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9BR > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > International crime and extradition Tier 2
9BR Chambers has an excellent track record in handling a range of high-profile cases in international courts. Steven Kay KC is assisting Lundin Energy with in its defence of a universal jurisdiction prosecution in Sweden concerning its alleged involvement in war crimes in South Sudan between 1997 and 2003. Jonathan Swain recently appeared in the High Court representing the appellant in Rogala v Circuit Court in Lublin, a case that contested dual criminality, as of the offences the extradition was saught for took place entirely outside of the issuing country.Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘The extradition team is exceptionally strong and always on top of the most recent developments in extradition law.’
‘The large extradition team at this set is well regarded.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are professional and efficient. Jordan Haisman is always prepared to go an extra mile to find a solution.’
London Bar > Crime Tier 4
With ‘excellent range of counsel for general and serious crime’, the set at 9BR defend and prosecute on a full range of serious crime matters, from murder and sexual offences to trafficking and modern slavery. Anthony Berry KC defended in a concerned the stabbing of an NHS worker during the COVID-19 lockdown. Abbas Lakha KC represented an alleged Swedish hitman accused of the Christmas Eve contract killing of a drug trade rival. Jane Bickerstaff KC is representing Louis Saha Matturie (no relation to the former Fulham striker), who is accused alongside Manchester City left-back Benjamin Mendy of committing multiple counts of rape.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Very good set with some great talent at every level.’
‘9BR Chambers has an extremely strong junior end with no weak links. They are personable, friendly, intelligent and are brilliant advocates.’
‘9BR have an excellent range of counsel for general and serious crime, especially at the junior end.’
‘Real strength under 20 years’ call. An impressive array of young talent.’
Clerking
‘Martin Secrett is doing a fantastic job. Supported well by Russell Good.’
London Bar > Licensing
Leading Silks
London Bar > Fraud: crime
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
9BR > Set Profile
9BR Chambers is widely respected as one of the leading sets specialising in all aspects of criminal law. Whilst it is a progressive and proactive set it still retains its traditional core values. At the heart of its business is the commitment to providing a professional, approachable and result-driven service to our clients. In its drive towards digital working Chambers uses modern technology and traditional knowledge based resources to provide the best possible support to members of chambers and clients.
Work undertaken
Crime: This continues to be 9BR Chambers core practice area covering offences ranging from murder to burglary. Chambers has a well-respected group of practitioners with extensive experience of prosecuting and defending murder, manslaughter, terrorism, firearms, fraud, drug trafficking, cybercrime, modern slavery, knife crime and sexual offences. In serious crimes, we focus particularly on active case management and team leadership. When prosecuting, we provide a full case preparation service, aiming for a robust, efficient and effective trial. Defending, we can advise solicitors on case preparation and management at an early stage – on occasion before charge. Chambers has specialised youth and sexual offences teams who are fully trained in dealing with children and vulnerable witnesses whether victims, witnesses or defendants. We have direct access to leading experts in forensics – in areas such as DNA, blood spattering, fingerprints, fibres, handwriting, ballistics, voice and facial analysis, and mobile telephony.
Disciplinary/Regulatory: Members have substantial experience of acting both for regulators and regulated professionals in fitness to practise and disciplinary proceedings. Their practice encompasses proceedings across a range of sectors including healthcare, accountancy, financial services, police, education and architecture.
Members practise in sports law including sitting on panels, advising on anti-corruption, safeguarding and ethics and appearing at disciplinary proceedings. Their experience includes matters related to the British Horse Racing Association, England Boxing, the Football Association, the Rugby Football Union, the Gymnastics Ethics Foundation and Sports Resolution.
Dispute Resolution: Chambers has a small team of experienced commercial litigation barristers, with a range of expertise across a broad range of areas including civil fraud and asset tracing, company law, contractual disputes and insolvency cases. We regularly appear in commercial cases in the Business and Property Court, Commercial Court, Insolvency and Companies Court as well as the Central London County Court and local County Courts. We have extensive experience working closely with solicitors, accountants and other professional advisors and pride ourselves on our collaborative and accessible approach. Some of our members are licensed to litigate.
Extradition & Interpol: 9BR Chambers is a leading extradition set with a distinct international profile.
Team members assist requested persons and requesting states at every stage of extradition proceedings, from pre-arrest advice to appellate proceedings at all levels. The team combines dependable service in core European cases with a global outlook which has seen members work in complex, high-profile cases from across the world. Our client focus and depth of experience also enables us to assist in niche areas lying outside core extradition practice.
Comprehensive extradition service – Team members offer high standards of litigation and client care in cases before Westminster Magistrates’ Court, the main first instance extradition court, where all members are well known and well regarded. We draw on trusted international networks to obtain evidence and help clients achieve pragmatic outcomes such as sentence transfer to the UK or alternative measures which spare them the ordeal of extradition. Members provide strategic ability, build strong cases and pursue them in appeals and even international forums, acting in cases which develop the law such as FK v Germany, Enasoaie v Romania, Szatkowski v Poland or Balaz v Slovakia (High Court); Konecny v Czech Republic (Supreme Court); and Case C-648/20 PPU PI (Court of Justice of the EU).
European and international outlook – All members undertake regular work in core European cases. Team members provided some of the most visible analysis during the transition from European arrest warrant to the new EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and are regularly instructed in complex matters for both requesting states and individuals. However, the team, as part of 9 BR’s international group, also boasts a truly “global” extradition practice. Members have been instructed by the Governments of, among others, Armenia, Brazil, Ghana, Kenya, Switzerland and the USA, and by requested persons in Interpol or extradition cases from the Russian Federation, Ukraine, Egypt, Malaysia, India and many more. These include sensitive and high-profile cases involving political figures, which often see counsel acting as part of international teams working in different forums.
Thinking outside the extradition box – 9 BR’s team recognises that client needs extend beyond the boundaries of routine extradition proceedings. Members draw on tested experience in less common areas where advice is at a premium, such as pre-emptive challenges to INTERPOL red notices; the nexus of extradition and deportation; and “import” extradition to the United Kingdom. We are also able to assist solicitors and lay clients by working with foreign lawyers to pursue cases in and against requesting states themselves, e.g. proportionality submissions leading to the withdrawal of an arrest warrant in Gibraltar and an ongoing challenge to a breach of the specialty after extradition in a major Spanish case.
INTERPOL, sanctions and international human rights litigation – The team’s broad outlook means members can also assist international clients in other areas, even if they present no connection to UK extradition proceedings. We offer the valuable commodity of genuine, acquired experience in the now well publicised area of INTERPOL red notices. We also accept instructions (either alone or as part of international legal teams) to assist clients with international actions such as challenging EU or UN sanctions; providing human rights arguments for use in foreign litigation; and applications to the European Court of Human Rights or UN human rights bodies, e.g. in relation to asset seizures, fair trial rights or arbitrary detention. In some cases, this work can be undertaken for individuals on a public access basis.
The core team is composed of Ben Joyes, Stefan Hyman, Jonathan Swain, Stuart Allen, Alex Tinsley and Josh Kern, who together account for all of the work described above. The team writes exclusively for Crime Line’s Extradition Hub and has lectured and published widely on the subject of extradition. The clerks’ room understands this sector and is at your disposal.
Financial & Corporate Law: Global initiatives against bribery and corruption have brought additional complexity to business – with organisations affected by legislation not just in their home countries, but also in local markets around the world. A number of Chambers’ barristers have worked in specialist prosecuting authorities such as the SFO and FCA, while others have worked for HNW individuals and heads of state. Members are experienced in POCA, restraint and confiscation hearings and have advised on Unexplained Wealth Orders. We have direct access to Forensic accountants when required.
Firearms: Chambers has an outstanding reputation in the areas of firearms licensing and gun control, hunting and conservancy. Members advise and represent individuals and organisations in this field and are regularly instructed in criminal cases that involve forensic analysis of firearms.
Immigration: Chambers accepts instructions in matters before the First-tier Tribunal, Upper Tribunal and High Court, including appeals, error of law hearings, emergency injunctions, substantive judicial review matters and unlawful detention. Members of Chambers also cover a range of delicate asylum cases involving unaccompanied minors, sexual orientation claims, human trafficking and religious persecution.
International: Members, including the Head of Chambers, Steven Kay KC, have appeared in some of the highest-profile cases heard in international courts and our experience and reputation guarantees access to a broad network of legal experts across Europe and beyond. Chambers has expertise in international and domestic human rights law, international crisis management, and cross-border complex financial crime, including bribery and corruption law. In 2020 Chambers set up the UK Bribery Act International Advisory Service.
Investigations: Members of this team have experience of both International and Domestic Investigations. The team specialises in investigating and advising both individuals and corporates on all aspects of criminal and regulatory law but with particular experience in fraud, money laundering, bribery & corruption, cartel offences, facilitation of tax evasion, insider dealing and market abuse.
Members investigate and advise on corporate crime. These issues often surface following internal audits, or a whistle-blower (including financial journalists) coming forward.
Some members have experience of high level employment investigations and some conduct serious private criminal investigations such as suspected murder/manslaughter.
Licensing: This has always been an important practice area within Chambers, because of the overlapping expertise gained from criminal and regulatory law. We have developed a specialist expertise in firearms licensing and legislation with Peter Glenser KC being recognised an leader in the area.
Mediation: Counsel can be instructed to act as a mediator in civil and commercial disputes, community mediations, workplace mediations and in pre/post conflict situations.
Military: Chambers has an outstanding reputation in the area. Chambers has a number of members who are ex- military and take pride in providing high quality advice and presentation to military personnel and their families. Members have appeared in many Court Martial hearings in England and abroad and represented interested parties at Inquests.
Private Prosecution: Barristers practising in this area are members of the Private Prosecutors Association, are widely respected and experienced in this rapidly developing area of law, and are able to offer a comprehensive service.
Public Access: Many members accept instructions direct from the public under the Bar Council Public Access Scheme. Members are able to provide this service over a diverse legal spectrum, from Chancery and Commercial Court actions to private prosecutions and motoring offences. Some members are also licensed to conduct litigation.
Road Traffic: Members are specialists in the field of road traffic defence. We advise and represent clients in a wide range of driving related cases, from causing death or injury by dangerous driving to speeding.
Main Contacts
| Department | Name | Telephone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chambers director | Martin Secrett | martin.secrett@9brchambers.co.uk | 0207 489 2801 |
| Senior clerk | Paul Outen | paul.outen@9brchambers.co.uk | 0207 489 2802 |
| 24 hour Duty Clerk | 07971 153192 | ||
| Member of Chambers | KAY KC, Steven (1977) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BERRY KC, Anthony (1976) | ||
| Member of Chambers | MARSH KC, Elizabeth (1979) | ||
| Member of Chambers | LAKHA KC, Abbas (1984) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HUGHES KC, Ignatius (1986) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BICKERSTAFF KC, Jane (1989) | ||
| Member of Chambers | ROUSE KC, Justin (1982) | ||
| Member of Chambers | GLENSER KC, Peter (1993) | ||
| Member of Chambers | MAY, Patricia (1965) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BURGESS, David (1975) | ||
| Member of Chambers | TRAVERSI, John (1977) | ||
| Member of Chambers | FRENCH, Louis (1979) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HUGHES, David (1980) | ||
| Member of Chambers | KING, John (1983) | ||
| Member of Chambers | ROBERTSON, Jollyon (1983) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SUMMERS, Gary (1985) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HUGHESTON-ROBERTS, Justin (1986) | ||
| Member of Chambers | STIRLING, Simon (1989) | ||
| Member of Chambers | MIAH, Zacharias (1990) | ||
| Member of Chambers | AKINSANYA, Jonathan (1993) | ||
| Member of Chambers | KRIKLER, Alex (1995) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SELBY, Lawrence (1997) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HIGGINS, Gillian (1997) | ||
| Member of Chambers | LOGAN, Graeme (1998) | ||
| Member of Chambers | CHARLES, Katrina (2000) | ||
| Member of Chambers | NOBLE, Will (2000) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HAKME, Mustapha (2000) | ||
| Member of Chambers | RICHARDSON, Dr Anthony (2001) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HIGGINS, Daniel (2003) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SULLIVAN, Sean (2004) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HARDY, Max (2004) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BECKER, Ruth (2004) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SADLER, Rhiannon (2004) | ||
| Member of Chambers | PATON-PHILIP, Richard (2005) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BRAMWELL, Corinne (2005) | ||
| Member of Chambers | KWONG, Joey (2005) | ||
| Member of Chambers | POULSEN, Lennart (2006) | ||
| Member of Chambers | CLARKE, Jessica (2006) | ||
| Member of Chambers | ALLEN, Stuart (2008) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HOLMES, Joe (2009) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SHROFF, Tessa (2009) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BAFADHEL, Sarah (2009) | ||
| Member of Chambers | JOYES, Ben (2010) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SUTHERLAND, Kirsty (2010) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SONDHI Kabir (2010) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SWAIN, Jonathan (2010) | ||
| Member of Chambers | MACPHERSON, Caroline (2011) | ||
| Member of Chambers | TINSLEY, Alex (2011) | ||
| Member of Chambers | BECKER, Andrea (2012) | ||
| Member of Chambers | MATTHEWS, Alexandra (2012) | ||
| Member of Chambers | KERN, Joshua (2013) | ||
| Member of Chambers | FATANIA, Nutan (2013) | ||
| Member of Chambers | MUSTARD, Katie (2014) | ||
| Member of Chambers | SANTOS-SINDES, Jordan (2014) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HYMAN, Stefan (2015) | ||
| Member of Chambers | HEATH, Emma (2017) | ||
| Member of Chambers | STEELS, Rebecca (2018) | ||
| Member of Chambers | KIRKE, Adam (2018) | ||
| Member of Chambers | KINDER, Lucy (2020) | ||
| Member of Chambers | WOTHERSPOON, Douglas (2020) | ||
| Door Tenant | BRADY KC, Michael (1992) | ||
| Door Tenant | POWER KC, Nigel (1992) | ||
| Door Tenant | HARTMAN, Michael (1976) | ||
| Door Tenant | HIGGINSON, Tim (1977) | ||
| Door Tenant | EARLE, James (1996) | ||
| Door Tenant | WORSLEY, Nick (1998) | ||
| Door Tenant | BOLT, Matthew (2012) | ||
| Door Tenant | TRUELOVE, Nicholas (2013) | ||
| Door Tenant | MAGILL, Sarah (2016) | ||
| Door Tenant | SIMPSON, Matthew (2018) | ||
| Door Tenant | SCHABAS KC, Professor William | ||
| Door Tenant | PLESCH, Dr Dan | ||
| Door Tenant | ROHAN, Colleen | ||
| Door Tenant | JACOBS, Dr Dov | ||
| Door Tenant | GUY-SMITH, Gregor | ||
| Door Tenant | DIECKMANN, Jens | ||
| Door Tenant | OWEN OBE, Margaret | ||
| Door Tenant | GROULX, Elise |
Barrister Profiles
| Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
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 | Jonathan Akinsanya | Jonathan is a defence specialist who is dual-qualified in England & Wales… | View Profile |
 | Stuart Allen | Stuart is a specialist extradition barrister. He represents both Requested Persons and… | View Profile |
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| Sarah Bafadhel | Sarah specialises in international criminal law, public international law and human rights… | View Profile |
 | Nadim Bashir | Nadim practices in both civil and crime with particular experience of Court… | View Profile |
 | Dréa Becker | Dréa defends in serious and complex cases. She is experienced in handling… | View Profile |
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| Dréa Becker | Dréa defends in serious and complex cases. She is experienced in handling… | View Profile |
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| Ruth Becker | Ruth is a defence barrister with a great deal of experience in… | View Profile |
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| Anthony Berry | A heavy criminal practice with a predominance of defence work. In recent… | View Profile |
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| Jane Bickerstaff | Jane is a first-class advocate who prosecutes and defends in all areas… | View Profile |
 | Matthew Bolt | Matthew is an experienced Service Courts practitioner who has successfully represented defendants charged with… | View Profile |
 | Michael Brady | Since taking Silk in March 2020 Michael has been instructed to both… | View Profile |
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| Corinne Bramwell | Corinne specialises in criminal law, regulatory law, professional discipline, and extradition. Corinne’s… | View Profile |
 | David Burgess | David has 40 years’ experience defending cases of serious crime including homicide,… | View Profile |
 | Katrina Charles | Katrina has an established defence and prosecution practice. A persuasive criminal advocate… | View Profile |
 | Jessica Clarke | Jessica’s practice encompasses a range of the most serious and complex crimes.… | View Profile |
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| Matthew Corrie | Matthew was called to the Bar in 2006 and has spent time… | View Profile |
 | Jens Dieckmann | Jens Dieckmann is a German Lawyer. He is Founding and Senior Partner… | View Profile |
 | James Earle | Jim is a practitioner with over twenty years’ experience at the Bar… | View Profile |
 | Nutan Fatania | Nutan predominantly specialises in crime and has conducted cases in the Crown… | View Profile |
 | Louis French | Defence and prosecution of major criminal cases. At trial and appellate level:… | View Profile |
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| Peter Glenser | Peter both prosecutes and defends very serious offences, in particular murder, serious… | View Profile |
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| Peter Glenser | Peter both prosecutes and defends very serious offences, in particular murder, serious… | View Profile |
 | Elise Groulx Diggs | Elise Groulx Diggs practices international human rights law and international criminal law,… | View Profile |
 | Gregor Guy-Smith | Gregor Guy-Smith is a is a recognised international criminal lawyer with a… | View Profile |
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| Mustapha Hakme | Mustapha is a leading junior barrister with a successful criminal defence practice.… | View Profile |
 | Maximilian Hardy | Specialising in criminal and regulatory law, Max is a persuasive and experienced… | View Profile |
 | Michael Hartman | Michael Hartman practices in the civil bar mainly in Chancery matters involving… | View Profile |
 | Emma Heath | Emma defends and prosecutes in all aspects of criminal law in the… | View Profile |
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| Gillian Higgins | Gillian is a senior international criminal lawyer and Head of the International… | View Profile |
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| Daniel Higgins | Daniel is a criminal barrister with a formidable reputation, whether he’s defending… | View Profile |
 | Tim Higginson | Tim specialises in the fields of civil and commercial law, professional negligence… | View Profile |
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| Joe Holmes | Joe is an international lawyer who operates in diverse national and international… | View Profile |
 | Ignatius Hughes | Ignatius Hughes is a specialist crime and regulatory practitioner. Ignatius’s practice has… | View Profile |
 | David Hughes | A widely experienced leading junior, specialising in the defence of serious crime.… | View Profile |
 | Stefan Hyman | Stefan’s practice comprises extradition, human rights, international criminal cooperation, and English criminal… | View Profile |
 | Dr Dov Jacobs | Dr. Dov Jacobs has been working in the field of international law… | View Profile |
 | Ben Joyes | Ben specialises in international criminal law, extradition, international human rights and complex… | View Profile |
 | Steven Kay | Steven Kay QC is Head of Chambers at 9BR, a leading set… | View Profile |
 | Joshua Kern | Joshua Kern is instructed in matters at the cutting edge of international… | View Profile |
 | Lucy Kinder | Lucy joined 9BR as a tenant following successful completion of pupillage in… | View Profile |
 | John King | Delivering consistent results over thirty odd years, John represents and assists clients… | View Profile |
 | Adam Kirke | Adam has developed a busy practice prosecuting and defending in the Magistrates’;… | View Profile |
 | Alex Krikler | Alex has been instructed in a number of high profile cases, both… | View Profile |
 | Joey Kwong | Joey was called to the Bar in 2005 and has a busy… | View Profile |
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| Abbas Lakha | Abbas Lakha QC is widely regarded as one of the UK’s most… | View Profile |
 | Graeme Logan | Graeme is a highly experienced and skilful advocate who has both prosecuted… | View Profile |
 | Caroline Macpherson | Caroline specialises in international criminal law, and British fraud and financial regulation.… | View Profile |
 | Sarah Magill | Sarah Magill specialises in serious organised crime, court martial and inquests. She… | View Profile |
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| Elizabeth Marsh | Elizabeth is a leading criminal silk specialising in murder, serious violence, financial… | View Profile |
 | Alex Matthews | Alex has a strong practice prosecuting and defending. She performs deftly in… | View Profile |
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| Alex Matthews | Alex has a strong practice prosecuting and defending. She performs deftly in… | View Profile |
 | Patricia May | Patricia May is renowned for her expertise in the criminal field, as… | View Profile |
 | Zacharias Miah | Zacharias is a leading international and UK criminal lawyer. He is regularly… | View Profile |
 | Katie Mustard | Katie prosecutes and defends in the Crown Court and Youth Courts. In… | View Profile |
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| Will Noble | Will is a well regarded barrister with extensive experience defending and prosecuting… | View Profile |
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| Margaret Owen OBE | Margaret Owen is a human rights lawyer focusing on women’s and children’s… | View Profile |
 | Richard Paton-Philip | Richard Paton-Philip is a criminal and regulatory barrister acting for both the… | View Profile |
 | Dr Dan Plesch | Dr Plesch is currently Director and Reader at the Centre for International… | View Profile |
 | Lennart Poulsen | Lennart combines a thriving international practice – with many years of experience… | View Profile |
 | Nigel Power | Nigel is a specialist criminal barrister who also practises in family and… | View Profile |
 | Dr Anthony Richardson | Dr. Anthony Richardson is a very accomplished, tenacious, self-motivated, disciplined, hardworking and… | View Profile |
 | Jollyon Robertson | Jollyon Robertson is an experienced Leading Junior, appearing on a regular basis… | View Profile |
 | Colleen Rohan | Colleen Rohan is an expert in criminal defence litigation in both domestic… | View Profile |
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| Justin Rouse | Justin is an exceptionally experienced and committed criminal counsel, with expertise in… | View Profile |
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| Rhiannon Sadler | Rhiannon is a dynamic advocate with broad experience in criminal, court martial… | View Profile |
 | Jordan Santos-Sindes | Jordan joined Chambers as a tenant in April 2021, following successful completion… | View Profile |
 | Professor William Schabas OC | Professor William A. Schabas is professor of international law at Middlesex University… | View Profile |
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| Lawrence Selby | Lawrence is an experienced barrister who specialises in defending high profile and… | View Profile |
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| Tessa Shroff | Thanks to her meticulous approach, her dedication, and her ability to handle… | View Profile |
 | Matthew Simpson | Matthew has a busy defence and prosecution practice in the Crown Court… | View Profile |
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| Kabir Sondhi | Kabir has built a strong practice prosecuting and defending across a full… | View Profile |
 | Rebecca Steels | Rebecca joined Chambers as a tenant in April 2021, following successful completion… | View Profile |
 | Simon Stirling | As a committed criminal law practitioner for more than 30 years Simon… | View Profile |
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| Sean Sullivan | Sean is a calm and focused barrister who both prosecutes and defends… | View Profile |
 | Gary Summers | Gary is a respected UK barrister with 40 years’ experience. He focuses… | View Profile |
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| Kirsty Sutherland | Kirsty specialises in international criminal law and military law. She is particularly… | View Profile |
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| Jonathan Swain | Jonathan is a specialist extradition barrister, who is listed in the Legal500… | View Profile |
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| Alex Tinsley | Alex is a public access-qualified barrister practising in asylum, extradition, INTERPOL and… | View Profile |
 | John Traversi | John Traversi is an established criminal law practitioner, defending and prosecuting in… | View Profile |
 | Nicholas Truelove | Having completed pupillage at 9 Bedford Row, Nicholas has pursued a practice… | View Profile |
 | Nick Worsley | Nick defends and prosecutes all areas of criminal law with particular experience… | View Profile |
 | Douglas Wotherspoon | Douglas specialises in criminal defence and prosecution and appears regularly in the… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Clerks : 7 Administrator : 1Languages
Arabic Bengali Danish French German Greek Italian Russian Spanish Swahili Tamil Gujarati Chinese Dutch Czech Japanese Chinese (CantoneseDiversity/Community
At 9 Bedford Row we believe that access to the Bar should be open to all, regardless of background, age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, disability or gender identity. We are opposed to all forms of unlawful and unfair discrimination, victimisation and harassment. Drawing on the stability of decades of successful domestic criminal practice, and our leading experience in international criminal and human rights law, we have worked hard to adapt to meet the growing needs of a diverse society. To meet this challenge we have in recent years seen a rapid increase in recruitment of women and members of ethnic minorities, achieved through modernised selection procedures free from prejudice that place merit above background. Despite Chambers’ expansion in recent years we operate in a friendly, inclusive atmosphere. We realise that a diverse Chambers like ours comprises many different individuals: to maximise individual potential we support individual needs with tolerance and respect, and will not differentiate between tenants, pupils, staff, professional or lay clients in that regard
We adhere to our obligation to regular Diversity Data collection and record our results with the Bar Council.
Our commitment to Equality and Diversity is reflected in a comprehensive policy which applies equally to members of Chambers, pupils, mini-pupils, staff, pupillage and tenancy and staff applicants. Our policy is fully consonant with obligations imposed by the Bar Code of Conduct. All members of Chambers and staff are obliged to receive regular Equality and Diversity training and those involved in recruitment and selection are equally obliged to take specialist recruitment training.
In conjunction with our Equality and Diversity policy Chambers adheres to sub-policies on the following:
- Fair Access to Work
- Harassment
- Parental Leave
- Flexible Working
- Reasonable Adjustments
- Equality Monitoring
Chambers is proud of its partnership with the Social Mobility Foundation, and regularly hosts seminars for both sixth form and undergraduate students from under-privileged and/or ethnic backgrounds, as well as providing e-mentor assistance to aspiring lawyers.
Chambers Equality and Diversity Officers are Alex Krikler and Nutan Fatania. Our Diversity Data Officer is Julian Bradley.
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Robert Borwick
COMPANY/FIRM: ABV Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: 9 Bedford Row is an excellent set who provide a superb legal service. The clerking team led by Martin Secrett is extremely professional, knowledgeable yet helpful and flexible where necessary. They have real strength in depth in terms of Barristers. Of particular note is Jane Bickerstaff QC who is regularly instructed by a range of Solicitors at ABV. She has a meticulous attention to detail and her client handling skills are first class. She is incredibly able in sexual, sensitive and high-profile cases. Her handling of vulnerable witnesses is second to none and she is hugely respected by the Judiciary.
CLIENT: Stephen Bennett
COMPANY/FIRM: Gardner Leader LLP
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed many different members of 9 Bedford Row since 1985. Whether the brief was to the most junior pupil or to one of their most prominent silks has made no difference to the high levels of courtesy and efficiency with which instructions have been received and dealt with both by the clerks as well as by the practitioner concerned. As an instructing solicitor the choice of counsel is a crucial part of the strategy in any piece of criminal litigation. Being able to rely on the confident advice of the senior clerks is essential. Knowing that the barrister chosen will deal with your client in the same professional way that you would yourself is a necessary comfort.
CLIENT: Abigail Ashford
COMPANY/FIRM: Reeds
TESTIMONIAL: I have been instructing 9 Bedford Row for over 10 years now, which in itself speaks volumes as to the level of trust I have in them. They house some of the best Counsel that I have had the pleasure of working with, many of whom I have instructed consistently; and the outstanding calibre of their barristers runs from their pupils, right through to their QC’s. The level of service I have consistently received is exceptional – the clerks are all friendly, highly professional and very responsive; always willing to help – and proactively offer pragmatic solutions if any problems arise.
CLIENT: Ben Thomas
COMPANY/FIRM: Sternberg Reed
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed 9 Bedford Row regularly over the last 24 years. I have no hesitation in commending 9 Bedford Row to deal with all manner of criminal cases, both domestic and with an international dimension.
The set has huge talent at all levels. Counsel have been instructed on both a private and legal aid basis. Their professionalism has been exemplary, irrespective of the funding arrangements.
Chambers administration is well led by Martin Secrett with particular mention due to the senior criminal clerk Paul Outen and Russell Good. The service provided is efficient and has integrity. The clerks are approachable , proactive and have good contacts so, often, they will provide speedy resolution to urgent issues. They take pride in knowing their lay clients, professional clients and Counsel to attain excellent matches.
CLIENT: Philip Hill
COMPANY/FIRM: Shaw Graham Kersh
TESTIMONIAL: A specialised Criminal set with extensive expertise and depth of experience, 9 Bedford Row provides the all-round service from pupils and junior tenants covering overnight cases on Saturdays in Magistrates Courts to QC’s taking apart the most serious Crown Court prosecutions. It has an array of Barristers prepared and equipped to tackle any type of case at every level and a Clerks room which delivers effective and reliable service flagging up and resolving the inevitable listing difficulties which occasionally arise. Elizabeth Marsh QC is merciless in exploiting prosecution weaknesses whilst also providing no nonsense advice to solicitors and defendants alike. Ruth Becker fights every case with the same tenacity and is well liked by both clients and solicitors.
CLIENT: Nick Seeley
COMPANY/FIRM: Lawtons
TESTIMONIAL: The Chambers of 9 Bedford Row has been the first port of call for Lawtons Solicitors for many years for first rate Counsel to cover cases from the Magistrates Courts to the Court of Appeal and beyond.
From the initial contact with the Clerks’ office who are always friendly and extremely helpful with any request being dealt with efficiently, expeditiously and professionally. No matter what level of Counsel instructed they are unfailingly excellent advocates, who keep us up to date with the cases
and provide clients with the best service. We are constantly being thanked by clients for the instruction of Counsel from 9 Bedford Row.