Crime | UK Bar

Drystone Chambers has a prominent presence in East Anglia and maintains an impressive reputation for its serious crime practice. Members of the set offer notable skill acting as both defence and prosecution counsel in high-profile cases. Its barristers regularly handle cases relating to murder, sexual offences and gross negligence manslaughter, as well as fraud and regulatory issues. The set also offers strong capabilities in extradition. Recent instructions for the set have included prosecuting in R v Goncalves-Taborda and Olaiya-Imam, concerning the homicide of an 11-week-old baby.

Red Lion Chambers is a highly regarded set which maintains a strong reputation across East Anglia as "the leading set for complex matters requiring skill in both advocacy and legal analysis." Barristers here are regularly instructed in cases involving murder, sexual offences and organised crime. Its members also have experience handling youth cases, such as a recent instruction in R v Grey, concerning the death of a cyclist when she fell into the road during an argument with the defendant. Recent instructions also include the prosecution of a police officer for rape and assault offences. 

Mark Bennett is the practice director and senior clerk.

Six Pump Court is a popular set with an impressive profile in Kent and a strong bench of silks and juniors, who have "excellent attention to detail throughout both preparation and trial". Its barristers regularly prosecute and defend a range of serious criminal cases, including murders, drug conspiracies and sexual assault. Recent instructions include the defence of Jack Benham, who was accused of murdering his 18-month-old stepson.

Richard Constable is the senior clerk at the set.

Westgate Chambers houses a strong group of junior barristers who are recognised for their expertise in serious crime. Its members frequently prosecute and defend a wide range of cases, including those relating to motoring offences, drugs matters and homicides. The set is also well equipped to handle regulatory work.

Sean Gould is the senior clerk.

23 Essex Street Chambers is "a good set that can offer a good level of service across a wide range of offences". Members are instructed on high-profile sexual offences, murder cases and fraud-related matters for both prosecution and defence. Recent matters for the set have included R v Osei-Bempong and Umar, a historic sex offences trial involving an alleged grooming gang.

Wayne King is chambers director.

Lamb Building houses a well-respected criminal team who are frequently instructed as the defence and the prosecution in serious criminal cases. The set's tenants handle cases involving allegations of GBH, homicide, rape and modern slavery. A recent instruction for the set involved R v Tejean Kennedy, concerning abduction, torture and homicide. "There are a number of very experienced barristers at Lamb Buildings, where a range of cases can be dealt with," says one interviewee.

Gary Goodger is the senior clerk.