3PB garners praise as ‘a well respected set when it comes to crime on the Western Circuit‘ and ‘offers an impressive array of criminal practitioners‘. Adam Feest KC‘s ‘calm and measured presentation belies his rapier-like mind‘; he appeared for the prosecution in a trial concerning the murder of Sir Richard Sutton and the attempted murder of Sutton’s partner Anne Schreiber, the mother of the defendant. Turning to the juniors, Timothy Bradbury is ‘very bright‘, ‘incisive‘ and ‘razor-sharp in cross-examination‘, and Nicholas Cotter is ‘a terrific lawyer who is able to display sound tactical and strategic judgement whilst also getting to grips with the smallest detail of a case‘. In June 2021 Elisabeth Bussey-Jones was appointed as a Judge of the First-tier Tribunal.
Crime (general and fraud) in
Regional Bar3PB
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent chambers. A comprehensive list of talented counsel.’
‘A very sound set offering a broad range of expertise and experience at all levels of crime.’
‘An established set of chambers with a great depth of knowledge and experience.’
‘A highly respected set with a very good reputation in crime.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are dependable and reliable. If they say they will do something, it gets done.’
‘All of the clerks are personable and organised. They can always be relied upon to provide an excellent service.’
‘Stuart Pringle is well respected and does a great job as senior clerk.’
‘Lee Giles is always on top of matters, approachable and affable.’
‘A strong team.’
Guildhall Chambers
In the words of instructing solicitors, the ‘dynamic set‘ Guildhall Chambers‘ crime team is ‘the best on the Western Circuit‘; ‘there is a real strength in depth, with quality practitioners at all levels‘. In recent instructions for the team, group head Christopher Quinlan KC led James Haskell in the prosecution of a woman who was charged and convicted of the murder of her husband; the case involved issues of ‘loss of control’ in the context of the defendant alleging domestic abuse. Ray Tully KC successfully prosecuted a man who was convicted of multiple counts of stranger rape. Turning to the junior end of chambers, Mark Worsley successfully prosecuted a man for the murder of a 77-year-old woman for whom the defendant had acted as a carer. Mary Cowe is highly regarded for her expertise in handling complex cases of large-scale fraud.
Testimonials
Set
‘An elite criminal set with an abundance of top class barristers.’
‘A go-to chambers for serious and complex crime.’
‘The set as a whole provides top class barristers who are very responsive and able.’
‘It has exceptional depth in quality of its advocates.’
‘Excellent chambers to work with.’
Clerking
‘An elite team of clerks.’
‘The Guildhall clerks are exceptional: knowledgeable, reliable, approachable and efficient.’
‘A reliable, helpful and pragmatic clerking team, professionally managed by Lucy Northeast, very ably assisted by Grant Bidwell.’
‘Shannon Winstone and Grant Bidwell are excellent. They always try to accommodate, are proficient, and are always friendly.’
‘Lucy Northeast is renowned for her ability to judge the perfect counsel for a particular case.’
Pump Court Chambers
At Pump Court Chambers in Winchester, the ‘very strong crime team‘ is led by the ‘robust‘ James Newton-Price KC, who is noted for his strength in handling cases of serious sexual offences, multi-handed fraud and homicide. Sarah Jones KC led Ellie Fargin in prosecuting a man who was received a life sentence for child destruction and grievous bodily harm after attacking his girlfriend, who subsequently suffered a miscarriage. The ‘very conscientious‘ Peter Asteris  prosecutes and defends in cases of complex sexual offences, and is sought after for his expertise in representing vulnerable clients. Multi-handed drugs and fraud conspiracies have been prominent in Mark Ruffell‘s recent caseload. In November 2021 Rebecca Fairbairn  joined from Drystone Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘A well-established set with an excellent reputation.’
‘All members are outstanding advocates and liked by both clients and judges.’
‘A strong set.’
‘A strong criminal team.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Pump Court Chambers are helpful and adaptable. Ben Harfield and James May always pull out the stops when it comes to listing and making sure all last minute matters are covered.’
‘The clerking team are friendly and approachable.’
‘A skilled and hard working team. Tony Atkins is calm and organised.’
‘Excellent clerks.’
Albion Chambers
Praised by instructing solicitors as ‘a long established and central part of the criminal Bar in Bristol‘, Albion Chambers has ‘a wide choice of extremely able counsel‘. Kate Brunner KC recently acted for the only defendant acquitted of murder in a multi-handed trial, in which five people were charged with stabbing a 29-year-old man nine times at a silent disco in Bristol. At the junior end of chambers, head of the team Sarah Regan prosecutes and defends in cases involving serious violent and sexual offences; Edward Hetherington ‘has an excellent manner and approaches every case in a way that is accessible and relatable‘; and Charley Pattison ‘has a natural charm to her advocacy even in front of courts that might be expected to be hostile to her case‘.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very solid set.’
‘A quality well established chambers.’
‘Very strong across all levels in crime.’
Clerking
‘The whole team is great, very responsive and accommodating.’
‘The clerks at Albion Chambers are affable and responsive.’
Devon Chambers
Devon Chambers ‘has a strong set of experienced barristers in criminal cases‘. Head of chambers Jason Beal is very experienced in handling cases involving vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Joanna Martin KC successfully prosecuted a man who was convicted of the murder of his partner after stabbing her in the eye. Piers Norsworthy is ‘always prepared and professional, and provides an excellent service to each and every client‘, and is highly regarded for his expertise in defending in cases involving serious violence and road traffic offences. Rising star Althea Brooks is a name to note.
Testimonials
Set
‘A strong set.’
‘Counsel instructed within criminal matters are extremely thorough and experienced.’
Clerking
‘Rachael and Schannine are always helpful and friendly.’
‘The clerks are all incredibly helpful and nothing is too much trouble for Schannine Dobson and Rachael Duchnowski, who are always happy to help in anyway possible. They continually make the job of an instructing solicitor easier because of how helpful, organised and prepared they are.’
KBG Chambers
Plymouth’s KBG Chambers is home to a team of ‘very talented juniors‘, who have been kept busy prosecuting and defending in cases involving serious sexual offences, serious violence, homicide and drugs conspiracies. Recent instructions for the group included Michael Brown successfully prosecuting a man who was convicted of running an extensive Class A drugs ring. Ali Rafati is ‘quick on his feet‘ and ‘an effective advocate with both judges and juries‘, and is sought after for his expertise in handling cases involving vulnerable clients. Nicholas Lewin has an established track record in acting in courts-martial. Francesca Whebell is ‘calm and methodical‘, and is well known for her strength in advising on cases of serious violence and sexual offences.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent set.’
‘Chambers has a large number of strong juniors practicing criminal law.’
‘A good set with good strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘All clerks at KBG Chambers are professional, friendly, easily contactable and approachable. They are always willing and ready to assist.’
‘Colin Palmer and Lewis Gunn-Colling are exceptional members of the clerks team as they respond to any queries straight away and provide an excellent service. In particular, they will listen to the matter in depth and then consider in detail the best barrister the case is most suited to.’
‘Colin Palmer is always incredibly efficient and helpful.’
‘Colin Palmer is an excellent senior clerk.’
Queen Square Chambers
‘Solid set‘ Queen Square Chambers is home to a team with established expertise in prosecuting and defending across a range of serious criminal cases, with serious sexual offences, multi-handed drugs conspiracies and homicides prominent in the group’s recent caseload. Robin Shellard successfully prosecuted thirteen defendants in a multi-kilo cocaine conspiracy case, and James Tucker acted for the CPS in R v Sesay, where former Bristol City goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay was convicted of rape; he received a 10-year sentence. David Maunder‘s recent workload includes homicide and historic sexual abuse cases. In recent news for the set, the ‘consummate professional‘ Charles Row KC was elevated to silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers always provides a first class service and always seeks to ensure that instructing solicitors are looked after well.’
‘A well established set of chambers.’
‘A good set of chambers with strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘Have you got a case that needs covering? If Colleen Inker is in your address book, it’s covered. Truly first rate. Hayley Pitts, Colleen’s trusted lieutenant, epitomises the chambers’ ethos.’
‘Colleen Inker is an asset to the chambers.’
‘Colleen Inker is utterly committed and always goes the extra mile.’
‘An excellent team.’
3PB
Testimonials
Set
‘Excellent chambers. A comprehensive list of talented counsel.’
‘A very sound set offering a broad range of expertise and experience at all levels of crime.’
‘An established set of chambers with a great depth of knowledge and experience.’
‘A highly respected set with a very good reputation in crime.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are dependable and reliable. If they say they will do something, it gets done.’
‘All of the clerks are personable and organised. They can always be relied upon to provide an excellent service.’
‘Stuart Pringle is well respected and does a great job as senior clerk.’
‘Lee Giles is always on top of matters, approachable and affable.’
‘A strong team.’
Guildhall Chambers
In the words of instructing solicitors, the ‘dynamic set‘ Guildhall Chambers‘ crime team is ‘the best on the Western Circuit‘; ‘there is a real strength in depth, with quality practitioners at all levels‘. In recent instructions for the team, group head Christopher Quinlan KC led James Haskell in the prosecution of a woman who was charged and convicted of the murder of her husband; the case involved issues of ‘loss of control’ in the context of the defendant alleging domestic abuse. Ray Tully KC successfully prosecuted a man who was convicted of multiple counts of stranger rape. Turning to the junior end of chambers, Mark Worsley successfully prosecuted a man for the murder of a 77-year-old woman for whom the defendant had acted as a carer. Mary Cowe is highly regarded for her expertise in handling complex cases of large-scale fraud.
Testimonials
Set
‘An elite criminal set with an abundance of top class barristers.’
‘A go-to chambers for serious and complex crime.’
‘The set as a whole provides top class barristers who are very responsive and able.’
‘It has exceptional depth in quality of its advocates.’
‘Excellent chambers to work with.’
Clerking
‘An elite team of clerks.’
‘The Guildhall clerks are exceptional: knowledgeable, reliable, approachable and efficient.’
‘A reliable, helpful and pragmatic clerking team, professionally managed by Lucy Northeast, very ably assisted by Grant Bidwell.’
‘Shannon Winstone and Grant Bidwell are excellent. They always try to accommodate, are proficient, and are always friendly.’
‘Lucy Northeast is renowned for her ability to judge the perfect counsel for a particular case.’
Pump Court Chambers
At Pump Court Chambers in Winchester, the ‘very strong crime team‘ is led by the ‘robust‘ James Newton-Price KC, who is noted for his strength in handling cases of serious sexual offences, multi-handed fraud and homicide. Sarah Jones KC led Ellie Fargin in prosecuting a man who was received a life sentence for child destruction and grievous bodily harm after attacking his girlfriend, who subsequently suffered a miscarriage. The ‘very conscientious‘ Peter Asteris  prosecutes and defends in cases of complex sexual offences, and is sought after for his expertise in representing vulnerable clients. Multi-handed drugs and fraud conspiracies have been prominent in Mark Ruffell‘s recent caseload. In November 2021 Rebecca Fairbairn  joined from Drystone Chambers.
Testimonials
Set
‘A well-established set with an excellent reputation.’
‘All members are outstanding advocates and liked by both clients and judges.’
‘A strong set.’
‘A strong criminal team.’
Clerking
‘The clerks at Pump Court Chambers are helpful and adaptable. Ben Harfield and James May always pull out the stops when it comes to listing and making sure all last minute matters are covered.’
‘The clerking team are friendly and approachable.’
‘A skilled and hard working team. Tony Atkins is calm and organised.’
‘Excellent clerks.’
Albion Chambers
Praised by instructing solicitors as ‘a long established and central part of the criminal Bar in Bristol‘, Albion Chambers has ‘a wide choice of extremely able counsel‘. Kate Brunner KC recently acted for the only defendant acquitted of murder in a multi-handed trial, in which five people were charged with stabbing a 29-year-old man nine times at a silent disco in Bristol. At the junior end of chambers, head of the team Sarah Regan prosecutes and defends in cases involving serious violent and sexual offences; Edward Hetherington ‘has an excellent manner and approaches every case in a way that is accessible and relatable‘; and Charley Pattison ‘has a natural charm to her advocacy even in front of courts that might be expected to be hostile to her case‘.
Testimonials
Set
‘A very solid set.’
‘A quality well established chambers.’
‘Very strong across all levels in crime.’
Clerking
‘The whole team is great, very responsive and accommodating.’
‘The clerks at Albion Chambers are affable and responsive.’
Devon Chambers
Devon Chambers ‘has a strong set of experienced barristers in criminal cases‘. Head of chambers Jason Beal is very experienced in handling cases involving vulnerable defendants and witnesses. Joanna Martin KC successfully prosecuted a man who was convicted of the murder of his partner after stabbing her in the eye. Piers Norsworthy is ‘always prepared and professional, and provides an excellent service to each and every client‘, and is highly regarded for his expertise in defending in cases involving serious violence and road traffic offences. Rising star Althea Brooks is a name to note.
Testimonials
Set
‘A strong set.’
‘Counsel instructed within criminal matters are extremely thorough and experienced.’
Clerking
‘Rachael and Schannine are always helpful and friendly.’
‘The clerks are all incredibly helpful and nothing is too much trouble for Schannine Dobson and Rachael Duchnowski, who are always happy to help in anyway possible. They continually make the job of an instructing solicitor easier because of how helpful, organised and prepared they are.’
KBG Chambers
Plymouth’s KBG Chambers is home to a team of ‘very talented juniors‘, who have been kept busy prosecuting and defending in cases involving serious sexual offences, serious violence, homicide and drugs conspiracies. Recent instructions for the group included Michael Brown successfully prosecuting a man who was convicted of running an extensive Class A drugs ring. Ali Rafati is ‘quick on his feet‘ and ‘an effective advocate with both judges and juries‘, and is sought after for his expertise in handling cases involving vulnerable clients. Nicholas Lewin has an established track record in acting in courts-martial. Francesca Whebell is ‘calm and methodical‘, and is well known for her strength in advising on cases of serious violence and sexual offences.
Testimonials
Set
‘An excellent set.’
‘Chambers has a large number of strong juniors practicing criminal law.’
‘A good set with good strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘All clerks at KBG Chambers are professional, friendly, easily contactable and approachable. They are always willing and ready to assist.’
‘Colin Palmer and Lewis Gunn-Colling are exceptional members of the clerks team as they respond to any queries straight away and provide an excellent service. In particular, they will listen to the matter in depth and then consider in detail the best barrister the case is most suited to.’
‘Colin Palmer is always incredibly efficient and helpful.’
‘Colin Palmer is an excellent senior clerk.’
Queen Square Chambers
‘Solid set‘ Queen Square Chambers is home to a team with established expertise in prosecuting and defending across a range of serious criminal cases, with serious sexual offences, multi-handed drugs conspiracies and homicides prominent in the group’s recent caseload. Robin Shellard successfully prosecuted thirteen defendants in a multi-kilo cocaine conspiracy case, and James Tucker acted for the CPS in R v Sesay, where former Bristol City goalkeeper Alhaji Sesay was convicted of rape; he received a 10-year sentence. David Maunder‘s recent workload includes homicide and historic sexual abuse cases. In recent news for the set, the ‘consummate professional‘ Charles Row KC was elevated to silk in March 2022.
Testimonials
Set
‘Chambers always provides a first class service and always seeks to ensure that instructing solicitors are looked after well.’
‘A well established set of chambers.’
‘A good set of chambers with strength in depth.’
Clerking
‘Have you got a case that needs covering? If Colleen Inker is in your address book, it’s covered. Truly first rate. Hayley Pitts, Colleen’s trusted lieutenant, epitomises the chambers’ ethos.’
‘Colleen Inker is an asset to the chambers.’
‘Colleen Inker is utterly committed and always goes the extra mile.’
‘An excellent team.’