Ranking tables
Crime | UK Bar
Wales & Chester (Bar)
Rankings overview for Sets
All Sets profiles
Band 1

1 30 Park PlaceCrime2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked30 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.

1 9 Park PlaceCrime2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years Ranked9 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.

1 Apex ChambersCrime2026 | Band 1 | 15 Years RankedApex 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.
Band 2

2 Farrar's BuildingCrime2026 | Band 2 | 15 Years RankedFarrar'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.