The members at 7 Harrington Street have wide ranging expertise and act on significant and high-profile criminal law cases. Nicholas Johnson KC acts for both the defence and prosecution in cases of gross negligence manslaughter, alleged gangland executions, large-scale drug imports, fraud cases and serious sexual offences. Of recent note is his instruction from the CPS to prosecute a Chester neonatal nurse who is charged with eight counts of murder and ten counts of attempted murder, in connection with the deaths of babies at the Countess of Chester Hospital. Other notable members include Nigel Power KC, who handles high-profile murder and fraud cases. Power is prosecuting in a case involving rape and sexual assault allegations against Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy. In July 2022 Ian Unsworth KC was appointed to the circuit bench.
Crime (general and fraud) in
Regional Bar7 Harrington Street
Testimonials
Set
‘Harrington Street Chambers has an exceptional reputation due to the quality of its Barristers in all disciplines.’
‘If your first choice of barrister is not available, then you have real confidence that your second choice will be of a similar quality.’
‘They regularly have training programmes to assist with legal developments, which is of a great benefit. ‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are not only hard working, but also approachable and will always attempt to assist with any queries. Rachel Kehoe will always go above and beyond in ensuring that a quality service is provided.’
‘Good, competent and amiable clerks.’
Exchange Chambers
Key areas of work for the ‘highly regarded‘ members of Exchange Chambers include murder, financial crime, sexual abuse and drug offences, and the set is praised as ‘one of the leading sets in the North of England‘. John Jones KC has an established criminal practice, and recently acted for the defendant a manslaughter case concerning a victim choking on a bone after being fed whilst asleep. The set also houses Ben Myers KC, who handles murder and money laundering cases, as well as drug trafficking and organised crime matters. Richard Littler KC is another name of note and has expertise in cases regarding terrorism, fraud and organised crime. David Temkin KC has a thriving criminal law practice and recently acted for the defendant in a case regarding the murder of a retired Liverpool Crown Prosecution Service lawyer. Charlotte Kenny handles serious cases of fraud and sexual offences, and also recently successfully defended a man who was acquitted of attempted murder. Richard Brigden joined the team from Garden Court North Chambers in January 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent set of Chambers with the most highly regarded Barristers in the city. The relationship they build with instructing solicitors is invaluable . The training programme offered throughout the year is very helpful. The newsletters are a great source of information as to recent developments in the case law.’
‘Exchange Chambers is one of the leading sets in the North of England. They do have significant strength in depth and are a chambers that provide training and seminars.’
‘Exchange Chambers is an excellent chambers for crime with quality in depth.’
‘Exchange are one of the leading sets in Manchester with a huge range of experienced Counsel.’
‘The set are very strong, particularly at the top end. They have a number of individuals that stand out due to their ability.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are responsive and friendly. Andy Leech is a stand out clerk with many years experience who offers a top quality service.’
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers is praised as being ‘unrivalled in the north for criminal defence.’ Nina Grahame KC is active in representing defendants with complex mental health needs with defences of loss of control, diminished responsibility and insanity, as well as parents and carers accused of serious offences against children or vulnerable adults. Grahame KC defended in a case concerning the shooting of an bystander law student during an attempted assassination. Other notable names include Clare Ashcroft , who has a strong background representing clients with mental health illnesses and learning disabilities, and Rebecca Filletti, who also has a specialist practice representing vulnerable clients. In January 2022 Richard Brigden moved to Exchange Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘Garden Court North is a leading human rights set with a small but dynamic team of barristers specialising in complex criminal cases. Counsel from Garden Court North feature in the most serious and complex cases in this field, punching well above their weight and frequently appearing in the appellate courts. The set has many strengths, not least the shared expertise between the different specialist teams.’
‘Unrivalled in the North for criminal defence.’
Lincoln House Chambers
The members at the ‘excellent’ Lincoln House Chambers includes members highly experienced a wide range of criminal law matters, spanning across road traffic offences, sexual offences, violence, drug offences and financial crime. The set houses the reputable Kate Blackwell KC who has a thriving criminal law practice and Richard Dawson has an impressive practice and has been active in multiple injury and death by dangerous driving cases. Simon Csoka KC is also notable and has considerable expertise handling cases involving organised crime, fraud, and murder. Simon Gurney has a well established practice and has particularly expertise in defending individuals facing substantial fraud prosecutions, as well defending allegations of historic sexual abuse. Rachel Cooper has a broad criminal law practice and is often instructed on cases where defendants have significant mental health needs. She recently represented the defendant charged with death by dangerous after a collision decapitated a back seat passenger.
Testimonials
Set
‘Lincoln House Chambers are one of the best sets outside of London. Their choice of barristers is extremely strong and instructing solicitors feel confident in instructing their barristers in any area – crime (general and fraud), professional discipline or regulatory matters.’
‘The set is excellent – they are a preferred set of chambers and there is always a selection of experienced Counsel to choose from. Where possible, they will strive to clear diaries to ensure counsel can be available for all hearings so clients have continuous representation. The set has experienced and well respected barristers who can cover a wide range of criminal offences.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers is always on hand to provide cover for a hearing and will ensure they have done all they can to meet the needs of our clients. They have also on numerous occasions allowed the use of their offices for conferences, which is most helpful.’
‘A strong set – barristers at every level of experience and wide ranging practice across criminal and regulatory work, no problems with availability. Offer topical training sessions too.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers is one of the best chambers in Manchester. In testing times of late for the profession as a whole, they continue to offer an excellent service and the quality of barristers available is second to none.’
Clerking
‘Instructing solicitors cannot speak highly enough of the service offered by Lincoln House Chambers. Their clerks go out of their way to help you, in particular David Wright.’
Work highlights
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers is home to barristers active across the criminal law space.. Head of chambers Michael Hayton KC is highly adept at handling serious crime and regulatory crime, as well as gang related murders and murder for reward - he defended in a case concerning the fatal shooting of innocent passer-by and law student Aya Hachem. Virginia Hayton is also a notable name in defending historic sexual offence cases.
Kenworthy's Chambers
The members of Kenworthy’s Chambers have significant expertise across a wide range of criminal matters, including multi-handed defence and prosecution cases involving drug-related conspiracies, mortgage fraud, murder, baby-shaking and gangland crimes, as well as serious sex and historic sex offences and regulatory crime. Barry Grennan specialises in criminal defence and has acted on cases involving death by dangerous driving, firearms and multi-handed fraud cases. Patrick Cassidy also has a defence-based practice, handling inner city gun crime and police misconduct cases. The set is also home to Denise Fitzpatrick, who has an established practice and is active in cases of fraud and sexual offences.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers offers many training courses throughout the year to ensure people are kept up to date with the latest changes or amendments to the law.’
‘Kenworthy’s Chambers are able to offer a wide range of expertise. In particular, they have a good knowledge of Mental Health Law which is able to inform and strengthen other departments such as Crime, whereby the defendant suffers from a mental disorder.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street has ‘fantastic strength-in-depth’. The set houses Daniel Lister, who has a strong criminal practice, and of recent note was instructed in a case stemming Operation Vinetic concerning conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and involves evidence obtained from France after the cooperation of the French, Dutch and English police. Bob Sastry is also a key member and has considerable expertise handling cases involving murder, large-scale conspiracies, serious allegations of violence and sexual offence cases. Hugh McKee and Barry White are also of note.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers often make efforts to keep the same barrister available for cases as it provides clients with familiarity and consistency.’
’23ES has provided suitably experienced counsel and the counsel and clerks work together as a team to keep the instructing solicitor informed and updated. They have also assisted in referrals to 23ES, London, as and when required.’
’23ES are a good set with consistent quality across the board.’
’23ES has fantastic strength-in-depth with a good choice of quality counsel for all types of criminal cases. The silks at chambers are the envy of many criminal sets.’
Clerking
‘The clerks room has a nice balance and go the extra mile. Wayne King and Adam Chapman are always on hand to assist – both are highly respected and responsive.’
‘Wayne King and Sean Hulston are excellent and very responsive.’
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings has ‘excellent tenants equipped to deal with the most complex of criminal cases’, which include human and drug trafficking, road traffic offences, child abduction and sexual exploitation, murder, and manslaughter. The set houses Mark Connor, who is regularly instructed by both the defence and the prosecution, and has acted on cases involving death by dangerous driving and organised crime cases featuring EncroChat evidence. David John James is also of note and specialises in cases involving fatal and serious injuries. Gemma Maxwell is often instructed by the defence in cases involving murder, rape, drugs, firearms and sexual offences, and Thomas Sherrington is regularly involved in multi-handed cases. Charlotte Johnson has now moved to Lamb Building.
Testimonials
Set
‘St John’s Buildings is a wholly professional and reliable set, and has a solid foundation of excellent tenants equipped to deal with the most complex of criminal cases.’
‘A wonderful set that will always make counsel available even at short notice. One of the greatest strength is that they rarely let you down replacing counsel.’
18 St John Street Chambers
18 St John Street Chambers is praised as an ‘excellent’ and ‘well-established‘ set. Its members prosecute and defend in a wide range of cases, from serious sexual offences to terrorism and fraud. Michael Brady KC has been instructed on numerous high-profile murder cases. The set is also home to Rachel Shenton , who has a thriving practice defending and prosecuting serious sexual offence and violence cases, and Richard Vardon , who predominantly defends on homicides and drug importation cases.
Testimonials
Set
The criminal department offers a range of practitioners and at the senior junior level they are involved in very significant criminal cases.’
‘They all appear client focussed and assist solicitors with the necessary pre-trial preparation.’
‘An excellent set in a competitive market. Tenants of varying call and expertise ensure chambers can be viewed as a ‘one stop shop’ for choice of counsel, no matter what the type of case. Counsel often go out of their way to ensure they meet their professional commitments to instructing solicitors and go over and above in the event of a returned brief.’
‘Chambers are well-established in the Manchester area. The more junior members of the bar at this set seem to be up and coming.’
‘Excellent set. Impressive variety of counsel in terms of specialist areas, seniority and skill set.’
‘Chambers have a wide range of barristers who specialise in a number areas of law.’
Clerking
7 Harrington Street
Testimonials
Set
‘Harrington Street Chambers has an exceptional reputation due to the quality of its Barristers in all disciplines.’
‘If your first choice of barrister is not available, then you have real confidence that your second choice will be of a similar quality.’
‘They regularly have training programmes to assist with legal developments, which is of a great benefit. ‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are not only hard working, but also approachable and will always attempt to assist with any queries. Rachel Kehoe will always go above and beyond in ensuring that a quality service is provided.’
‘Good, competent and amiable clerks.’
Exchange Chambers
Key areas of work for the ‘highly regarded‘ members of Exchange Chambers include murder, financial crime, sexual abuse and drug offences, and the set is praised as ‘one of the leading sets in the North of England‘. John Jones KC has an established criminal practice, and recently acted for the defendant a manslaughter case concerning a victim choking on a bone after being fed whilst asleep. The set also houses Ben Myers KC, who handles murder and money laundering cases, as well as drug trafficking and organised crime matters. Richard Littler KC is another name of note and has expertise in cases regarding terrorism, fraud and organised crime. David Temkin KC has a thriving criminal law practice and recently acted for the defendant in a case regarding the murder of a retired Liverpool Crown Prosecution Service lawyer. Charlotte Kenny handles serious cases of fraud and sexual offences, and also recently successfully defended a man who was acquitted of attempted murder. Richard Brigden joined the team from Garden Court North Chambers in January 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent set of Chambers with the most highly regarded Barristers in the city. The relationship they build with instructing solicitors is invaluable . The training programme offered throughout the year is very helpful. The newsletters are a great source of information as to recent developments in the case law.’
‘Exchange Chambers is one of the leading sets in the North of England. They do have significant strength in depth and are a chambers that provide training and seminars.’
‘Exchange Chambers is an excellent chambers for crime with quality in depth.’
‘Exchange are one of the leading sets in Manchester with a huge range of experienced Counsel.’
‘The set are very strong, particularly at the top end. They have a number of individuals that stand out due to their ability.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are responsive and friendly. Andy Leech is a stand out clerk with many years experience who offers a top quality service.’
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers is praised as being ‘unrivalled in the north for criminal defence.’ Nina Grahame KC is active in representing defendants with complex mental health needs with defences of loss of control, diminished responsibility and insanity, as well as parents and carers accused of serious offences against children or vulnerable adults. Grahame KC defended in a case concerning the shooting of an bystander law student during an attempted assassination. Other notable names include Clare Ashcroft , who has a strong background representing clients with mental health illnesses and learning disabilities, and Rebecca Filletti, who also has a specialist practice representing vulnerable clients. In January 2022 Richard Brigden moved to Exchange Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘Garden Court North is a leading human rights set with a small but dynamic team of barristers specialising in complex criminal cases. Counsel from Garden Court North feature in the most serious and complex cases in this field, punching well above their weight and frequently appearing in the appellate courts. The set has many strengths, not least the shared expertise between the different specialist teams.’
‘Unrivalled in the North for criminal defence.’
Lincoln House Chambers
The members at the ‘excellent’ Lincoln House Chambers includes members highly experienced a wide range of criminal law matters, spanning across road traffic offences, sexual offences, violence, drug offences and financial crime. The set houses the reputable Kate Blackwell KC who has a thriving criminal law practice and Richard Dawson has an impressive practice and has been active in multiple injury and death by dangerous driving cases. Simon Csoka KC is also notable and has considerable expertise handling cases involving organised crime, fraud, and murder. Simon Gurney has a well established practice and has particularly expertise in defending individuals facing substantial fraud prosecutions, as well defending allegations of historic sexual abuse. Rachel Cooper has a broad criminal law practice and is often instructed on cases where defendants have significant mental health needs. She recently represented the defendant charged with death by dangerous after a collision decapitated a back seat passenger.
Testimonials
Set
‘Lincoln House Chambers are one of the best sets outside of London. Their choice of barristers is extremely strong and instructing solicitors feel confident in instructing their barristers in any area – crime (general and fraud), professional discipline or regulatory matters.’
‘The set is excellent – they are a preferred set of chambers and there is always a selection of experienced Counsel to choose from. Where possible, they will strive to clear diaries to ensure counsel can be available for all hearings so clients have continuous representation. The set has experienced and well respected barristers who can cover a wide range of criminal offences.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers is always on hand to provide cover for a hearing and will ensure they have done all they can to meet the needs of our clients. They have also on numerous occasions allowed the use of their offices for conferences, which is most helpful.’
‘A strong set – barristers at every level of experience and wide ranging practice across criminal and regulatory work, no problems with availability. Offer topical training sessions too.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers is one of the best chambers in Manchester. In testing times of late for the profession as a whole, they continue to offer an excellent service and the quality of barristers available is second to none.’
Clerking
‘Instructing solicitors cannot speak highly enough of the service offered by Lincoln House Chambers. Their clerks go out of their way to help you, in particular David Wright.’
Work highlights
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers is home to barristers active across the criminal law space.. Head of chambers Michael Hayton KC is highly adept at handling serious crime and regulatory crime, as well as gang related murders and murder for reward - he defended in a case concerning the fatal shooting of innocent passer-by and law student Aya Hachem. Virginia Hayton is also a notable name in defending historic sexual offence cases.
Kenworthy's Chambers
The members of Kenworthy’s Chambers have significant expertise across a wide range of criminal matters, including multi-handed defence and prosecution cases involving drug-related conspiracies, mortgage fraud, murder, baby-shaking and gangland crimes, as well as serious sex and historic sex offences and regulatory crime. Barry Grennan specialises in criminal defence and has acted on cases involving death by dangerous driving, firearms and multi-handed fraud cases. Patrick Cassidy also has a defence-based practice, handling inner city gun crime and police misconduct cases. The set is also home to Denise Fitzpatrick, who has an established practice and is active in cases of fraud and sexual offences.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers offers many training courses throughout the year to ensure people are kept up to date with the latest changes or amendments to the law.’
‘Kenworthy’s Chambers are able to offer a wide range of expertise. In particular, they have a good knowledge of Mental Health Law which is able to inform and strengthen other departments such as Crime, whereby the defendant suffers from a mental disorder.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street has ‘fantastic strength-in-depth’. The set houses Daniel Lister, who has a strong criminal practice, and of recent note was instructed in a case stemming Operation Vinetic concerning conspiracy to supply Class A drugs and involves evidence obtained from France after the cooperation of the French, Dutch and English police. Bob Sastry is also a key member and has considerable expertise handling cases involving murder, large-scale conspiracies, serious allegations of violence and sexual offence cases. Hugh McKee and Barry White are also of note.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers often make efforts to keep the same barrister available for cases as it provides clients with familiarity and consistency.’
’23ES has provided suitably experienced counsel and the counsel and clerks work together as a team to keep the instructing solicitor informed and updated. They have also assisted in referrals to 23ES, London, as and when required.’
’23ES are a good set with consistent quality across the board.’
’23ES has fantastic strength-in-depth with a good choice of quality counsel for all types of criminal cases. The silks at chambers are the envy of many criminal sets.’
Clerking
‘The clerks room has a nice balance and go the extra mile. Wayne King and Adam Chapman are always on hand to assist – both are highly respected and responsive.’
‘Wayne King and Sean Hulston are excellent and very responsive.’
St John's Buildings
St John’s Buildings has ‘excellent tenants equipped to deal with the most complex of criminal cases’, which include human and drug trafficking, road traffic offences, child abduction and sexual exploitation, murder, and manslaughter. The set houses Mark Connor, who is regularly instructed by both the defence and the prosecution, and has acted on cases involving death by dangerous driving and organised crime cases featuring EncroChat evidence. David John James is also of note and specialises in cases involving fatal and serious injuries. Gemma Maxwell is often instructed by the defence in cases involving murder, rape, drugs, firearms and sexual offences, and Thomas Sherrington is regularly involved in multi-handed cases. Charlotte Johnson has now moved to Lamb Building.
Testimonials
Set
‘St John’s Buildings is a wholly professional and reliable set, and has a solid foundation of excellent tenants equipped to deal with the most complex of criminal cases.’
‘A wonderful set that will always make counsel available even at short notice. One of the greatest strength is that they rarely let you down replacing counsel.’
18 St John Street Chambers
18 St John Street Chambers is praised as an ‘excellent’ and ‘well-established‘ set. Its members prosecute and defend in a wide range of cases, from serious sexual offences to terrorism and fraud. Michael Brady KC has been instructed on numerous high-profile murder cases. The set is also home to Rachel Shenton , who has a thriving practice defending and prosecuting serious sexual offence and violence cases, and Richard Vardon , who predominantly defends on homicides and drug importation cases.
Testimonials
Set
The criminal department offers a range of practitioners and at the senior junior level they are involved in very significant criminal cases.’
‘They all appear client focussed and assist solicitors with the necessary pre-trial preparation.’
‘An excellent set in a competitive market. Tenants of varying call and expertise ensure chambers can be viewed as a ‘one stop shop’ for choice of counsel, no matter what the type of case. Counsel often go out of their way to ensure they meet their professional commitments to instructing solicitors and go over and above in the event of a returned brief.’
‘Chambers are well-established in the Manchester area. The more junior members of the bar at this set seem to be up and coming.’
‘Excellent set. Impressive variety of counsel in terms of specialist areas, seniority and skill set.’
‘Chambers have a wide range of barristers who specialise in a number areas of law.’
Clerking