Crime | UK Bar

7 Harrington Street Chambers is a leading set on the Northern Circuit for criminal matters which has "strong individuals at all levels of call both silks and juniors." It houses a bench of experienced practitioners who regularly undertake cases relating to serious crimes and large-scale frauds. Areas of expertise for the team include high-profile homicides, sexual assaults and drugs offences. Members act on behalf of both the prosecution and the defence, and are frequently instructed in headline cases. Recent instructions for the set have included prosecuting Lucy Letby.

Exchange Chambers retains its reputation as a go-to set on the Northern Circuit for complex and high-profile criminal cases and are "well known for the depth of advocates they have available to represent both the prosecution and defence". Members are regularly instructed in cases relating to serious crimes, such as homicides, drugs offences and sexual abuse, and are also highly regarded for their expertise in terrorism cases and large-scale frauds. The set's barristers act for both the prosecution and the defence, and the chambers houses a number of Category 4 prosecutors. Recent cases have included the defence of Lucy Letby, concerning the appeal and a retrial for one count of murder.

Kate Masher and Dave Haley are the senior criminal clerks in Liverpool and Manchester.

Lincoln House Chambers is a highly rated set on the Northern Circuit, lauded by instructing solicitors as having "barristers with a vast amount of experience and skillset." The set offers expertise spanning the full range of criminal offences, and members regularly undertake cases of the utmost gravity including those relating to homicides, serious violence, drug offences and sexual assaults. Additional areas of strength for the team include road traffic offences and fraud matters. The set's barristers accept both public and privately funded instructions. Members of the set have recently been instructed in R v Mohammed Zada and others, concerning the prosecution of a multi handed human trafficking conspiracy.

Andy McGuinness is the senior criminal clerk.

Deans Court Chambers is an established set on the Northern Circuit, known for broad expertise spanning the full range of serious criminal matters. The set houses a strong bench with a "diverse set of barristers" and its members are regularly instructed in high-profile cases relating to homicides, people trafficking and drugs offences. The set also offers considerable expertise in cases involving allegations of both recent and historic sexual offences. Additional areas of strength for the team include regulatory matters and criminal prosecutions arising from health and safety offences. Recent cases for the set included R v Erion Voja, which saw the defendant accused of murder.

Peter Kelly is the senior criminal and regulatory clerk, working with senior clerk Matthew Gibbons.

18 St John Street is well regarded for its expertise in a variety of serious general crime matters, including murder, serious sexual offences and drugs. The set is praised for its "professionalism and ability to assist on short notice and their compassion and empathy with each case." Areas of significant strength for the team include complex fraud work and is regularly called upon to handle matters concerning organised crime. Recent instructions for the set have included R v Paul Green and Others, pertaining to a large Class A drugs importation matter.

23ES (23 Essex Street Chambers) has a strong presence on the Northern circuit, offering representation to its clients in both prosecution and defence. The set houses a strong bench with "excellent barristers across the board, from the junior end, to kings counsel." The barristers are highly experienced in taking instructions in complex criminal cases involving homicide, drugs and sexual offences. Recent instructions for the set have included Operation Icon, pertaining to the conspiracy to traffic women for the purpose of sexual exploitation.

Sean Hulston is the senior criminal clerk in Manchester.