Crime | UK Bar

2 Bedford Row has long had a standing in the top rank of criminal sets. It is regularly involved in high-profile cases across the full spectrum of criminal law and has practitioners, instructed for both the prosecution and defence, who have particular expertise in dealing with complex defences including insanity. One client notes: "The set is extremely competent at handling complex and sophisticated matters and the expertise of counsel is very strong." Recent cases for the set include the defence of PC Wayne Couzens.

2 Hare Court is an expert criminal set with a great track record of handling the most serious matters. It has experience of prosecuting and defending murder, sexual offences, gang-related and serious violence cases, among others. It further has expertise in extradition and high-profile international cases. Members of the set have been instructed in some of the year's highest profile cases including R v McSweeney, concerning the murder of Zara Aleena who was sexually assaulted and beaten to death.

3 Raymond Buildings is noted for its "extensive experience and sterling reputation in criminal cases, inquests and regulatory work." Its members are instructed in the most serious cases, many of which are privately paying. Barristers here have particular expertise in representing clients in terrorism, organised crime, homicide and sexual offences cases, and often handle matters that are international or multi-jurisdictional in nature. The set has been instructed in R v NX121, concerning anonymity for the police officer who shot and killed Chris Kaba.

6KBW College Hill is a premier criminal prosecution and defence set renowned for its involvement in the most serious criminal and regulatory cases. It is noted for its "wide breadth of talented barristers." Members of the set regularly act at all levels of the court system, and have made numerous appearances in the Court of Appeal and Supreme Court, as well as in a number of foreign jurisdictions. Recent cases for the set have included the appeal of Stuart Layden who was charged with murder.

Doughty Street Chambers is a redoubtable set with skill in serious crime and related human rights and international law cases, that is noted by sources for offering "exceptional counsel who handle complex and sophisticated matters with great expertise, knowledge and attention to detail." It handles the full range of criminal matters, but is especially well known for its involvement in significant terrorism cases and murders that receive national media interest, such as R v Lewin arising out of a plot to attack transportation and communication infrastructure. It also routinely deals with vulnerable defendants and youth crime cases, and has a specialist Appeals Unit, which concentrates on matters brought before the Court of Appeal, Supreme Court, Privy Council and ECtHR.

QEB Hollis Whiteman is noted for its "wealth of great barristers and are able to deal with serious and complex cases," handling the full gamut of matters including those pertaining to financial crime. Its members are regularly engaged in the most serious cases, including youth-related matters, and routinely handle instructions that attract great media attention. It is noted for having particular experience dealing with vulnerable defendants and issues under the Mental Health Act. Criminal clients of every stamp are catered for, although the set is noted for being particularly adept at dealing with cases for and against professionals. Recent cases have included R v Jacques, concerning the homicide of four individuals at a single address.

23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers) handles the full regimen of criminal matters including murder, terrorism, sexual offences, drugs and road traffic work. Sources state that the set's "level of expertise is extraordinary." Alongside its capabilities in London, the set has an office in Manchester and many of its members are capable of conducting cross-border and foreign work in jurisdictions including the Cayman Islands, where they handle a good diet of financial crime work. Its members are experienced in both prosecution and defence work, with recent instructions including acting for the defence in R v Goold concerning erotic asphyxiation.

25 Bedford Row is a "first rate set with a broad spectrum of highly talented counsel" whose members regularly appear in reported murder, manslaughter, sex and terrorism cases, among others. They specialise in defence and are regulars at the Old Bailey and Court of Appeal, and are particularly known for their involvement in multi-handed murder trials, including those relating to young offenders. Recent cases of note include R v Nuttall and others, concerning a wealthy businessman alleged to be part of a plot to plant imitation bombs in Gray’s Inn.

5KBW is home to "an impressive bench of barristers who prosecute and defend with admirable depth," handling criminal cases of any type, whatever the level of seriousness. Major matters relating to organised crime, murder and terrorism are undertaken amidst the usual diet of general crime, and members boast further skill in commercial criminal cases and regulatory work. They have particular expertise in sexual offences cases, including historic sex crimes, their recent matters having included defending in R v Patseas where the son of a billionaire was charged on a six count indictment with multiple rapes and sexual assaults.

Garden Court Chambers is recognised by the market for having members "well-versed in the complexities and challenges in this area of work and who robustly represent clients." Its barristers routinely defend individuals in all types of criminal cases including those concerning homicide, terrorism, sexual offences and violent crime, and they make regular appearances in the appellate courts. Recently, members were instructed in R v Kavak and others, regarding kidnap, false imprisonment, murder and perverting the course of justice.

Red Lion Chambers is a set experienced in domestic and international criminal trials, which both prosecutes and defends. Members "are extremely capable of handling complex and sophisticated legal matters" and offer "immense" expertise in all types of criminal cases including those relating to drugs, murder and sexual assault. They have a notable profile in the Central Criminal Court and the Court of Appeal, and interest in niche areas such as human trafficking law. Recent instructions have included R v Altaf, concerning the attempted murder of a woman and the murder of her 15-year-old son.

5 Paper Buildings is commended as a set whose barristers are regularly instructed in the major cases of the day including those relating to murder, sexual offences, terrorism, gang-related crime and firearms offences. In addition to general and serious crime, the set also handles financial crime, football corruption and European Arrest Warrant work. Its members demonstrate high profile cases, such as R v Noor concerning the aiding and abetting of Female Genital Mutilation abroad.

9BR Chambers is composed of impressive barristers who regularly deal with murder, modern slavery, sexual offences, people trafficking and drugs cases, to name but a few. It further has a dedicated sexual offences team and regularly handles cases involving vulnerable individuals. Other areas of expertise include cybercrime and courts martial, the latter being attended to by a military law team that includes a number of former military personnel. Recently, its barristers have been instructed in high profile cases including defending in R v Belal, where the defendant stabbed and beheaded her brother whilst suffering from a severe psychotic episode.

Although more likely to be seen in financial crime cases, Cloth Fair maintains a general criminal practice, which it tends to with its customary skill and polish. Its highly renowned barristers can turn their hand to anything and are often selected to tackle sexual assault cases, representing famous people such as celebrities, politicians and athletes.

Foundry Chambers is noted for its ability to "offer expert advice on specialist and complex areas of financial and general crime," with an illustrious track record handling criminal matters of great importance alongside a strong reputation for its appellate work. It both prosecutes and defends, and is instructed by top defence solicitors and prosecuting bodies such as the SFO, NCA and CPS Special and Complex Crime Units. A number of the cases it undertakes attract media attention and involve atypical elements, such as the prosecution of two serving police officers involved in the death of former footballer Dalian Atkinson.

Members of Furnival Chambers prosecute and defend criminal cases of all types and are regularly involved in high-profile matters of the day, such as prosecuting in R v Marten and Gordon concerning the death of a baby following a nationwide hunt for the defendants. One source notes the set "has excellent barristers in all fields and is reliable to deal with any problem," whilst another comments that it has "a highly skilled set of barristers."

Matrix Chambers is a major public and commercial law set that has a significant criminal offering and expertise in related extradition cases. Its members have particular experience of handling appellate proceedings and unsurprisingly, are masters of those cases where human rights and criminal law collide. They routinely act in serious cases, including those relating to murder and sexual offences, historic or otherwise, and are often to be seen in major public inquiries and inquests. They also regularly appear before international courts. Recent instructions for the set have included R v Noor, concerning the first case on female genital mutilation committed outside the UK.

Mountford Chambers is well-versed in general crime cases, offering a "great selection of counsel" to handle the full complement of briefs, including murder, manslaughter and serious sexual offences cases. Barristers at the set have experience on both the defence and prosecution sides, and are thoroughly au fait with appellate work. Members of the set have been involved in R v Barrow, concerning the death of a mother and her two children after the defendant set fire to his neighbour’s flat on an estate in Nottingham.

187 Chambers is a substantial set noted for its "excellent skills to handle the most complex and sensitive of criminal matters," including murder, robbery, drugs and sex cases, among a host of others. Significant homicide cases include gang-related killings, baby-shaking cases and historic murders. Examples of recent instructions include acting for the prosecution in R v Hamilton, a case concerning the alleged rape and sexual assault of five separate friends over a ten year period. Its strength in general crime is complemented by capabilities in large scale fraud and regulatory law.

2 Harcourt Buildings is a recognised set for general crime with members of chambers prosecuting and defending the full range of criminal cases. Barristers at the set frequently take instruction in serious proceedings, many of them involving homicide, terrorism, sexual offences, drugs and child abuse. Recent examples of work include R v Prajapati, regarding the alleged murder of an eleven week old baby by her parents.

3TG is an "established and respected set of chambers who are able to offer counsel for any type of criminal case," catering to all the usual areas of general crime including murder, serious sexual offences, fraud and organised crime-related drugs and firearms work. Members of the set are also active in terrorism cases. An example of recent work is R v Bowles, a terrorism case involving the attempted murder of an NSA employee. Gary Brown is the senior clerk.

5 St Andrew's Hill is a well-regarded set with "barristers who are able to cover everything to the highest level of sophistication" including cases relating to homicide, drugs and human trafficking. The set takes on matters involving serious sexual offences, including those pertaining to historic child abuse, gang-related assaults and rape. Recent cases for the set include prosecuting R v Southwood, a murder case involving new analysis techniques for physical evidence.

7BR offers expertise spanning the full gamut of criminal matters and is acknowledged as a "very good set with excellent advocates across a range of disciplines." Members are experienced in the handling of complex and high-profile cases involving murder, sexual offences, drug trafficking, terrorism and serious violent crimes. The team is also well versed in cybercrime matters, including cases involving cryptocurrency. The set's barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence and frequently appear on the Midlands Circuit as well as in London. Recent instructions have included R v Baldauf and others, regarding international drug smuggling.

Crucible Chambers is noted as a "strong set with a good range of experience in available counsel and very good care for clients." Members here are highly experienced in taking instructions in serious and high-profile criminal cases involving homicide, terrorism and child abuse. Recent instructions for the set have included R v Kwakye, concerning a murder within the context of gang rivalry.

Barristers at Farringdon Chambers have experience of serious crime cases, including those relating to homicide, firearms and drugs offences, among others. Its barristers are recognised for their impressive capabilities and are regularly called upon to defend complex crime cases. An example of the work undertaken by the set is R v B, a multi-handed murder trial arising from a revenge attack.

Libertas Chambers is a virtual set with its London facilities at Old Bailey. The set has expanded considerably since its formation in 2020 and offers "very knowledgeable, skilful, great advocates" able to "cater to the needs of the client and solicitor." Barristers here frequently defend clients accused of the most serious crimes, including those involving infanticide, familicide, homicide and terrorism. It has specialist teams for human trafficking and modern slavery, and appellate cases. Recent cases have included the successful defence of former football player and manager Joey Barton, who was accused of assaulting the Barnsley manager, Daniel Stendel.