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 2
Mountford Chambers, ‘fast becoming one of the most highly regarded criminal sets’, offers considerable strength in depth. Christopher Henley KC is ‘a great strategist and a first class advocate’ who is well known for his experience in gang-related murder trials; he has also recently defended a young man charged with various terrorism offences, having been said to have possessed and distributed a large volume of terrorist propaganda. Alexandra Scott has a ‘great court presence‘ and is known for her skill in handling offences arising out of organised crime groups.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Benjamin Heaviside is a senior clerk who listens, communicates well and makes himself available.’
‘Dean Allen is well organised and has good communication skills.’
‘Ben Heaviside is a brilliant asset – good on fees and easy to approach.’
‘The clerks’ room is run with skill and efficiency. The clerks are very strong at making the diary of counsel works to meet the needs of solicitors and clients. Ben Heaviside has raised the level of performance in the clerking room to one of outstanding.’
‘Mountford Chambers has an exceptional standard of junior counsel. There is no weak link within chambers.’
‘Mountford is fast becoming one of the most highly regarded criminal sets, with its members appearing consistently in the most serious and high profile cases.’
‘Mountford Chambers is a great criminal defence set. What makes Mountford special is the people: everyone is super friendly, approachable and an expert in their field.’
‘This set of chambers has completed a very successful rebrand and is on the way to being one of the top criminal sets in London with a very strong and deep bench of specialist criminal barristers.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Fraud: crime Tier 3
Mountford Chambers hosts a ‘fine mix of some of the best barristers in London’ and is fast gaining a strong reputation for its fraud offering. Colin Aylott KC acted for the defence in a case involving two directors of peer-to-peer lending platform Collateral (UK) Limited, who are alleged to have fraudulently claimed to investors that the platform was regulated by the FCA – the two brothers received sentences totalling eight years. Alexandra Scott, ‘a thoughtful, clear and concise advocate’, has considerable experience in relation to a variety of fraud, money laundering and trading standards offences.Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The clerks’ room is a well-oiled machine. Ben Heaviside, Dean Allen, Jordan Wescott, Nathan Warren and Orla O’Sullivan are readily available to deal with any enquiries and provide support where needed. They are happy to arrange conferences at chambers and offer impeccable client care.’
‘Mountford is gaining in strength.’
‘Mountford Chambers is an extremely skilled set. They offer impeccable service and a group of counsel who are intelligent and legally astute. They are always on hand to offer assistance and are proactive in their approach with the courts.’
‘Mountford offers fine quality and mix of some of the best barristers in London.’
‘The clerks offer an exceptional service.’
‘The clerks are helpful, cooperative and professional in all that they do.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
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 focused 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 and 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 practice 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 and 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 | Nathan Warren | nathanwarren@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Junior Clerk | James O'Toole | jamesotoole@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 | Bozzie Sheffi (1991) | bozziesheffi@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Paul Crampin (1992) | paulcrampin@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Paul Mylvaganam (1993) | paulmylvaganam@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 | 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 | Zayd Ahmed (2018) | zaydahmed@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Shekyena Marcelle-Brown (2019) | shekyenamarcelle-brown@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Anisa Kiri (2020) | anishakiri@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Laurence Harris (2020) | laurenceharris@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Members of Chambers | Joseph Sinclair (2020) | josephsinclair@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Grace Khaile (2020) | gracekhaile@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Anthony James (2021) | anthonyjames@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Christina Courquin (2021) | christinacourquin@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Rachel Pain (2021) | rachelpain@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Chloe Lennon (2022) | chloelennon@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Anna Renou (2022) | annarenou@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Member of Chambers | Luna Spade (2022) | lunaspada@mountfordchambers.com | 0207 936 6300 |
Meet The Clerk(s)
Barrister Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Zayd Ahmed | Zayd is a criminal and extradition barrister who represents both children and adults… | View Profile | |
Colin Aylott KC | 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 KC | 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 | |
Christina Courquin | Christina is developing a reputation for her eloquence in both her written… | 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 | |
Laurence Harris | Laurence has a thriving practice in the Crown Court, and has represented… | View Profile | |
Christopher Henley KC | Chris is one of the busiest criminal silks in the country, highly… | View Profile | |
Edward Henry KC | 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 KC | Alan Kent KC is the Head of Crime and Head of Pupillage… | View Profile | |
Grace Khaile | Grace joins Chambers as a probationary tenant having undertaken pupillage at another… | 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 KC | 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 | |
Shekyena Marcelle-Brown | Shekyena specialises in Criminal law and Professional Discipline. She regularly defends a… | 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 | |
Rachel Pain | Rachel specialises in criminal defence work. She has a busy practice in… | 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 | |
Alexandra Scott | Alexandra is an incisive, engaging and persuasive advocate. Specialising in criminal defence,… | View Profile | |
Bozzie Sheffi | With over 30 years of experience, Bozzie has gained a strong reputation… | View Profile | |
Joseph Sinclair | Joseph is developing a busy practice in all areas of Chambers’ work… | View Profile | |
Luna Spada | Luna is a barrister specialising in criminal defence work. Before joining Mountford,… | 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 : 5 Administrator : 1Languages
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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).