Ranking tables

Crime | UK Bar

Wales & Chester (Bar)

This section concentrates on what might be deemed 'serious' crime including illegal drugs, assault, sexual offences, terrorism and homicide. Financial crimes, including bribery and corruption, are covered separately. It covers work at all levels, from the Magistrates Court all the way to the Supreme Court and the European Court of Human Rights. Barristers ranked in this table are predominantly based in or around Wales and work on the Wales & Chester Circuit.

Rankings overview for Sets

1

  1. Paul Lewis KC
    Paul Lewis KC Farrar's Building14 Years Ranked
  2. Caroline Rees KC30 Park Place
  3. David Elias KC9 Park Place
2

  1. Jonathan Elystan Rees KC
    Jonathan Elystan Rees KC Apex Chambers15 Years Ranked
  2. Andrew Jones KC30 Park Place
  3. Christopher Rees KCApex Chambers
  4. Owen Edwards KCLinenhall Chambers
1

  1. Julia Cox30 Park Place
  2. Matthew Roberts9 Park Place
  3. Ruth SmithApex Chambers
  4. Simon RogersLinenhall Chambers
2

  1. Anna PopeLinenhall Chambers
  2. Heath Edwards9 Park Place
  3. Nigel Fryer30 Park Place
  4. Owen Williams9 Park Place
  5. Peter Donnison30 Park Place
3

  1. Daniel Jones30 Park Place
  2. Denise FitzpatrickLinenhall Chambers
  3. Frances WillmottLinenhall Chambers
  4. James CouttsLinenhall Chambers
  5. John RyanApex Chambers
  6. Maria MasselisLinenhall Chambers
  7. Marian LewisApex Chambers
  8. Roger Griffiths9 Park Place
  9. Susan FerrierApex Chambers
  10. Timothy EvansApex Chambers
U

  1. Martha Smith-HigginsApex Chambers

All Sets profiles

1

Band 1

  1. 30 Park Place
    1
    30 Park Place
    Crime
    2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked

    30 Park Place is a prominent set on the Wales & Chester Circuit, with notable strength in high-profile criminal matters. An interviewee praises the set as having "an excellent range of counsel, from junior to senior barristers, all of whom consistently provide a high standard of service." Its barristers regularly act in cases relating to murder charges and sexual offences, and have particular experience of dealing with vulnerable and young defendants. The chambers also maintain a strong appellate practice, and its barristers regularly appear in cases before the Supreme Court. Recent instructions for the set's members have included acting in R v Papapit Linse, a case involving the prosecution of a mother who strangled her child.

    Phillip Griffiths is the senior clerk.

  2. 9 Park Place
    1
    9 Park Place
    Crime
    2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked

    9 Park Place is a standout set on the Wales & Chester Circuit praised by sources for having a "good range of counsel across all levels of experience." Its barristers are regularly instructed to prosecute and defend cases concerning terrorism, murder, drugs and sexual offences, as well as child abuse. The set also offers notable capabilities in financial crime matters. Case highlights for the set included R v Loveridge, Bookes and Others, concerning the prosecution of a gang related murder.

    Nigel East and Sam Johnson are the set's criminal clerks.

  3. Apex Chambers
    1
    Apex Chambers
    Crime
    2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked

    Apex Chambers is highly regarded for its strong bench of barristers, who are regularly called upon to prosecute and defend complex criminal cases. Its practice includes violent crimes, multi-handed murders and sexual offences, including those in which the victims are minors. Members have recently been involved in matters including R v Gareth Rogers, concerning historic sex abuse by a retired teacher.

    Craig Mansfield is the senior clerk.

2

Band 2

  1. Farrar's Building
    2
    Farrar's Building
    Crime
    2026 | Band 2 | 15 Years Ranked

    Farrar's Building is a well-established set with a stellar reputation on the Wales & Chester Circuit for its handling of complex criminal matters. Its barristers are recognised for their impressive capabilities acting for the prosecution and the defence in various high-profile cases, including multi-handed murders. A recent case highlight is R v Akeem Lawrence, acting as defence for an individual accused of murder by shooting.

    Paul Cray is the chief executive and director of clerking.

  2. Linenhall Chambers
    Crime
    2026 | Band 2