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Albion Chambers has a ‘very good selection of counsel at all levels’, who are ‘professionally and ably supported by a team of clerks and support staff’. Michael Fitton QC and Ignatius Hughes QC are leading criminal silks. Fiona Elder is a recognised defence-oriented criminal practitioner, and team head Stephen Mooney routinely handles very complex cases. The ‘outstanding and fearless advocate’ Kate Brunner, who has the ‘ability to make well-informed legal and tactical judgements’, also has a notable regulatory practice. Don Tait and Robert Duval are also recommended, and Edward Burgess is one to watch. Anna Midgley is a very able junior who is ahead of her call.

Guildhall Chambers’ Richard Smith QC is ‘thoroughly professional and conscientious’, and balances his criminal and sports practice effectively. Rosaleen Collins builds an ‘excellent rapport with clients and is able to clearly set out, in easy-to-understand language, the pros and cons of their cases.’ Anna Vigars’ ‘legal knowledge and advocacy skills are excellent; but it is her caring attitude and ability to relate to clients from all walks of life that sets her apart’. Ramin Pakrooh is ‘exceptional at representing difficult clients’, and Nicolas Gerasimidis is ‘one of the best barristers available’. The ‘strikingly good’ Ray Tully ‘doesn ’t shirk from advising clients as to the difficult elements of a case’. Christopher Quinlan QC’s practice comprises heavyweight criminal matters and sports disciplinary cases. Andrew Langdon QC’s strengths include his ‘exceptionally effective cross-examinations’ and his ‘instincts as a jury advocate’.

Queen Square Chambers makes ‘every attempt to provide continuance, which solicitors ’ clients, especially those that are more vulnerable, really appreciate’. James Tucker’s ‘capacity to absorb complex material is enormous’, and he is rated for his POCA knowledge. Charles Row’s ‘preparatory work is excellent and his skill as an advocate incomparable’, and Alun Jenkins QC continues to have a solid reputation on circuit. Ian Halliday (‘clear and persuasive advocacy; agile mind’) and Robin Shellard (‘excellent all-rounder; a star performer’) are recommended. Oliver Willmott is a leading junior on serious criminal cases and is developing a strong regulatory practice.

The ‘highly regarded’ Nicholas Haggan QC at 12 College Place is recommended for serious criminal defence work.

Devon Chambers’ Rupert Taylor is recommended for vehicle-related criminal offences, and Robert Linford has a wide-ranging criminal practice.

3PB’s Nigel Lickley QC, who is the circuit leader, continues to be involved in many high-profile cases. Christopher Parker QC’s broad criminal practice is augmented by a strong military-related caseload. Robert Grey, Tom Horder and Nick Robinson are all recommended.

At 3 Pump Court’s Winchester annex, Nigel Pascoe QC and Susan Evans QC have varied, heavyweight criminal practices.

Martin Meeke QC at Colleton Chambers is a prominent and well-respected figure in the local market.

1 Paper Buildings’ Michael Hubbard QC handles ‘heavy-duty crime’ matters, and Matthew Jewell and Louisa Bagley provide ‘exceptional service’.

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Legal Developments in the UK

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