensuring that evidence is clearly presented and clients' interests are effectively represented.

International Law: Chambers offers expert counsel in international law, with members experienced in representing clients before international criminal courts and tribunals. Their work encompasses cases involving extradition, genocide, crimes against humanity, terrorism, and war crimes. Members frequently advise governments and international bodies on criminal law development and have been engaged in complex military investigations.