Doughty Street Chambers > Bristol, England > Set Profile
Doughty Street Chambers Offices
5th FLOOR, BROAD QUAY HOUSE, PRINCE STREET
BRISTOL
BS1 4DJ
England
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Doughty Street Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Fraud: crime Tier 3
With ‘real strength in depth’, Doughty Street Chambers is ‘a go-to set for financial crime’, defending and prosecuting high-profile cases and major investigations brought by the SFO, FCA and other regulatory bodies. In R v James Stunt & 12 others Richard Fisher KC represents James Stunt, former son-in-law of ex-Formula One mogul Bernie Ecclestone, in a high-profile money-laundering prosecution concerning events which allegedly saw £266m deposited in the account of a gold dealer in Bradford. Peter Caldwell defended a Lebanese businessman, who was the subject of a private prosecution related to fraud, the proceeds of which were alleged to fund his divorce from his wife, who left him for footballer Cesc Fabregas. In another case Benjamin Newton KC defends a woman accused of exaggerating her care needs to receive £700,000 in direct payment from Hertfordshire County Council for over a decade.2023 Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘They have many really good silks and juniors so real strength in depth. They are a go-to set for financial crime.’
‘Very busy set, with great depth and experience at all levels.’
‘Top quality set with some of the brightest in the profession.’
‘Doughty Street is a well-known and high calibre set of chambers.’
Clerking
‘Very efficient, reliable, helpful and always willing to assist.’
London Bar > Administrative law and human rights Tier 3
Doughty Street Chambers is a ‘top-notch’ chambers for claimant lawyers, a set focused on representing individuals and companies in public law cases against the state, particularly cases at the intersection of immigration and public law. This is embodied by Shu Shin Luh , who works on issues relating to nationality including the rights of migrants and victims of trafficking. She recently appeared at the Administrative Court in R (NB and Ors) v Secretary of State for the Home Department, a case concerning the use of the derelict former Napier Barracks site to house vulnerable and destitute asylum seekers. Edward Fitzgerald KC, whose expertise crosses over with criminal matters and is active in human rights matters concerning smaller jurisdictions, appeared before the Privy Council in February 2021 in Day and Bush v The Attorney General of the Cayman Islands , a case concerning the absence of same-sex marriage or civil partnerships in the British Overseas Territory.Leading Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street always remains one of the sets that is claimant focused. They attract many of the brightest and most passionate counsel.’
‘Doughty Street are a top notch chambers filled with stellar brains. They are extremely bright, creative and tenacious.’
‘A fantastic set of barristers.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are approachable, efficient and provide instructing solicitors with everything that one could ask for.’
‘The clerks are very helpful.’
‘The clerks room is efficient and responsive.’
London Bar > Defamation and privacy Tier 3
With a ‘first rate team‘, members of Doughty Street Chambers act in a range of defamation, privacy, and data protection matters, representing media organizations and high-net-worth individuals. In Brake v Guy & Others, Heather Rogers KC led Jonathan Price, representing the claimant in the Court of Appeal case concerning the misuse of private information in relation to personal emails on a work account. In Stocker v Stocker, Claire Overman acted on behalf of the claimant in the Supreme Court, with respect to Facebook posts between ex-spouses, with the court clarifying certain issues in relation to defamatory social media publications. In addition, Jude Bunting KC – who took silk in 2022 – focuses on issues relating to anonymity in criminal proceedings.Rising stars
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Set
‘Doughty Street is a great set and services whatever is required.‘
‘Chambers has experience in this area at every level.‘
‘Doughty Street are beginning to develop a reputation as a ‘player’ in the media litigation field and are also developing their civil practice generally.’
‘Lawyers are of excellent quality.‘
‘Doughty Street has a first rate team. It has increasing strength in depth.‘
Clerking
‘Melvin Warner is a great clerk.‘
London Bar > Employment Tier 3
Doughty Street Chambers‘ ‘employment, discrimination and equality team’s reputation for excellence is well deserved‘. Acting for both claimants and respondents, chambers’ members are particularly well known for their expertise in high-value and complex discrimination and whistleblowing claims. Among the set’s senior-level juniors, David Stephenson is regularly instructed in high-value, multi-day, whistleblowing, discrimination, employment status and holiday pay cases; and Amanda Hart‘s enviable track record includes successfully representing clients in the Employment Tribunal, Employment Appeals Tribunal, and the Court of Appeal. In late 2021, former founding member of chambers, Heather Williams KC, was appointed a High Court Judge to the King's Bench Division.Rising stars
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Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street provides unwavering support to law firms, as well as valuable and specialist training programmes. It has a wide selection of relevant counsel, who can provide the service firms require.‘
‘A go-to set with great strength in its employment counsel, from the very seasoned and experienced, to the more junior but bright.‘
‘Barristers who are always willing to work with clients to find a solution to problems. Acutely alive to the commercial reality of instructing counsel, while the suite of training to clients is second to none, and always very topical and practical.‘
‘The chambers houses some of the most esteemed barristers in the field. It is an essential go-to chambers for issues involving equalities and human rights. ‘
‘Doughty Street’s employment, discrimination and equality team’s reputation for excellence is well deserved. It has strength in depth, and all members share a common ethos and commitment to helping individuals challenge discrimination and other injustices. Furthermore their fees are very reasonable and represent excellent value for money.‘
Clerking
‘All the clerks are most helpful and accommodating.‘
London Bar > Crime Tier 2
Doughty Street Chambers remains ‘a very strong set for criminal defence and international human rights work’, representing clients on high-profile cases involving allegations of murder, terrorism and sexual offences. David Hislop KC successfully defended a man who was tried for murder after disarming and fatally stabbing an ex-paratrooper on cocaine and steroids who abruptly entered the defendant’s bedroom in the early hours of the morning. Tim Moloney KC represented Ronan Hughes, the lead defendant in a highly-publicised manslaughter case involving 39 Vietnamese nationals found dead in a lorry in Kent. Moloney KC also defended a man alleged to be a hitman commissioned by Pakistani intelligence and sent on a mission to the Netherlands to assassinate a dissident blogger.2023 Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street are an impressive set with a number of highly regarded barristers.’
‘Doughty Street are committed to social and access to justice but also have an incredibly bright and committed team from junior to senior and excellent cross over skills in criminal and public law. They also have a very strong extradition team and are exceptional when human rights issues interplay with criminal law and extradition.’
‘A very strong set for criminal defence and international human rights work. Often involved in cutting edge work, and public interest litigation.’
‘Doughty Street has an excellent reputation in the market for its work defending those charged with the most serious offences, especially in cases of terrorism and protestor cases.’
‘Doughty Street Chambers is a strong set and a go-to set for serious general Crime cases. They have a strong set of KCs and are strong in their depth.’
Clerking
‘The senior clerk Matthew Buchard is simply superb.’
London Bar > Immigration (including business immigration) Tier 2
Doughty Street Chambers has a strong and growing immigration team, bolstered over the last year by several arrivals including Shu Shin Luh and Anthony Vaughan. Vaughan acted for the appellant in R (Majera) v SSHD, a case concerning the Home Office's unilateral decision to ignore a tribunal order based on a legal defect. Elsewhere, highly-regarded junior Alasdair Mackenzie led Antonia Benfield on Sri Lanka country guidance case KK & RS (Sur place activities: risk) Sri Lanka CG.2023 Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘Doughty Street is one of the best sets in the UK, with excellent client service.’
‘A brilliant set, which offers unrivalled depth and breadth of expertise.’
‘Very strong in immigration and deportation, and finding good legal challenges to urgent questions.’
‘A great set with many young and experienced barristers who are hardworking and who work to a high standard. They offer great training programmes too.’
‘Doughty Street is one of the leading sets for immigration/asylum law work.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are amazing and run the whole operation like clockwork.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Court of Protection and community care Tier 2
Doughty Street Chambers has an ‘excellent expertise and depth of knowledge in community care and health and welfare Court of Protection matters’. Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC in R (EG) v Secretary of State for Justice and the Parole Board acted for the Official Solicitor in a series of cases concerning prisoners who lacked the capacity to engage in Parole Board proceedings. Mary-Rachel McCabe is also recommended.Rising stars
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Set
‘The chambers has experienced counsel in COP, and always has a choice of advocates.’
‘Chambers offers a wealth of experienced COP counsel. Counsel’s experience is wide ranging, to include academic and research backgrounds which adds real depth to the quality of advice.’
‘Doughty Street Chambers is a very strong set in Court of Protection, civil liberties, human rights and healthcare areas of practice. They have a broad and sympathetic practice, which puts vulnerable clients at the heart of what they do.’
‘Doughty Street Chambers has an excellent community care practice. They have a good range of counsel at the junior end as well as excellent leaders.’
‘Doughty Street has wide range of experienced counsels and they are always available to provide advice even at a short notice.’
‘Doughty Street Chambers is a hugely impressive set. They have so many impressive juniors, and there is always someone on hand to help. They offer great collaboration, training and networking opportunities.’
Clerking
Work highlights
London Bar > Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
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London Bar > Education
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London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
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London Bar > Clinical negligence
London Bar > Product liability
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London Bar > Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
London Bar > Data protection
2022 Silks
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London Bar > Public international law
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Northern Circuit > Employment
Northern Circuit > Immigration
Northern Circuit > Administrative and public law (including civil liberties and human rights)
Northern Circuit > Social housing
Northern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
Leading Juniors
South Eastern Circuit > Commercial litigation
South Eastern Circuit > Employment
London Bar > Police law (claimant) Tier 1
Doughty Street Chambers‘ Nicholas Bowen KC , who handles high-profile cases at first instance and on appeal, is instructed in a case by the former owner of London Fields Brewery, which was said to have been destroyed by HM Revenue and Customs out of revenge for a perceived lenient sentence the business owner received for cocaine trafficking, with it being alleged that the Revenue deliberately misled a judge. Several members of the ‘wide range of experienced counsel’ represent core participants in the ongoing high-profile Undercover Policing Inquiry, including ‘extremely knowledgeable‘ junior Fiona Murphy KC. ‘Strategic‘ barrister Nick Stanage has a strong track record in high profile claims against the police such as two high value High Court claims relating to human rights violations within policing in 2021.2023 Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘There is a wide range of experienced counsel and the chambers is professional.’
‘Doughty Street are one of the best sets undertaking claimant police law work. They have a set of highly committed barristers who have been involved in some of the biggest cases involving the examination of police powers.’
‘Doughty Street is, in my opinion, the leading set in the field with an extraordinarily strong police law practice. It provides excellence.’
Clerking
‘The clerks are always responsive and helpful.’
‘They are approachable, friendly, accommodating and commercial.’
London Bar > Inquests and inquiries Tier 1
Representing ‘the gold standard for its quality of barristers and clerking‘, Doughty Street Chambers is well known for its assistance to bereaved families during significant inquests and public inquiries, while the set is also increasingly instructed as counsel to Inquiries and Inquests. With extensive expertise in inquests, Caoilfhionn Gallagher KC secured the sought-after instruction by Facebook in relation to the Molly Russell inquest, while Maya Sikand KC‘s long history of involvement in public inquiries includes the current Undercover Policing Inquiry. Within the junior pool, the recent experience of Fiona Murphy KC, includes being instructed in the Inquiry into the circumstances of Jermaine Baker’s death during a 2015 Metropolitan Police Service operation. Boosting the set further, public law and human rights expert Jude Bunting KC took silk in 2022.2023 Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘DSC remains the gold standard for its quality of barristers and clerking.‘
‘An excellent set from top to bottom.‘
‘Doughty Street has some of the best barristers doing inquest work. It is particularly good at covering a broad range of inquest work (police, prison, mental health and clinical negligence deaths), and generally has bright and committed barristers doing this work.‘
‘Rightly a top-tier set for inquests, with barristers who are deeply committed to their clients’ interests.‘
‘One of the country’s leading sets for counsel representing families in complex inquests, particularly where state agencies are involved.‘
Clerking
‘The clerks responding quickly to emails, it follows that the communication between the clerks and myself is timely and efficient.‘
London Bar > International crime and extradition Tier 1
Considered a ‘first class set for extradition‘ Doughty Street Chambers’ background in this area includes not only appearing at the various international courts but also helping to set them up. Often defending, set members have been involved in high profile cases relating to allegations of war crimes, cybercrime, and multinational frauds for many years. On the extradition side, ‘legally innovative‘ Edward Fitzgerald KC recemtly represented Julian Assange in United States of America v Assange in 2021, an appeal brought by the United States Government against a district judge’s decision to block Assange’s extradition to the US on grounds of his mental health. Peter Caldwell is one of several members of chambers involved in representing Gabriel Popoviciu, an ultra-high net worth Romanian businessman who was convicted of bribery offences in Romania, in an appeal against extradition in the High Court.Leading Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘First class set for extradition. Strong international connections.’
‘Multi-disciplinary set who have real academics working for them. Every counsel is a true legal mind.’
‘Very strong extradition team with a number of counsel with 10-15 years plus experience.’
Clerking
‘Clerks are very professional.’
‘Very helpful and efficient.’
‘Matt Butchard has a wealth of experience in the profession. Will simply go out of his way to assist you time and time again. Offers real solutions which always work for our clients.’
London Bar > Social housing Tier 1
At Doughty Street Chambers, recent instructions include Zia Nabi representing the claimants in Elkundi & ors v Birmingham City Council, a Court of Appeal case concerning the main housing duty and the question whether the duty to secure suitable accommodation is immediate under Part 7 Housing Act 1996. The case was heard together with R (Imam) v Croydon, in which Sarah Steinhardt represented the claimant in a claim for mandatory relief where the council was in admitted breach of the duty under section s.193(2) Housing Act 1996 and which included a claim in respect of the council’s failure to make reasonable adjustments to its processes under the Equality Act 2010 in light of the claimant’s needs as a disabled person. In June 2022 Lindsay Johnson moved to Cornerstone Barristers.Leading Silks
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Testimonials
Set
‘One of the leading sets for housing law.’
‘Really impressive housing and public law set.’
‘Doughty Street is a key chambers when it comes to housing law, with several committed and knowledgeable barristers.’
‘Good strength in depth. The barristers are among the most committed and high-calibre working in tenant social housing.’
Clerks
‘The clerks are the best. They always try and find the right barrister for the case.’
Diversity
At Doughty Street Chambers, diversity is welcomed, celebrated, essential. We aim to stifle the myth that there is an acceptable way to look, talk or act to be a member of the Bar.
A commitment to promoting human rights and equality has always been part of our ethos. Securing equality, diversity and inclusion is one our five key values.
Diversity at the Bar is a driver of excellence. It is necessary to improve public confidence in the justice system: legal representatives need to reflect the society we live in. We also know that diversity is not just a fad, nor is it merely a ‘numbers’ game.
Our policies and culture play a vital role in ensuring we build an inclusive environment where all our people can grow and flourish. To achieve this, Doughty Street takes a systematic approach, with bold action on diversity and inclusion. We have a clear, innovative, impactful and joined-up diversity and inclusion strategy across Chambers that reflects our values and needs.
Our Equality, Diversity, Wellbeing and Inclusion Strategy Committee co-ordinates the initiatives of all diversity groups within chambers through a dynamic action plan for chambers towards achieving its diversity and inclusion goals. Doughty Street ensures there is cross representation of diversity across all governing committees within Chambers, as represented in all KPI data.
Doughty Street promotes diversity-targeted initiatives via partnerships and chambers diversity groups which cover all EDI aspects of Chambers life, including: Anti-Racist Pledges, OUTy Street LGTB+ group, #DoughtyStWomen, Fair Allocation of Work, Wellbeing, Neurodiversity in Law, Disabled Lawyers Network, City Disabilities (we are a Disability Confident Employer), The Sutton Trust Pathways to Law Programme, The Bar Council, Diversity Working Group, Bridging the Bar, 10,000 Black Intern Scheme, PASS (Inner Temple) and Urban Synergy. We hold selected inclusive events such as Holocaust Memorial Day, International Justice Day, and the International Women’s Day conference.
Our website clearly showcases Doughty Street’s commitment to securing equality, diversity and inclusion, and our Diversity-specific page demonstrates best practice throughout for the legal profession with regard to this agenda.
We are committed to promoting careers in the law to those from under-represented and disadvantaged backgrounds. Our outreach initiatives page details more information about this, together with Chambers’ E&D Policy and Chambers’ Bullying and Harassment Policy.
Some of the improvements achieved in creating a more diverse and inclusive workplace at Doughty Street Chambers are indicated by diversity data and statistics covering the past 3 years to date, which can be found here
Client Testimonials
CLIENT: Nick Dent, Managing Associate
COMPANY/FIRM: Mishcon de Reya
TESTIMONIAL: Doughty Street Chambers is a leading set of criminal defence barristers renowned for the advocacy skills of its Counsel, from Pupils to Senior QCs. Barristers cover the full spectrum of criminal defence work, from serious crimes to complex white collar investigations. The set is also well known for its international work, commitment to human rights and access to justice. Many of the practitioners are also experts at dealing with public law and judicial review matters arising from criminal cases. Matt Butchard leads an excellent team of hard working and committed clerks, who are personable and conscientious. It is a pleasure working with a team that has such a collegiate approach.
CLIENT: Neal Gozzett
COMPANY/FIRM: Monan Gozzett LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Doughty Street Chambers are a fantastic set of barristers from junior to silk with excellent, around the clock, support from knowledgeable clerks. They are always quick to respond with any queries and offer solutions immediately, fees are always transparent which is important for the client relationship. They also offer an array of services which support our needs from start to finish, I would not hesitate to recommend the set to any other solicitors.
CLIENT: Angela Jackman QC
COMPANY/FIRM: Partner, Irwin Mitchell LLP
TESTIMONIAL: I have instructed Counsel at Doughty Street Chambers (DSC) for well over 10 years and have always been impressed by the consistently high standard of work and outcomes achieved. The clerks are approachable, efficient and flexible. DSC is renowned for its outstanding barristers who regularly lead the way in bringing innovative, cutting-edge cases of wider public interest. DSC’s training and conference programme also sets it apart from other chambers with high profile panels on topical legal issues, delivered in engaging formats with immaculate planning. DSC’s policy and campaign work complements its legal work, to the significant benefit of clients.
CLIENT: Anne-Marie Irwin, Partner
COMPANY/FIRM: Rook Irwin Sweeney
TESTIMONIAL: We have instructed Counsel at Doughty Street for over 10 years; quite simply, they are a first-class set of Chambers. They complement their immense technical expertise with a rare depth of understanding of the wider public interest in cases. Their commitment to their client group is rightly renowned, supported by their clerking team, which is knowledgeable and responsive. We look forward to continuing to work with DSC for many years to come, and would not hesitate to recommend them.
CLIENT: Anita Vasisht
COMPANY/FIRM: Wilson Solicitors LLP
TESTIMONIAL: We are immensely proud of our longstanding and close relationship with Doughty Street’s recently expanded “elite force” immigration team led by the brilliant Joe Middleton and Alasdair Mackenzie. There are so many stars in the team it seems unfair to name individuals: every single counsel is thoroughly committed, supportive, client-focused, extraordinarily able, tenacious and ferocious when it counts. Those with greater experience possess the most in depth legal knowledge as well as the ability to skillfully prosecute cases in the highest courts.
CLIENT: Anna Lees
COMPANY/FIRM: Analysis Legal LLP
TESTIMONIAL: Analysis Legal have been working with Doughty Street for a number of years and they are our “go to” Chambers. The team at Doughty Street offer high quality advice at competitive rates. They offer excellent Clerking via a great team who are helpful and responsive. The Barristers are first class, they are knowledgeable but also commercial and accessible, which is very important to us. They are pragmatic, approachable and down to earth and we can’t speak highly enough about them. We work with them regularly and feel like they are an extension to our team of Employment Lawyers. We work with their junior barristers on certain cases, and know that we will receive high quality, well beyond their level of qualification and we also work with their senior barristers on the more complex claims and know that we will get first class service.
CLIENT: Amirah Ajaz
COMPANY/FIRM: ABV Solicitors
TESTIMONIAL: Doughty Street ticks all the boxes. It is one of the most reputable chamber sets out there. The clerks are super-efficient and work tirelessly to provide a professional and first class service. Doughty Street has a wealth of outstanding Counsel and Queens Counsel who are very well respected within the industry and are highly sought after for their excellence. Their expertise is multi-disciplinary and multi-jurisdictional making them a leading set in the UK.
- Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture
- Education
- Professional disciplinary and regulatory law
- Clinical negligence
- Product liability
- Personal injury, industrial disease and insurance fraud
- Data protection
- Public international law
- Northern Circuit > Employment
- Northern Circuit > Immigration
- Northern Circuit > Administrative and public law (including civil liberties and human rights)
- Northern Circuit > Social housing
- Northern Circuit > Crime (general and fraud)
- South Eastern Circuit > Commercial litigation
- South Eastern Circuit > Employment
- Police law (claimant)
- Inquests and inquiries
- International crime and extradition
- Social housing