Exchange Chambers is a ‘stand-out set‘ with a ‘first class offering‘. The set has an ‘unparalleled depth of counsel‘ and ‘experienced barristers‘. Key areas of focus include all forms of serious crime including murder, financial crime, sexual abuse and drug offences. Gordon Cole QC specialises in defence and prosecution in cases involving murder, manslaughter, drugs and sexual abuse. Cole successfully prosecuted in a month long murder trial that involved the defendant having a history of bullying, intimidation and financial abuse. Tania Griffiths QC is also noted and defends allegations of historic and contemporary sexual abuse. Richard Littler QC is another stand-out name and displays expertise in cases involving terrorism, organised crime and fraud. Littler is representing the defendant in a number of cases concerning Reynhard Sinaga, who is thought to have raped at least two hundred men in Manchester, which has involved four Crown Court trials plus appeals.
Crime (general and fraud) in Regional Bar
Exchange Chambers
Testimonials
Set
‘A very effective set that are always willing to assist.’
‘Excellent, strength in depth and availability of suitably qualified replacement Counsel, if necessary. My go-to set.’
‘Great depth to the personnel. If a brief has to be returned you know it will still be in good hands even if it’s not your first choice of counsel.’
‘Good strength in depth in criminal defence work at both junior and senior level, availability is never a problem, they have provided some excellent online training over the last 12 months particularly on new legislation and Encrochat evidence.’
‘Exchange Chambers are extremely efficient and professional.’
‘Exchange Chambers have an excellent calibre of Barristers and are a well respected set within the Manchester Bar.’
‘My main view on chambers as a whole is that if there is ever a case that needs to be returned, I have always found a suitably experienced Counsel to take over.’
‘Exchange are a great set of Chambers with significant strength in depth. They have responded to the pandemic well providing conferences, newsletters etc which have been received well. Ordinarily, they put on numerous CPD events throughout the year which are always well attended, thought provoking and are always on useful and topical subjects.’
‘Exchange Chambers are a stand out set in terms of the standard of their Barristers. One instructs Counsel from Exchange as it as a guarantee of heavy weight, exceptional talent.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are effective with the court and technology. They are reliable and helpful. ‘
‘Although all of the clerks are reliable and trustworthy, I have a superb working relationship with the senior clerk, Nick Buckley, who I always tend to call. ‘
‘Great communication from the clerking team.That’s it main strength. Always keep their solicitors in the loop in a timely fashion. Nick Buckley is the standout clerk and never takes those that instruct chambers for granted.’
‘I have dealt with Kate Masher, Graeme Hipkiss and Suzanne Dutch on a regular basis, they are highly reliable, always helpful, very easy to communicate with. ‘
‘The Clerks are extremely approachable and I have found their response time to enquiries cannot be faulted.’
‘The clerks are very friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. They keep us up to date with the progress of cases and promptly advise us of any issues, rather than leaving matters to the last minute, which is greatly appreciated in the area of crime. ‘
‘The Senior Clerk Nick Buckley is an asset to Chambers – he knows his clients and his counsel and joins the dots extremely efficiently and effectively. A senior clerk who is very approachable, engaging and a pleasure to do business with.’
‘Dave Haley and Andy Leech are always particularly helpful and resourceful.’
‘Having practiced in crime for many years before joining chambers, Neil Wright really understands instructing solicitor’s needs.’
Lincoln House Chambers
Lincoln House Chambers displays a wide range of expertise and covers the span of work from road traffic offences through to sexual offences, violence and drug offences. Clients can appreciate the set's strong roster of barristers and 'impressive' silks. Simon Csoka QC has extensive experience handling cases involving organised crime and fraud; Csoka is representing the defendant in SFO v Axiom Legal Financing Fund, a fraud case involving a collapsed Cayman-domiciled litigation funder. Kate Blackwell QC is another key name to note and acts for both prosecution and defence in high profile sexual offences cases. Simon Gurney  is instructed in high profile homicide cases and has particular expertise in defending allegations of historic sexual abuse and substantial drugs conspiracies, and Rachel Cooper  has a broad criminal law practice and a strong background in road traffic law. Gurney is representing the defendant in Operation Colindale, one of eight defendants charged with the murder of one young woman and the attempted murder of a man in Lancashire.
Testimonials
Set
‘A superb set with a range of outstanding advocates across this area, backed by an excellent clerking team. The depth of their experience shines through.’
‘Lincoln House are an excellent set of Chambers, the calibre of Counsel is brilliant.’
‘As a whole Counsel with Lincoln House Chambers are down to earth and always available to their instructing solicitors over the telephone and by email. The set offers a wide variety of specialisms within crime – such as professional discipline, regulatory including health and safety, financial and general crime. I know that I can find an extremely competent Barrister in any area of crime I require.’
‘Chambers have continued to provide a wide selection of Counsel to choose from, covering all areas of expertise and being in a position to offer experienced Junior and Senior Counsel. Excellent set. Lots of quality and has the most depth for criminal proceedings in Manchester.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers offer the highest quality barristers and a level of service to match. This is the set to use for your most important cases.’
‘They provide my clients with easy and fast access to a combination of expertise from solicitor and barrister, both with significant experience and a great track record.’
‘Lincoln House is without doubt the number one set for Crime, Health & Safety, Regulatory and inquest work. They have a huge following from insurance backed firms and have presence in nearly every big Health & Safety and Environmental cases in the North.’
‘My team instruct Lincoln House Chambers for most of its instructions due to the high quality of its members and that they will always try to accommodate us by making our preferred choice of Counsel available where possible. Counsel remain involved in cases from the outset which is important to us as we pride ourselves on maintaining continuity of contact for our clients which also includes those that we instruct. Counsel are prepared to attend even the first hearings to ensure that our clients have met those that will represent them from the outset. Chambers also provide us with excellent alternatives and recommendations based on the nuances of a case or character of a client to ensure the best fit.’
‘Lincoln House Chambers are to me the best set of Chambers in Manchester. They have the best quality Barristers ranging from juniors to QCs. They are all highly trained and skilled advocates who are willing and capable from an early stage due to their pupil masters.’
Clerking
‘There is a good mix of clerks in this set. New clerks who are young and looking to do well. Also the older and experienced clerks too. A very good mix for each to learn from and run a well organised and happy ship.’
‘David Wright as the director of clerking stands out.’
‘Andy McGuinness is extremely responsive and will go above and beyond to assist where he can which is such a help for instructing solicitors.’
‘I value all the Clerks at Lincoln House Chambers, in particular David Wright. The Clerks work hard to ensure that Counsel instructed is available to cover every hearing. They have the ability to recommend the right narrister for the job.The clerks are always very proactive and responsive. ‘
‘The clerks are very friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. They keep us up to date with the progress of cases and promptly advise us of any issues, rather than leaving matters to the last minute, which is greatly appreciated in the area of crime.’
‘David Wright is always contactable and pragmatic.’
‘All the Clerks at this set are excellent. They promptly resolve any queries and are always helpful and polite ensuring that we are content with any changes of date / court venues / CVP link requests before these are done. Fee Notes are sent promptly and are detailed. Chambers and the Clerks take time to get to know you and what your firm requires so it can provide the expected standard of services, availability of Counsel at all times.Chambers itself is clean, spacious, airy, modern and a delight to hold conferences at, the Clerks always come to say hello and ensure everything required is available. ‘
‘Excellent clerks led by David Wright. I would single out however Andy McGuinness and David Gibbons for particular praise.‘
7 Harrington Street
7 Harrington Street has a sizeable criminal law practice with a broad client offering. The set is home to Nicholas Johnson QC, who appears in cases of serious violence, including manslaughter cases and murders in alleged organised crime contexts. Johnson is acting for the prosecution in R v Molnar and Chowdhary, a high profile case involving the stabbing and death of a school boy. Ian Unsworth QC is another key name to mention and acts prosecuting agencies, police forces and defendants. Key changes include Alex Langhorn's arrival in 2020 from 9 St John Street.
Testimonials
Set
‘Great clerking and a collegiate culture make for excellent client care.’
‘7 Harrington Street Chambers is a well respected set of Chambers with excellent barristers. They have strength in depth and a large amount of experience in all areas of work.’
Clerking
‘Friendly, helpful and well-informed.’
‘The clerks are always extremely helpful and approachable. I have been extremely impressed with Rachel Kehoe. She is helpful and efficient.’
Deans Court Chambers
Deans Court Chambers has a 'fantastic offering' in a wide range of crime practice areas and is 'a pleasure to work with, professional and efficient'. Michael Hayton QC is the head of the chambers and his practice covers serious crime and regulatory crime. Peter Horgan is a 'class act' and Joseph Hart has a strong defence practice in cases involving money laundering, online fraud, infringement of copyright legislation and fraud conspiracies. Virginia Hayton is also noted and mainly defends cases of historic sexual offences and a wide range of other serious offences; Hayton represented a defendant who received a suspended sentence for causing death by careless driving.
Testimonials
Set
‘Deans Court Chambers are very approachable and they are extremely organised with Counsel’s daily diary. They tend as best they can to keep instructed Counsel available for their own cases.’
‘A very professional approach provided by chambers with a broad spread of disciplines covered and competent counsel. ‘
‘Deans Court Chambers have an excellent reputation which is deserved and they work very hard at providing the support defence solicitors require to assist the smooth running of cases.’
‘Strong set with a number of able barristers offering excellent client care – to both professional and lay clients. always willing to provide training in house.’
‘Chambers has a strong offering providing great options in this area and in associated areas that I require counsel.’
‘Specialist set covering local authority regulatory prosecution work with excellent strength-in-depth, sufficient cover always available for cases if choice of Counsel is not available.’
‘Deans Court has a fantastic offering in the regulatory, crime and coronial practice areas. They are a pleasure to work with, professional and efficient. ‘
Clerking
‘The clerks are very organised and easy to get hold of either by telephone or email. They are efficient in organising any conferences.’
‘Always very helpful, efficient and keen to assist.’
‘The clerks engage very well, they understand the importance of client care and are always happy to help wherever they can.’
‘Excellent clerking team – proactive and approachable.’
‘Organised and efficient – pro-active in approach.’
‘The clerks are an integral part of my using chambers, providing a prompt and helpful service, always available to discuss advocate options and fees. Pete Kelly in particular is extremely collaborative in helping determine and arrange counsel for specific matters and provides immediate responses to and queries.’
Garden Court North Chambers
Garden Court North Chambers has an 'excellent reputation' in criminal defence work and are 'always happy to help' in all cases, big or small. Clare Ashcroft has a strong background representing clients with mental health or learning disabilities. Ashcroft represented the defendant, a case that involved the defense of a father regarding the alleged murder of his 14 month old daughter. In this he was led by Nina Grahame QC , who frequently represents parents and carers accused of serious offences against children or vulnerable adults. Mark George QC is a leading barrister at the set who has extensive experience as a trial advocate in homicide and serious sex cases including historic allegations.
Testimonials
Set
‘Garden Court North have a unique position in the North of England .They provide committed knowledgeable and excellent advocates in criminal law .Their criminal advocates are supported by colleagues in chambers with a unique insight into public law, mental health and prison law.’
‘Training is a highlight of GCN. In criminal law, recent in house and joint webinar series have included mental health defences, police station support for solicitors and protest law.’
‘GCN’s Crime Team has a particularly strong reputation for defending those who may be disadvantaged or prejudiced within the Criminal Justice System by reason of issues of mental health or marginalised status.’
‘GCN’s Crime Team specialises in criminal defence and has a strong reputation for being approachable and highly conscientious. The Team, albeit smaller than many, comprises members with complementary skills and breath of experience. GCN’s Crime Team also benefits from the expertise of other members of GCN’s specialist teams who feed expertise to the Crime Team, when relevant, in immigration, human trafficking, social welfare and Court of Protection issues. The racial and gender diversity ratio of criminal practitioners at all levels is considerably better than in most sets on the Northern Circuit.’
‘A multi-disciplinary set with a renowned commitment to social justice. Tenants are consistently involved in high profile case, forging advances in human rights law and practice (the Hillsborough Inquiry, the Grenfell Inquiry & the Manchester Arena Inquiry to name a few). In addition, tenants regularly provide excellent training on current developments in human rights law – including throughout the pandemic and lockdown.’
‘Garden Court North’s Crime Team of committed practitioners has a well-deserved reputation for high quality defence representation in all areas of criminal law. Representation is particularly strong in cases involving children and the vulnerable, as defendants and witnesses, in protest law and in the representation of professionals accused of serious criminal offending.’
‘A fantastic set of chambers, down to earth and with perhaps the most caring set of individuals who provide an excellent service.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are effective and responsive.’
‘The clerks room provides an excellent and responsive service.’
‘The clerking team are helpful and responsive and ensure that any difficulties in relation to availability are promptly resolved.’
‘The Clerks have an excellent reputation for providing a reliable and efficient service, ably supported by highly qualified finance and administrative staff.’
‘A particular strength lies in the continuity of staff; Annmarie Nightingale and second-in-command Nicola Carroll come from Manchester and have worked and developed their expertise at GCN over decades.’
‘I always deal with Greg Highton, who promptly and effectively deals with all my queries.’
‘The Clerks are easily enough to get hold of and if they are busy they will always call you back. Nicola Carroll and Greg Highton are the main Clerks that I deal with. They are both very efficient and trustworthy.’
‘Clerks are brilliant. Gregory Highton is professional and diligent.’
‘The clerks are ever helpful and unlike many others indicate clearly if there are any difficulties with listing.’
Kenworthy's Chambers
Kenworthy's Chambers is an 'excellent' and 'efficient' set with wide ranging expertise that extends over a range of areas in multi-handed defence and prosecution cases, including conspiracies involving serious drug distribution, mortgage fraud and car-ringing, in addition to serious violent offences. Barry Grennan specialises in criminal defence and has a broad practice. Patrick Cassidy is another key name to note and has a high level of expertise handling cases involving police misconduct cases.
Testimonials
Set
‘They are always able to assist and cover a variety of specialisms.’
‘They have provided a very responsive and efficient service with a wide range of Barristers able to assist at all levels of cases.’
‘Kenworthy’s Chambers are always willing to assist wherever they can. Every effort is made to ensure the instructing advocate can deal with the matter and if for any reason they can’t, you can be assured Kenworthy’s will offer you a suitably experienced and knowledgeable barrister.’
‘Chambers are supportive and attentive at short notice. They are also very flexible in order to meet needs that arise on short notice. Decisions that have to be made are not made unilaterally but always after consultation which helps with continuity and confidence.’
‘An exceptional set of chambers. Seminars have been organized which are relevant and helpful to practitioners. Counsel has always been diligent and professional.’
‘Kenworthy’s Chambers are a welcoming set who strive to meet our needs whether that be in relation to criminal or mental health needs. Whilst it is a busy chambers counsel are often available to cover hearings even at the last minute.’
‘Counsel are also amenable to offering an initial opinion in more complex or novel proceedings.’
‘Kenworthy’s Chambers are filled with some of the best Clerks and Counsel with respect to ability. I never have any hesitation instructing Counsel from Kenworthy’s Chambers for all crime matters. Each Counsel is always on the ball, no matter who you get. Chambers will always do what they can to ensure Counsel is available for any given hearing. They also host numerous training events throughout the year to assist in continuing development which is so important.’
‘The go-to chambers for us in every respect. They cover all aspects of the law and are readily available to speak to even in areas unfamiliar to us. The clerks are worth their weight in gold and particularly during lockdown they have remained open albeit with skeleton staff to ensure the smooth running of chambers.’
Clerking
‘Paul Mander is always very helpful and able to assist when needed.’
‘All our dealings with the clerks have been positive, particularly Paul Mander. He is very responsive and willing to go above and beyond to assist instructing solicitors.’
‘I have always found the clerking team to be professional, friendly, accommodating to requests and prompt in their response.’
‘Courtney Soden ensures that enquiries regarding availability are dealt with swiftly and efficiently.’
‘Kenworthy’s Chambers are filled with some of the best Clerks. They provide a friendly yet professional service and will always do what they can to ensure Counsel is available for any given hearing. I am fortunate to have such a positive working relationship with them. Paul Mander and Thomas Harrington are always approachable and easy to get on with.’
23 Essex Street
23 Essex Street has an ‘excellent team‘ with ‘strength in depth‘. The set is home to Bob Sastry, who has extensive experience handling cases involving large-scale conspiracies, fraud matters, money laundering, grave allegations of violence and serious cases of a sexual nature. Barry White is another standout practitioner and is ‘relentless‘ in pursuing the best outcome for his clients. The ‘very professional‘ Daniel Lister and Hugh McKee are also noted. McKee frequently prosecute and defend in cases involving serious sexual allegations, violence, murder, conspiracies to rob and to supply drugs.
Testimonials
Set
‘Our serious & general crime team are fans of 23 Essex Street. The set is known for its consistency and quality, particularly for serious crime. ‘
‘The best criminal set in the North West. Fantastic clerks. Strong group of capable down to earth counsel. Would highly recommend.’
‘This Chambers offers excellent service. Team of experienced counsel, all of whom provide a polished and professional approach.’
‘Very good chambers. Always able to assist at short notice. They can never do enough for you. ‘
‘The chambers have an excellent team and have never been disappointed with choice of Counsel.’
‘The chambers has a wide and diverse array of options in respect of criminal counsel. Senior clerk Sean Hulston always goes above and beyond to ensure the preferred choice of counsel is available.’
’23ES are a good set of chambers with several high quality advocates. ‘
’23 Essex Street have strength-in-depth. If it is that an instructed advocate has to drop out of a case, which can happen given how cases are listed, you can expect to receive a replacement advocate of equal or senior call. We are always consulted in these scenarios in order that any views that we may have are taken into account.’
Clerking
‘Sean Hulson and Kevin Ambridge are superb. Experienced. Accessible. Can do attitude. Get the right counsel for the job. Would highly recommend.’
‘The Clerks are easy to contact and personable, which is of great assistance when some negotiation is required in terms of matters be listed.’
‘Very good service, excellent end user care, always keep you informed and are able to deal with any problem they face with rigour.’
‘Both Sean Hulston and Kevin Ambridge are absolutely fantastic – extremely approachable; understand the needs of instructing Solicitors and go above and beyond their call of duty.’
‘Sean Hulston and Kevin Ambridge are the clerks at the Manchester annex. They are extremely helpful and will work to cover cases even at short notice. Even if they cannot cover the case themselves they will do the ringing round to other sets to ensure that he work is covered.’
‘Colin Perrin is very amiable and goes out of his way to assist as and when required.’
St John's Buildings
St John's Buildings has 'experienced barristers' in its crime practice group. Members of the set have expertise handling cases involving murder and manslaughter, serious violent and sexual offences, child abduction and sexual exploitation and drug trafficking. Mark Connor is a key name to note and is praised for his 'excellent client care skills' and 'eye for detail'. Thomas Sherrington is a 'bright star' and is often found in multi-handed cases. Gemma Maxwell is also noted and is regularly instructed in cases involving murder, rape, drugs and fraud. Laura Nash and Ben Lawrence have broad criminal practices and are also recommended.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers is well known for its strength in depth and on any occasion when instructed Counsel is unavailable there is always an appropriate replacement.’
‘They are one of the main criminal sets in Manchester. ‘
‘The Chambers are the ones we use most. They rarely let us down and ensure that we always have our number one choice, or a selection of the finest most experienced barristers on the local circuit.’
‘Great set, good barristers, helpful and efficient clerks.’
‘A very large set with a wide range of talent.’
‘The set has over 200 members and the head criminal clerk, Mark Heald is so helpful that it makes working with Chambers a pleasure. Their clerking set up from top to bottom excels. They have a broad range of talent.’
Clerking
‘They are helpful.’
‘Highly respected set of chambers with clerks who are always on top of the game.’
‘The clerks are excellent. They are able to assist with administrative tasks. Greg Brooker and Avril Patel are particularly recommended.’
‘Very good, helpful and available.’
‘Always available and efficient – also always let you know if your barrister of choice becomes unavailable and they inform you of any changes. Great communication.’
‘Very efficient and couldn’t be more helpful. They will always find a suitable Counsel even with the minimum of notice. Mark Heald is a consummate professional.’