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Park Court Chambers has ‘built up a very strong team of criminal barristers from the newly admitted to QCs’. Well respected by fellow professionals, Simon Bourne-Arton QC has an ‘excellent manner with clients and jurors’, and Alistair MacDonald QC is ‘tenacious in court, meticulous in his research and presentation of cases’. The set also houses Robert Smith QC (‘still the leading advocate on the circuit’), David Hatton QC (‘a formidable advocate’), and Paul Greaney QC (‘since taking silk in 2010 he has moved from being the very best junior to a competent silk; he also has the rare ability to control the courtroom no matter who the tribunal is’). Clients also recommend Bryan Cox QC, Tom Bayliss QC and Christopher Tehrani.

St Paul’s Chambers has a ‘depth of experienced counsel at all levels of qualification’. Clients also recommend Simon Bickler QC and James Lake, ‘who has a bright future’. Guy Kearl QC can ‘assimilate a complex case in the blink of an eye’, and demonstrates ‘tactical awareness’. Denise Breen-Lawton is ‘a delight to work with, thorough, charming and, when necessary, spiky’. Other names to note include Andrew Haslam (‘a strong advocate with a sound understanding and in-depth knowledge’), Nick Dry (‘excellent advocate, very thorough with an exceptional work ethic’), and Andrew Stubbs QC.

Head of Broadway House Chambers, Graham Hyland QC has ‘excellent preparatory and advocacy skills’. Tahir Khan QC, who took silk in 2011, has a strong practice particularly in fraud cases. Khan, along with Giles Bridge, Louise Azmi and Nigel Hamilton, is on the Attorney General’s list. Stephen Wood has an extensive criminal defence practice, Nicholas Askins specialises in major and organised crime, and Sophie Drake has built a name in serious sexual offence cases. Other key names include: Ian Howard, who has been involved in a number of high-profile cases; Sarah Barlow, whose practice focuses on fraud, drugs and serious violence cases; Gerald Hendron, who is a grade four prosecutor; Emma Downing, who along with her criminal practice also handles prison and parole law matters and mental health work; Peter Hampton; and Michelle Colborne QC.

Zenith Chambers has a strong criminal team. Christopher Smith has ‘excellent cross-examination skills’, as well as ‘analytical acumen and determination to see the job done’. Deputy High Court Judge and Recorder Julian Goose QC’s practice focuses on a range of serious and complex cases, Simon Kealey represents both prosecution and defence, and Tom Storey frequently appears in Crown Courts on the circuit and maintains a busy practice.

Richard Wright of No. 6 is thought of by many instructing solicitors as ‘the standout junior’, along with Kama Melley. Head of chambers Rodney Jameson QC continues to attract instructions in heavyweight crime. Highlights for the sought-after Richard Mansel included the successful prosecution in R v Peter Brown. Andrew Dallas remains a strong junior.

At KBW, Adrian Waterman remains a pivotal figure specialising in criminal and quasi-criminal litigation which includes disciplinary, regulatory and crime-related judicial review. Ian Skelt and Ian Mullarkey were instructed by West Yorkshire Police, in respect of the 7/7 bombing and subsequent inquest.

Trinity Chambers has ‘strength in depth in the area of crime’, and is regarded by many as ‘the strongest set in Newcastle’, with ‘great organisation and clerking that attracts the leaders in many fields’. In addition to established names Toby Hedworth QC, Paul Sloan QC, Caroline Goodwin and Robert Adams, the set also houses Carl Gumsley (who ‘has a pleasant manner that is appreciated by clients and juries alike’) and Christopher Knox (who impresses with his ‘quality of preparation’). ‘Courageous and innovative advocate’ Eric Elliott QC is highly recommended.

Despite Jeremy Baker QC’s appointment to the bench, Paradise Chambers maintains its name in criminal work. Ian Storey, a grade four prosecutor, has particular strength in handling serious offences including violent and sexual offences. Sarah Wright is recommended.

Instructing solicitors single out Peter Pimm at Bank House Chambers as a ‘go-to advocate’ in any complex fraud or financial case; ‘he has a keen eye for detail and has a good appetite for hard work’. Paul O’Shea is ‘pragmatic and able to see the bigger picture’. Katherine Goddard is a ‘first recommendation’ for many. Goddard ‘works very hard to achieve the best results and is fearless when in court’. New head of chambers James Baird is also recommended.

Broad Chare Chambers has suffered some losses with the departure of Christopher Mitford to Trinity Chambers and the sad passing of the well-respected Patrick Cosgrove QC. Serious crime expert Benjamin Nolan is recommended.

Mark McKone at Sovereign Chambers has a strong criminal practice, and is a known name across the circuit. David Dixon and Catherine Silverton also impress.

Newcastle-based specialist criminal set New Court Chambers is also recommended. It has good strength in depth with five QCs and 31 juniors, including the recommended Amanda Rippon.

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