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

All Sets profiles

1

Band 1

  1. 30 Park Place
    1
    30 Park Place
    Crime
    2025 | Band 1 | 14 Years Ranked
    30 Park Place is a prominent set on the Wales & Chester Circuit with notable strength in high-profile criminal matters. 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 Cole, Williamson and Mulligan, one of the highest profile murder trials arising from the killing of a five-year-old child, by his stepfather, mother and 13-year-old step brother.
  2. Apex Chambers
    1
    Apex Chambers
    Crime
    2025 | Band 1 | 14 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 the defence of Andrew Southwood, who allegedly murdered his partner's brother, a convicted sex offender.
  3. 9 Park Place
    Crime
    2025 | Band 1
2

Band 2

  1. Farrar's Building
    2
    Farrar's Building
    Crime
    2025 | Band 2 | 14 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 Behari, concerning an individual charged for a fatal knife attack following an attempted theft by a rival gang.
  2. Linenhall Chambers
    Crime
    2025 | Band 2