Crime | UK Bar

New Park Court Chambers is a well-regarded set on the North Eastern Circuit, noted for its expertise spanning the full range of serious criminal work. The set houses a "quality of counsel within this set which is second to none." Barristers are regularly instructed in high-profile homicides and sexual assault cases, and have considerable experience of acting for both the prosecution and defence. Additional areas of strength for the team include organised crime cases arising from gangland murders and drugs conspiracies, and terrorism offences. Members frequently appear before the Crown Courts and the Court of Appeal. Recent instructions have included R v Piran Ditta Khan concerning the historic murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky.

Teresa Pugh is the practice director.

Park Square Barristers houses a vast breadth of experience and counsel who go above and beyond. The set is praised for depth of bench as "they can provide the right combination of counsel for any case. They can offer a wide range of excellent advocates." It is considered a go-to in the region for large-scale drug conspiracies, homicides and cases involving serious violence. The team is also noted for its expertise in serious offences, with recent instructions including, R v Alan Claxton, a former police officer who was charged with manslaughter.

Richard Sadler is the senior managing clerk, assisted by Andrew Thornton as senior criminal clerk.

Exchange Chambers is noted for its practitioners, who are "friendly and approachable, ready to assist without hesitation." Their barristers are often called upon by the CPS to prosecute complex cases, as well as being instructed to defend significant allegations, including homicide and sexual offences. Tenants have recently acted on cases including R v Nicole Beck, whereby the defendant was charged with the murder of an elderly man.

Ian Spencer is the Chambers Director in Leeds.