The Legal 500

QEB Hollis Whiteman is acknowledged as being one of the leading sets of criminal chambers in the country. While continuing to offer excellence in its core business of criminal advocacy, it also provides a range of expertise in related areas of practice such as fraud and regulatory work.

The set: The depth and range of the skills offered by its members sets it apart from its competitors and provides chambers with a unique advantage that has allowed it to expand into consumer law, health and safety, media and entertainment and sports law.

The management of chambers is driven by the goal of adapting to a rapidly changing market while maintaining a client-focused service. This aim is reflected in the approach of its members and clerks who are professional, flexible, approachable and highly efficient.

Types of work undertaken: Crime: QEB Hollis Whiteman is proud of its reputation as one of the finest criminal chambers in the country and is determined to maintain that reputation. For many years, members of chambers have been regularly instructed in serious, complex and high-profile crime. These cases include murder, terrorism, corporate manslaughter, serious sexual offences, war crimes, serious and organised crime. Chambers regards criminal work as its core practice and it is conducted by specialist practitioners at every level of chambers. Chambers is therefore able to offer a full range of service to its clients, from advising and acting in the most serious of cases, to lesser criminal offences including road traffic.

Fraud: QEB Hollis Whiteman has always been innovative in its approach to practice development. This is demonstrated by its early diversification into complimentary practice areas such as fraud and white-collar crime. It has had a substantial presence in all of the major white-collar crime trials for over 40 years. Today its members advise on and conduct internal investigations relating to general risk management, money laundering compliance and pre-investigative issues. These services are performed for corporations, regulatory bodies and private clients. Members specialise in the most complex of cases, particularly those that involve pre-charge advice, and cross-over between criminal law and civil and intemational jurisdictions.

Professional discipline: QEB Hollis Whiteman was the first criminal chambers to develop a substantial presence in the fields of regulation and professional discipline. Chambers now has a collective experience in these fields that is without parallel. The regulatory team provides advice and representation at all stages of proceedings for both individuals and regulatory bodies in all sectors, including healthcare, financial, legal, military, police and sports. Within these sectors chambers accepts instructions both directly and from external solicitors. Having made its name prosecuting doctors on behalf of the General Medical Council, chambers continues to strengthen its position within the healthcare sector by increasing the number of regulatory bodies it is instructed by and also increasing its defence work.

Health and safety: QEB Hollis Whiteman has extensive experience in a wide range of health and safety related issues and cases, both criminal and regulatory This includes acting for individuals and companies faced with prohibition notices or potential criminal prosecution, and acting in criminal proceedings relating to alleged health and safety breaches.

Media and entertainment: QEB Hollis Whiteman has a growing audience in the media and entertainment world through its work with the governing bodies of both the film and music industry.

Tax: Peter Whiteman QC continues to specialise in corporation tax, capital tax and income tax.