Mountford Chambers > London, England > Set Profile
Mountford Chambers Offices

13 Ely Place
EC1N 6RY
England
Mountford Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Crime Tier 3
With ‘strength in depth’, Mountford Chambers remains a go-to violent crime defence set, representing defendants in such offences as joint enterprise murders, drug executions, kidnapping, blackmail, drug conspiracies and rape and historic sexual offences., Alan Kent KC is representing a man accused of being part of stabbing murder where South East London gangs fought in the street with machetes and ‘zombie knives’. Christopher Henley KC is defending in a retrial a teenager accused of being part of a gang at-random “postcode” stabbing of a Marks and Spencer employee. William England defends a case after the seizure of a shipment of cocaine disguised as a banana delivery. Laura Paisley from 9KBW arrived in May 2022.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘Mountford Chambers are a strong set and has strength in depth.’
‘Mountford Chambers are an excellent set with heavy-hitting counsel. There is strength in depth.’
‘Very strong line up throughout.’
Clerking
‘Jordan Wescott is brilliant at his work.’
‘Dean Allen is exceptional.’
‘The clerks room are excellent, particularly Ben Heaviside, Dean Allen and Jordan Wescott.’
London Bar > Fraud: crime Tier 3
‘An emerging set’, the experienced barristers at Mountford Chambers defend and prosecute high-value fraud prosecutions, from civil fraud and money laundering, to cases involving bribery and corruption. For example, Colin Aylott KC is defending a client charged with an Ministry of Defence contract fraud related to the disposal and destruction of ammunition.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
Set
‘An emerging set.’
‘The crime barristers in chambers are all very capable in this field.’
‘Excellent. Very approachable. The chambers is an array of talented advocates.’
Clerking
‘Ben Heaviside is a proper clerk I would put in a high bracket. A good air of judgement.’
London Bar > Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
South Eastern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
Leading Juniors
Regional Bar > South Eastern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
Leading Juniors
Mountford Chambers > Set Profile
Chambers of Christopher Henley KC.
The Set:
Mountford Chambers is a specialist criminal, regulatory and public law set that is founded on principles of integrity, equality, and representation for all.
Mountford Chambers’ KCs, Barristers and Clerks are united by a shared vision of delivering a client service that is focussed on absolute excellence, assuring clients of forensic, strategic, and vigorous representation that gets to the heart of the case and the minds of judges and juries.
Areas of expertise:
Crime: Mountford Chambers is proud of its highly regarded team of criminal law KCs and barristers, many of whom are leaders in their field. With a reputation for delivering high-quality advice, advocacy and representation, the team appear in many of the high-profile cases of the day. Members of the criminal team are ranked in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners who describe them as ‘Very well run, full of exceptional barristers and KCs” [2021].
Barristers are experienced in a wide range of criminal cases, including terrorism allegations, murder, drugs and sexual offences. They combine first-rate legal knowledge with highly skilled court advocacy to deliver a quality service that’s trusted by clients.
Members are instructed to represent clients in courts throughout the UK, and routinely appear in the Old Bailey. Just as the Crown Courts have evolved into what we know them as today (thanks to the Courts Act 1971), so too have the way our barristers work. Embracing technology to work quickly and efficiently, our barristers deliver a thoroughly modern service that meets the high expectations of both solicitors and lay clients.
Business Crime & Fraud: Mountford Chambers is home to a team of specialist business crime and fraud barristers who are recognised in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for their notable expertise. Members appear in a wide-range of corporate crime cases, from stock market to banking fraud, to cases involving allegations of bribery and corruption.
“Highly experienced in fraud” Legal 500 [2022], “Members are regularly instructed to represent their clients in SFO, FCA and HMRC investigations, and count several bankers, accountants and brokers among their enviable client base” Chambers & Partners [2020].
Mountford barristers attach great importance to offering a continuity of service – a service which begins in the first days of investigation and gives clients the confidence of knowing that they have access to expert support and advice at all times – and the highest level of representation in any court proceedings.
Known for being motivated, hard-working and technically skilled, Mountford Chambers’ barristers are also adept strategists, able to plan ahead to deliver the very best advice and representation in these often high-stake proceedings.
Members are routinely engaged at the pre-charge stage of proceedings to provide tactical advice to solicitors and clients with a view to halting proceedings before they have opportunity to imbed.
Professional Regulation: Members of Mountford Chambers are increasingly in demand to act in cases funded both privately and by insurance, involving allegations of misconduct and fitness to practise impairment brought against regulated professionals.
Their expertise across the spectrum of disciplinary tribunals and public authorities is extensive and substantial. Our professional regulation barristers frequently advise and represent parties at all stages of the process, from giving strategic advice to clients during internal disciplinary investigations, to formal proceedings before regulatory disciplinary panels.
In these cases, organisations and individuals often face significant financial loss, reputational damage and potential civil claims which require expert and delicate handling. We understand that in order to enable clients to make well-informed decisions on how to proceed, they require advice that is thorough, accurate and realistic.
Inquests and Inquiries: Members of Mountford Chambers have expertise in representing interested parties at inquests and public inquiries. They understand the need for sensitivity and compassion in these often emotionally charged and distressing cases.
Asset Forfeiture & Civil Recovery: Members of Mountford Chambers have market-leading expertise in all aspects of restraint, confiscation, and forfeiture proceedings. Our barristers routinely advise and appear on behalf of both the claimant and defendant in civil and criminal asset recovery cases.
Mountford Chambers’ team of established and experienced barristers deliver high-quality advice and advocacy across a broad range of asset forfeiture and civil recovery matters.
Criminal Regulatory: Mountford Chambers’ impressive team of barristers deliver highly specialised and effective representation in a wide range of criminal regulatory cases. Advising both prosecution and defence teams, they are perceptive and accomplished when it comes to working on these often complex and emotionally charged cases.
Criminal regulatory cases typically carry financial and reputational repercussions that can have long-lasting consequences for those involved. Therefore, barristers are meticulous in their approach to the evidence and are sensitive to any associated publicity arising from these cases.
They provide advice during regulatory investigations and enforcement proceedings, working alongside teams to develop strategies that support a clear and pragmatic approach to the case. When it comes to advocacy, Mountford barristers are robust, persuasive, and fearless in their presentation of the case.
International Law: Mountford Chambers is home to a team of accomplished and experienced international law practitioners who have expertise in representing individuals and organisations in international criminal courts and tribunals. Their work often involves extradition, genocide, crimes against humanity, terrorism and war crimes.
Mountford Chambers’ barrister’s expertise in international law means they are frequently asked to support foreign governments and committees with the development of criminal laws and policies. Work is often legally complex, high-profile and involve multiple interested parties that requires exceptional negotiation and communication skills, as well as tactical approach.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Clerk | Ben Heaviside | benheaviside@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Deputy Senior Clerk | Dean Allen | deanallen@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Clerk | Jordan Wescott | jordanwescott@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Clerk | Lily Reevell | lilyreevell@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Chambers Administrator | Orla O'Sullivan | orlaosullivan@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Head of Chambers | Chris Henley KC (1989) Silk (2015) | chrishenleykc@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Charles Bott KC (1979) Silk (2008) | charlesbottkc@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Nigel Lambert KC (1974) Silk (1999) | nigellambertkc@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Alan Kent KC (1986) Silk (2009) | alankentkc@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Colin Aylott KC (1989) Silk (2017) | colinaylottkc@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Edward Henry KC (1988) Silk (2018) | edwardhenrykc@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Peter Corrigan (1972) | petercorrigan@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Barry Kogan (1973) | berrykogan@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Isabelle Gillard (1980) | isabellegillard@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Simon Molyneux (1986) | simonmolyneux@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Ben Hargreaves (1989) | benhargreaves@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Tony Ventham (1990) | tonyventham@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | William England (1991) | williamengland@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Paul Crampin (1992) | paulcrampin@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Richard Furlong (1994) | richardfurlong@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Alphege Bell (1995) | alphegebell@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Jim Tilbury (1996) | jimtilbury@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Cathy Ryan (1997) | cathyryan@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Matthew Buckland (1998) | matthewbuckland@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Rebecca Upton (1999) | rebeccaupton@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Houzla Rawat (2001) | houzlarawat@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Hugh O’Donoghue (2004) | hughodonoghue@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Door Tenant | Laura Hocknell (2005) | laurahocknell@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Daniel Frier (2005) | danielfrier@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Joe Hingston (2007) | joehingston@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Tom Edwards (2008) | tomedwards@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Sophie Evans (2010) | sophieevans@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Alexandra Scott (2010) | alexandrascott@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Sebastian Winnett (2011) | sebastianwinnett@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Mark Watson (2011) | markwatson@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Stephanie Panchkowry (2011) | stephaniepanchkowry@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Fiona Clegg (2013) | fionaclegg@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Benjamin Brown (2013) | benjaminbrown@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Jim Olphert (2014) | jimolphert@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Laura Paisley (2015) | laurapaisley@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | James Lloyd (2017) | jameslloyd@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Charles Hannaford (2017) | charleshannaford@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Chloe Birch (2018) | chloebirch@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Vanessa Reid (2018) | vanessareid@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Silas Lee (2018) | silaslee@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Anisha Kiri (2020) | anishakiri@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Anthony James (2021) | anthonyjames@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Anna Renou (2022) | annarenou@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Barrister Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | Colin Aylott | Colin Aylott KC is a leading defence silk known for his courtroom… | View Profile |
![]() | Alphege Bell | Alphege Bell is an Oxford University law graduate who rose rapidly through… | View Profile |
![]() | Chloe Birch | A tenacious and charismatic Court room advocate with exceptional client care. Known… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Bott | Charles is a prominent and highly regarded advocate, who specialises in cases… | View Profile |
![]() | Benjamin Brown | Ben is instructed as a led junior and junior alone. He has… | View Profile |
![]() | Matthew Buckland | An advocate described by Criminal Law and Justice Weekly as “masterful” and… | View Profile |
![]() | Fiona Clegg | A persuasive and personable advocate with experience in a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Peter Corrigan | Peter is a leading junior counsel with considerable expertise across a wide… | View Profile |
![]() | Paul Crampin | Paul Crampin is a leading junior and is instructed in a variety… | View Profile |
![]() | Tom Edwards | Tom is instructed in cases of significant seriousness, weight and complexity. Tom… | View Profile |
![]() | William England | William practices in serious organised crime, with particular emphasis on business and… | View Profile |
![]() | Sophie Evans | Sophie has a wealth of experience across the full spectrum of criminal… | View Profile |
![]() | Daniel Frier | Daniel Frier is recommended by both the Legal 500 and Chambers and… | View Profile |
![]() | Richard Furlong | Richard Furlong has a mixed criminal and civil practice. He undertakes mainly… | View Profile |
![]() | Isabelle Gillard | Isabelle is an accomplished barrister whose expertise covers a broad range of… | View Profile |
![]() | Charles Hannaford | Charles is a dedicated criminal defence advocate who is meticulous in his… | View Profile |
![]() | Ben Hargreaves | Ben is a highly skilled and capable criminal law barrister with over… | View Profile |
![]() | Christopher Henley | Chris is one of the busiest criminal silks in the country, highly… | View Profile |
![]() | Edward Henry | A silk of huge intellect, with the ability to deploy it to… | View Profile |
![]() | Joe Hingston | Joe Hingston is a hugely experienced junior criminal law barrister. In recent… | View Profile |
![]() | Anthony James | A no-nonsense advocate with an eye for technical legal arguments, Anthony’s spirited… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Kent | Alan Kent KC is the Head of Crime and Head of Pupillage… | View Profile |
![]() | Alan Kent KC | Alan Kent KC is the Head of Crime and Head of Pupillage… | View Profile |
![]() | Anisha Kiri | Anisha is a charming advocate who relentlessly fights for her clients. She… | View Profile |
![]() | Barry Kogan | Barry has a great courtroom presence, real charm, and an enviable record… | View Profile |
![]() | Nigel Lambert | Nigel is the former Head of Carmelite Chambers. A Criminal Defence specialist… | View Profile |
![]() | Silas Lee | Silas is a robust advocate who approaches each of his cases with… | View Profile |
![]() | James Lloyd | James accepts instructions in all of Chambers’ areas of practice, with particular… | View Profile |
![]() | Simon Molyneux | Vast experience, exceptional personal rapport with clients, meticulous preparation combined with razor… | View Profile |
![]() | Hugh O'Donoghue | Hugh O’Donoghue concentrates on a strong commercial and chancery practice. He projects… | View Profile |
![]() | Jim Olphert | Jim has a broad practice across several of Chambers’ key practice areas.… | View Profile |
![]() | Laura Paisley | Laura has developed an impressive criminal defence practice, and is regularly instructed… | View Profile |
![]() | Stephanie Panchkowry | Stephanie is a fierce, engaging and passionate advocate. Stephanie is renowned for… | View Profile |
![]() | Houzla Rawat | An exemplary junior barrister who is consistently instructed in challenging and complex… | View Profile |
![]() | Vanessa Reid | Vanessa specialises in criminal defence and regulatory law. She has secured successful… | View Profile |
![]() | Anna Renou | Anna is an experienced advocate who specialises in criminal law. She has… | View Profile |
![]() | Cathy Ryan | Highly experienced defence counsel with particular expertise in serious sexual offences and… | View Profile |
![]() | Alexandra Scott | Alexandra is an incisive, engaging and persuasive advocate. Specialising in criminal defence,… | View Profile |
![]() | Jim Tilbury | Praised by clients as being “a rare talent” and “a joy to… | View Profile |
![]() | Rebecca Upton | Rebecca practises in the Crown Courts of the South East of England… | View Profile |
![]() | Tony Ventham | Tony came to the Bar after spending twelve years as a front-line… | View Profile |
![]() | Mark Watson | Mark’s practice is divided into business crime, general crime, and regulatory proceedings.… | View Profile |
![]() | Sebastian Winnett | Sebastian has a busy practice in serious fraud and is frequently instructed… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Clerks : 4 Administrator : 1Languages
English GermanDiversity
Mountford Chambers is committed to equal treatment and diversity.
It is Chambers policy to ensure that no member of Chambers, pupil, employee, contractor or user of our services receives less favourable treatment on the grounds of age, race colour, ethnic or national origin, nationality / citizenship, social background, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, HIV/AIDS status, religious or political persuasion, whether by way of direct or indirect discrimination, harassment or victimisation.
Chambers has an active Equality and Diversity Committee, which comprises of eight members of Chambers (barristers) and one member of staff who are responsible for delivering the Equality and Diversity policies and procedures.
Initiatives include a podcast series which includes an episode for budding pupils with an emphasis on encouraging applicants from diverse backgrounds. Chambers also take on one Pupil each year as part of their involvement with the Bermuda Bar Association.
Mountford Chambers are also actively involved in external equality and diversity initiatives including Bridging the Bar which aims to make the bar accessible to everyone regardless of race sex, class or other characteristics and the 10,000 Black Interns Scheme which aims to create opportunities for underrepresented talent.
Chambers acknowledge that there are significant gaps in the provision of legal representation and are keen to promote initiatives which provide access to justice. Members works closely with a number of non-profit organisations to provide advocacy and advice, including APPEAL, Advocate (formerly the Bar Pro Bono Unit) and Reprieve. Annually, we participate in the London Legal Walk, which raises awareness and funds for charities that provide life changing legal advice to those in need of legal representation that is beyond their means.
We also contribute to the important work of local grassroots charities in our communities, from the Citizens Advice Bureau to law clinics and drop-in centres.
Members have also contributed to discussions about the impact of the criminal justice system on marginalised groups, including women offenders, youth offenders and offenders who have experienced a traumatic brain injury (TBI).