Crime | UK Bar

7 Harrington Street Chambers is a leading set on the Northern Circuit for criminal matters. It houses a strong 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 the prosecution of serial killer Lucy Letby and prosecutions in relation to the death of Aya Hachem in 2020.

Exchange Chambers retains its reputation as a go-to set on the Northern Circuit for complex and high-profile criminal cases. 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 major drugs cases such as the prosecutions arising out of Operation Solstice and serial killer Jordan Monaghan's appeal.

Lincoln House Chambers is a highly rated set on the Northern Circuit, lauded by instructing solicitors as having "many strong advocates and some real superstars." 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 on cases including the lead cases concerning the admissibility of Encrochat evidence in England and Wales.

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 of experienced practitioners, 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 include abuse charges against foster parents.

The barristers at 9 St John Street offer expertise spanning a wide range of criminal matters. Members are routinely instructed by major defence firms in the region, as well as the Crown Prosecution Service and the Serious Organised Crime Agency. Areas of strength for the team include serious crimes such as homicides, with recent instructions including defending in the murder of an Uber driver. The team is also regularly instructed in sexual offences and large drugs conspiracies. The set's barristers have experience of appearing in the magistrates' and Crown courts, at inquests and in appellate proceedings.