Set Profile > 25 Bedford Row > London, England

25 Bedford Row Offices

Chambers of P Mendelle QC, G Carter-Stephenson QC & J Dein QC
25 Bedford Row
LONDON
WC1R 4HD
England
Visit website 020 7067 1500 020 7067 1507

Living Wage

25 Bedford Row > The Legal 500 Rankings

Crime Tier 1

25 Bedford Row is 'unrivalled as a criminal defence set', housing 'counsel with vast talent' and a track record of handling prominent publicly-funded cases, alongside a range of privately funded matters. In a recent highlight for the set, Diana Ellis QC, Adrian Eissa QC and Lisa Wilson defended a family charged with manslaughter, false imprisonment, and causing the death of a vulnerable adult, who died after being restrained and undergoing an exorcism; the family was acquitted of all charges. In recent chambers news, Melanie Simpson QC was elevated to silk in March 2020.

Leading Silks

George Carter-Stephenson QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is a giant in his field and absolutely second to none. He combines meticulous and detailed preparation (leaving no stone unturned) with an utterly formidable presence in court. Judges listen to and respect him and he has a fantastic rapport with a jury. He is a joy to watch at work. On those rare occasions where it is necessary to stand upon to a judge, George is the person you want in your corner. He is absolutely first class. A leader in his field.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Jeremy Dein QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Uncompromising in his defence of young clients.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Courtenay Griffiths QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He has a magnificent presence in court. He completely commands the courtroom. His closing speech was excellent and set exactly the right tone in what were very challenging proceedings.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Paul Mendelle QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A precise, authoritative silk who is great with difficult clients.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Paul Keleher QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He has a good tactical brain and is devastating in a cut-throat situation.’
Ranked: Tier 2
John Cooper QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is ferocious in court.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Peter Doyle QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A real gentleman of the profession – it is a privilege to watch him at work.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Diana Ellis QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Diana is an excellent advocate and brilliant lawyer. Her potent advocacy is a delight, sounding spontaneous yet honed by rigorous preparation.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Jo Sidhu QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He defends in a range of homicide cases.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Tyrone Smith QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A fearless advocate and beguiling charmer of judges and juries alike.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rudi Fortson QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is exceptional in terms of his attention to detail. He prepares his cases meticulously with great insight into the legal issues in particular. He has great experience and tactical awareness. His expertise with regards to drug cases is second to none and he is a respected authority on the law in this area.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Paul Hynes QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Paul is a courteous and engaging leader who has a brilliant sense of humour. He is an extremely talented and precise advocate with an amazing memory for detail. Paul's cross-examination style is formidable but still extremely jury-friendly.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Adrian Eissa QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Brilliant at spotting needles in haystacks, and his client care skills are spot-on.’
Ranked: Tier 4

2019 Silks

Simon Pentol QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A magician who wins the most difficult cases. Clients love him, jurors love him. He is fearless; a masterful tactician. He cuts straight to the nitty gritty of a case.’

2020 Silks

Melanie Simpson QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A tenacious defender who fights her client's corner passionately. Excellent jury and court operator.’

Leading Juniors

Aisling Byrnes - 25 Bedford Row ‘Aisling is an outstanding advocate who commands the respect of her peers and the attention of the jury. Aisling is able to combine a forensic attention to detail with an easy manner that instils confidence in both professional and lay clients. Aisling's advocacy is delivered in such a way to make it very persuasive to judge and jury alike.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Michael Neofytou - 25 Bedford Row ‘A superb advocate who is always thinking one step ahead; a silk in the making. He is very bright and hard working. As a solicitor, he is a pleasure to work with. He is very attentive to a solicitor's needs and responds in detail to case papers and instructions immediately after he is sent them.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Arlette Piercy - 25 Bedford Row ‘Always well prepared for every case I have briefed her in. She is meticulous at studying the prosecution case and then considering all aspects of defence preparation that can be undertaken before trial. Clients find her very easy to relate to in conference and she has an ability to instil confidence and build up a rapport with clients. In court Miss Piercy is a fearless advocate who is well received by juries for her down to earth manner and ability to use language that they can relate to.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Emma Akuwudike - 25 Bedford Row ‘She has a brilliant analytical mind. She is able to read, digest and they explain to even the most challenged clients serious legal principles and yet, make it seem so simple. She is an excellent advocate who commands any court.at the same time, she is able to empathise with her clients without compromising her very high professional standards.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Carolina Guiloff - 25 Bedford Row ‘A real fighter in court. Caroline does not back down, even in the face of firm questioning from the bench. She has a calm and reassuring bed-side manner that immediate places lay-clients at ease.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Laurie-Anne Power-25 Bedford Row‘Laurie-Anne is a fighter and a true defence advocate. She will fight for your client to the very end. She builds excellent relationships with your clients and they trust her wholeheartedly. Her advocacy is to the point and persuasive. She is a true jury advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 2
Ben Smitten - 25 Bedford Row ‘Mr Smitten provides very detailed and thorough advice, leaving no stone unturned. His work rate is exceptional and he is very impressive with client's building excellent relationships and making them feel very confident. He goes above and beyond to explore every avenue in a case. He is brilliant in cases involving complex arguments and where there is a large volume of prosecution material.’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Wood - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is a rare combination of an excellent lawyer and a persuasive and attractive advocate, who also demonstrates excellent client care and is able to get along with everyone whilst always maintaining independence of position and mind. Clients appreciate his patient and considered approach.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Alex Di Francesco - 25 Bedford Row ‘Excellent advocacy, his legal arguments are extremely persuasive, a very bright mind who is not afraid to challenge the opposition. He has a fighter's spirit.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sebastian Gardiner - 25 Bedford Row ‘Sebastian works incredibly hard and really grasps every detail through his forensic-like approach. He is fantastic with clients who regularly comment on just how happy they are with his ability and manner in dealing with the evidence and their instructions. In court, Sebastian has a way that holds everyone's attention. A very skilful advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Alex Jamieson - 25 Bedford Row ‘He exudes an aura of control through his calm demeanour. His calmness and measured approach, allows him to engage with lay clients at ease, building respect and confidence with them quickly. Lay clients find his "no nonsense", "say it as it is" approach reassuring, as it provides clarity.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Sheryl Nwosu - 25 Bedford Row ‘A very engaging and excellent at forging professional relationships with clients and other lawyers. hard working and is quick to grasp the key points upon which to form a case strategy.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Beth O'Reilly - 25 Bedford Row ‘She is a gifted advocate. Her results speak volumes. She engages extremely well with both the court and its users. She is a barrister in demand primarily because of her clear commitment to each case she takes on. Her preparation is both thorough and methodical. She is extremely hard working. Beth’s ability to communicate in a straight forward fashion commands confidence.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Osman Osman - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is a fighter, who will not give up on his client in any circumstances. He is exceptionally hard-working and fearless in the face of challenge from his opponent or from the bench. He combines this tenacity in court with an easy-going charm and kindness to all out of court.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Matthew Radstone - 25 Bedford Row ‘A young, up-and-coming practitioner on the cusp of very good things. Not scared to take on anyone or any point, clients love his "can-do" attitude.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Rebecca Randall - 25 Bedford Row ‘She is a fierce and determined advocate. Always very well prepared, and a solid courtroom performer. Juries and judges trust her.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Monica Stevenson - 25 Bedford Row ‘She has a fine legal brain. First-class advocate and excellent at attention to detail with case preparation. Very personable with clients. A pleasure to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Helen Valley - 25 Bedford Row ‘Helen is a hugely effective, experienced, assured and able senior junior with an outstanding courtroom manner. She is renowned for her measured approach, calmness under pressure, lightness of touch, thought processes and charm. She has an abundance of patience, politeness and understanding for all those with whom she comes into contact. Helen possesses rare judgment, intuition, knowhow and a first-rate work ethic.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Lisa Wilson - 25 Bedford Row ‘She has a tireless work ethic and sound judgement.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Warwick Aleeson - 25 Bedford Row ‘He has superb analytical abilities which give him an excellent grasp of complex material including telephone and cell data. He can analyse complex documents and evidence and is able to convert them into readily understandable evidence to present before the jury in the support of his client’s case. He has an excellent client manner.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Dominic Thomas - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is a consummate trial advocate possessing both charisma and gravitas. Diligent, charming and easy to work with.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Fraud: crime Tier 1

Defence-only chambers 25 Bedford Row is 'a superb set with a range of barristers equipped to deal with the most complex fraud and serious crime cases'. Members' workloads include money laundering, VAT and MTIC frauds, as well as boiler room scams. Recent representative instructions include George Carter-Stephenson QC and Nigel Sangster QC acting in the Operation Surging, a money laundering case concerning the diversion of monies through 14 shell companies as well as issues of excise fraud.

Leading Silks

George Carter-Stephenson QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A leader in his field. His work ethic is unrivalled and he achieves success in cases which might at first appear hopeless. He has a friendly manner and always places himself on a level with the lay client never appearing haughty or remote. This ensures a harmonious working relationship within the Defence team at all times.’
Ranked: Tier 1
Peter Doyle QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘In court he is wonderfully persuasive and juries hang onto his every word.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Adrian Eissa QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Very thorough. Comprehensive knowledge of relevant legal principles. Excellent at communicating with the client. He remains positive in the face of even the worst of judicial storms.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Tom Price QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Tom is a natural jury advocate who holds the attention of the court with ease. He is an excellent cross-examiner and knows exactly when to deploy humour with impressive effect. He has an ability to cut through complex evidence with confidence and has a charming professional manner. In short, a first rate advocate.’

Ranked: Tier 3
Nigel Sangster QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Nigel has a powerfully understated presence in court that contrasts brilliantly with those moments when he takes a witness apart or stands up to a judge. Juries really appreciate his manner and the rapport he is able to build with them. He also has a real ability to put a client at their ease and is a calmly reassuring force when dealing with vulnerable clients in particular. A first-rate leader in fraud cases.’
Ranked: Tier 3

2019 Silks

Nicola Howard QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A silk of imperturbable yet firm authority. Nicola has a forensic approach to her work, she is able to anticipate at the outset the likely outcome of the case this is huge asset. She is a fearless advocate in court, she is great at dealing with lay clients and is excellent with her written work. She is also user friendly for solicitors, always available to offer advice.’
Simon Pentol QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A tour de force advocate. He is excellent at delivering complex nuanced points to the jury in a way that they can understand. He is a fearless persuasive advocate. His case preparation is all consuming. He hones in on the key parts of the evidence and doesn't get lost in the menagerie of voluminous case papers.’

2021 Silks

Nathaniel Rudolf QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Mr Rudolf is a most impressive advocate. He is very hard working, and a persuasive, attractive and tenacious advocate. He has a terrific manner in court, and obviously had a very good rapport with his clients.’

Leading Juniors

Geoffrey Payne - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is incredibly hard working. He knows the facts of the case inside out. He has an very calm and unflappable manner in and out of court. He has excellent client care skills. Above all he is super clever and sees and takes every sensible and arguable legal and factual issue. He is also one of the nicest and kindest members of the Bar. He is a fluent advocate and is not afraid to stand up to rudeness from the Bench. He is particularly in his element defending big fraud cases where his eye for detail and work ethic give him such an advantage.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Samantha Riggs - 25 Bedford Row ‘A fighter who works like a Trojan. Sam is a brilliant barrister, had amazing attention to detail, pick a hole in most cases and is not scared to run a legal argument. Her results are top notch, advocacy excellent and she is great with clients.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Osman Osman - 25 Bedford Row ‘Osman is very strong in putting the client first, listening to them and showing empathy and compassion. This breeds trust and confidence. He is determined and fearless in court, showing courage in taking and leading difficult but justified arguments/submissions.’

Ranked: Tier 3
Colin Wells - 25 Bedford Row ‘Colin has an excellent attention to detail and his preparation is second to none.’
Ranked: Tier 3
Robert Shaw - 25 Bedford Row ‘A very diligent and discerning junior. Clever, thoughtful, very hard working, good team player and excellent drafting skills. Has substantial experience of business and white collar crime.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Sonal Dashani - 25 Bedford Row ‘Sonal is excellent at mastering the facts of a case within a short timeframe. Her rigorous analytical ability mean she is skilfully able to distil the core facts of complex fraud cases and both rationally analyse the salient facts and apply them to the task at hand. She is adept at multi-tasking and has no difficulty at all in providing speedy, practical and decisive advice. Her written legal arguments are thorough, persuasive and eloquent.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Alex Jamieson - 25 Bedford Row ‘Alex has the gravitas of someone more senior than his years and his approach to cases is sensible, pragmatic, reasonable and thorough. He meticulously prepares all cases and will run all the possible legal arguments required taking advantage of lapses in procedure to exclude and challenge evidence. He is a class act and someone who can turn his hand to any case. He is popular with clients who find his manner approachable and his willingness to go the extra mile for a client is noteworthy.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Dermot Keating - 25 Bedford Row ‘Mr Keating is brilliant in cases involving huge amounts of prosecution evidence and provides clear advice from the outset of cases so important tactical decisions can be made. He is calm, focused and makes clients feel at ease. He works hard to secure the best result for clients and has an excellent presence when in court.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Environment

Leading Juniors

Samantha Riggs - 25 Bedford Row ‘The leading - and best - junior in this area of practice, she is a superb criminal defence barrister with a deep technical understanding of the waste industry.’
Ranked: Tier 1

Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations) Tier 3

25 Bedford Row has established strength in financial crime cases, and in this space, Nicola Howard QC continues to act in a case concerning the alleged defrauding of $180m from a Russian banking group via fraudulent trades in emerging markets warrants, which spans over 20 jurisdictions. In another example, Nathaniel Rudolf is instructed as leading junior counsel in R v Pagliara, a case concerning allegations of bribery regarding the taking of 'bungs' in professional football.

Leading Silks

George Carter-Stephenson QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A giant in his field and absolutely second to none. He combines meticulous and detailed preparation (leaving no stone unturned) with an utterly formidable presence in court. Judges listen to and respect him and he has a fantastic rapport with a jury. He is a joy to watch at work. His work ethic is unrivalled and he achieves success in cases which might at first appear hopeless.’
Ranked: Tier 1

2019 Silks

Nicola Howard QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Her advice and approach to cases is measured and extremely thorough.’

2021 Silks

Nathaniel Rudolf QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He has a brilliant eye for detail. His knowledge of relevant law and procedural rules is second to none.’

Leading Juniors

Duncan Jones - 25 Bedford Row ‘An unbelievably hard worker with total mastery of the papers. He can see the wood for the trees. Excellent client care skills.’
Ranked: Tier 3

International crime and extradition Tier 3

25 Bedford Row 'has a number of practitioners with special expertise in international criminal law', including 'impressive advocate' David Hooper QC who is representing Augustin Ngirabatware (the former Minister of Planning in Rwanda) in a trial relating to alleged interference with protected witnesses and contempt during an appeal concerning the client's convictions for involvement in the 1994 Rwandan genocide. Also of note, Diana Ellis QC is highlighted for her 'knowledge of practice and procedure in international tribunals is second to none', while Sam Blom-Cooper is 'an excellent, original-thinking lawyer and a highly persuasive advocate'.

Leading Silks

Diana Ellis QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘She is an excellent advocate and brilliant lawyer. She is master of all the material in the cases in which she is instructed. Her knowledge of practice and procedure in international tribunals is second to none.’
Ranked: Tier 2
Courtenay Griffiths QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘His persuasiveness emanates around the whole courtroom.’
Ranked: Tier 2
David Hooper QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘David has considerable knowledge and expertise in the field of international crime and has been involved in a number of ground-breaking cases. He is an impressive advocate with a charming and persuasive style which is reflected in the results he achieves. He brings an originality of approach to his cases and works tirelessly in the interests of his clients.’
Ranked: Tier 2

Leading Juniors

Sam Blom-Cooper - 25 Bedford Row ‘Sam is an extremely talented advocate. He is highly intelligent, diligent and meticulous in his preparation of cases. He demonstrates a commanding knowledge of each case. He is an excellent, original-thinking lawyer and a highly persuasive advocate who brings charm to his work. His judgement and tactics are good. He has the ability to deal with complex material and to identify the important issues in a case.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Civil liberties and human rights (including actions against the police)

Leading Silks

John Cooper QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘A skilled advocate.’
Ranked: Tier 4
Diana Ellis QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘Tenacious and has vast knowledge on international criminal law.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors

Joanna Evans - 25 Bedford Row ‘A highly intelligent and extremely talented lawyer. She is meticulous in her preparation of cases and has a commanding knowledge of each case.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Proceeds of crime (POCA) and asset forfeiture

2021 Silks

Nathaniel Rudolf QC - 25 Bedford Row ‘He has a brilliant eye for detail.’

Leading Juniors

Geoffrey Payne - 25 Bedford Row ‘Meticulous and unflappable, with excellent client care skills.’
Ranked: Tier 3

Professional disciplinary and regulatory law

Leading Juniors

Alex Jamieson - 25 Bedford Row ‘Alex is a superb barrister. Impressive beyond his years, clever and with excellent judgement, he brings the skills of his criminal practice to this area.’
Ranked: Tier 3
David Wood - 25 Bedford Row ‘He is tenacious and compassionate in equal measure.’
Ranked: Tier 4

Set overviews: England and Wales

25 Bedford Row is a leading crime and regulatory set with a stellar reputation. In recent news, Melanie Simpson QC has been appointed Queen’s Counsel and Warwick Aleeson has joined chambers from 187 Fleet Street. Also of note, Jo Sidhu QC has been elected vice-chair of the Criminal Bar Association, effective from 1 September 2020; Dermot Keating has been appointed senior chair of the Health Service Products (Pricing, Cost Control and Information) Appeals Tribunal.

Clerks:

Guy Williams (Director of Clerking); Emma Makepeace (Deputy Director of Clerking); Alfie Lee (Senior Practice Clerk); Charles Gardner (Practice Clerk); Gemma McGee (Junior Practice Clerk)

Testimonials

Clerks:

Emma Makepeace is an incredible, tenacious and exceptional force in chambers. Alfie Lee is exceptional.

Guy Williams, Alfie Lee and Emma Makepeace head up the clerks’ room with great efficiency and skill and are always approachable, understanding and accommodating to the needs of their lay and professional clients.

Guy Williams, Emma Makepeace and Alfie Lee are a class clerking act. The clerks room is friendly, efficient and knowledgeable. They are a real credit to chambers and I consider the clerks team to be on a par with the best clerks in London.

Outstanding. What makes the clerks’ room work so well at 25BR is the division of labour between Guy Williams, Emma Makepeace and Alfie Lee – they are all excellent, and have attributes which complement each other very successfully.

Alfie Lee is particularly impressive in the manner in which he assist in the day-to-day running of chambers and in the management and development of client relationships. He is extremely reliable and goes that extra mile should the need ever arise.

The clerking team, led by Guy Williams is second to none. All of the clerks go out of there way to ensure that instructing chambers is smooth and goes without issue. The ‘out of hours service’ provided is also exceptional and a member of the clerking teams can be contacted 24/7 in the event of an emergency.

The clerks are completely on the ball. They simply understand what a solicitor wants from a set of chambers. They guarantee exceptional service in terms of the Counsel that they are able to offer, and the service that they, as a Chambers, should offer over and above that. Alfie Lee is a superstar clerk in the making.

The clerks offer an excellent service and when issues do arise the contact is timely and realistic with a solution to the problem already on hand. Very impressive clerking team.

The clerks room are the backbone of chambers. They are without doubt second-to-none. They never let you down, are always your back-up. I would be lost without them. Alfie Lee is definitely a rising star.

Guy Williams is the consummate professional, always willing to assist and commands the utmost respect.

Set:

25 Bedford Row are a superb set with a range of barristers equipped to deal with the most complex fraud and serious crime cases.

25 Bedford Row are, in my humble opinion, the best criminal set in London. They have an amazing array of barristers, all of whom are of the highest standard. You are guaranteed excellent client service and legal representation if you instruct 25 Bedford row.

25 Bedford Row from top to bottom has talented counsel. They are committed to the highest standards of professionalism and fearless in representing those who are accused of wrongdoing in a criminal or regulatory environment.

25 Bedford Row is the number one criminal set. Their breadth of know knowledge, expertise and skill is undeniably untouchable by any other set in the country.

25 Bedford Row remain my prime set of chambers. The set comprises counsel with vast talent yet all are approachable and give 100% to every case. They are active in wider legal debate, provide an excellent training programme for solicitors and have real quality throughout.

25 Bedford Row’s strength in depth, quality and expertise is second-to-none. They are unreservedly the number one criminal set in the country.

Chambers have demonstrated their ability to provide counsel in a range of cases across the country. Every barrister instructed has a meticulous approach and provides thorough and detailed advice at every stage of a case. Counsel are all highly professional and skilled.

In my opinion, they are unrivalled as a Criminal Defence set of chambers. From pupils to QCs, the standard is very high. A testament to chambers.

It is a confident, well run set with many excellent barristers. The clerks are available and easy to communicate with.

25 Bedford Row > Set Profile

Awarded Client Services Set of the Year 2018 by Chambers UK, 25 Bedford Row is an innovative set which specialises in every aspect of modern defence advocacy, acting in the very highest profile cases. Chambers is consistently assessed as a centre of excellence.

The Set: 25 Bedford Row is widely recognised as the leading defence chambers in its core practice areas, due to its client-focused, high-quality service. Its reputation for excellence is best demonstrated by involvement in almost every recent major criminal trial, whether in fraud, organised crime or murder. Chambers are renowned heavy-weight defenders in all aspects of financial and white-collar crime. Members frequently defend large-scale prosecutions brought by the FCA, SFO and NCA. Advice is provided at every stage including pre-charge, post-charge and investigation. Chambers’ criminal expertise includes quasi civil-crime such as POCA proceedings, high-value restraint proceedings, data protection law, the legality of search warrants, costs law, civil actions and civil liberties (including actions against the police) and all aspects of regulatory law (including professional disciplinary and environmental law). The excellence extends to the high quality of its Clerks’ room and staff team who have a justified reputation for their knowledge, efficiency and integrity.

Areas of Expertise:

Criminal: Experts in defending serious crime, including homicide, organised crime, drug trafficking, money laundering, terrorism and extreme sexual violence. Several Members of Chambers act for UK nationals facing criminal prosecutions in other jurisdictions. Chambers’ private client specialists are renowned for their success in ‘reputational management’ and their ability to mitigate the impact of criminal charges on clients’ careers and personal lives.

Fraud and Financial Litigation: Specialists in defending individuals and corporations against allegations of business crime and fraud, including cross-jurisdictional proceedings. Representation is provided at every stage in both the criminal and civil aspects of this discipline from the preliminary stages, including restraint, right through to appeal, confiscation and civil recovery/injunction. Chambers offers specific advice on regulatory compliance, risk management and corporate governance/training.

Professional Disciplinary and Regulatory: Members regularly defend individuals appearing before professional bodies, disciplinary tribunals and regulatory authorities. Our clients include healthcare professionals, solicitors, police officers, accountants, sports players and sports organisations. Chambers practice in all aspects of contentious regulatory work acting for employees, directors and companies.

Environmental Law and Health & Safety: Experienced in health and safety investigations and prosecutions, acting in respect of allegations of corporate manslaughter and other prosecutions where serious injury has been caused. Experts advise and appear in relation to the full spectrum of environmental law, including waste management offences.

Civil Liberties and Human Rights: As a ‘defence only’ set, protecting civil liberties is a fundamental cornerstone of Chambers’ ethos. Members have extensive experience acting for persons facing human rights infringements including actions against the police and public authorities, extradition law, international law, mental health, prisoners’ rights, inquests, public inquiries and public and administrative law. Chambers is routinely instructed in significant public inquiries, judicial review and appellate cases and challenges to public body decisions.

International Work: Chambers works at the forefront of international criminal law. Its work includes defending war crimes (often in international war tribunals) and other human rights abuses, defending the extradition of high-profile individuals, defending offences against states including espionage and terrorism and defending overseas freezing and forfeiture orders. Chambers acts and advises in all aspects of international criminal law (including human rights breaches) and regularly acts for individuals, governmental organisations and NGOs in a wide range of jurisdictions.

Main Contacts

Department Name Email Telephone
Director of Clerking Guy Williams
Deputy Director of Clerking Emma Makepeace
Senior Practice Clerk Alfie Lee
Practice Clerk Charles Gardner
Junior Practice Clerk Gemma McGee
Fees Clerk David Kirton
Administration Manager Varuna Askoolum
Member of Chambers CARTER-STEPHENSON QC, George (1975) (QC 1998)
Member of Chambers MENDELLE QC, Paul (1981) (QC 2006)
Member of Chambers DEIN QC, Jeremy (1982) (QC 2003)
Member of Chambers SANGSTER QC, Nigel (1976) (QC 1998)
Member of Chambers GRIFFITHS QC, Courtenay (1980) (QC 1998)
Member of Chambers ELLIS QC, Diana (1978) (QC 2001)
Member of Chambers DOYLE QC, Peter (1975) (QC 2002)
Member of Chambers KELEHER QC, Paul (1980) (QC 2009)
Member of Chambers HOOPER QC, David (1971) (QC 2010)
Member of Chambers FORTSON QC, Rudi (1976) (QC 2010)
Member of Chambers COOPER QC, John (1983) (QC 2010)
Member of Chambers PRICE QC, Tom (1985) (QC 2010)
Member of Chambers HYNES QC, Paul (1987) (QC 2010)
Member of Chambers SIDHU QC, Jo (1993) (QC 2012)
Member of Chambers SMITH QC, Tyrone (1994) (QC 2014)
Member of Chambers EISSA QC, Adrian (1988) (QC 2018)
Member of Chambers PENTOL QC, Simon (1982) (QC 2019)
Member of Chambers HOWARD QC, Nicola (1995) (QC 2019)
Member of Chambers SIMPSON QC, Melanie (1998) (QC 2020)
Member of Chambers RUDOLF, Nathaniel (1996) (QC 2021)
Member of Chambers MITCHELL, Jonathan (1974)
Member of Chambers BEYTS, Chester (1978)
Member of Chambers WELLS, Colin (1987)
Member of Chambers VALLEY, Helen (1990)
Member of Chambers PIERCY, Arlette (1990)
Member of Chambers AKUWUDIKE, Emma (1992)
Member of Chambers POTTER, Harry (1993)
Member of Chambers ALEESON, Warwick (1994)
Member of Chambers BYRNES, Aisling (1994)
Member of Chambers OSMAN, Osman (1995)
Member of Chambers GUILOFF, Carolina (1996)
Member of Chambers RIGGS, Samantha (1996)
Member of Chambers MURRAY, Daniel (1996)
Member of Chambers GARDINER, Sebastian (1997)
Member of Chambers KEATING, Dermot (1997)
Member of Chambers STEVENS, Mark (1998)
Member of Chambers GRAINGER, Alistair (1998)
Member of Chambers THOMAS, Dominic (1998)
Member of Chambers NEOFYTOU, Michael (1999)
Member of Chambers O'REILLY, Beth (1999)
Member of Chambers SMITTEN, Ben (1999)
Member of Chambers POWER, Laurie-Anne (2000)
Member of Chambers NWOSU, Sheryl (2000)
Member of Chambers PAYNE, Geoffrey (2000)
Member of Chambers GOMULKA, Michael (2002)
Member of Chambers DASHANI, Sonal (2002)
Member of Chambers STEVENSON, Monica (2004)
Member of Chambers LAZARUS, Paul (2017) Higher Rights (2005)
Member of Chambers RADSTONE, Matthew (2005)
Member of Chambers RANDALL, Rebecca (2005)
Member of Chambers BLOM-COOPER, Sam (2006)
Member of Chambers WILSON, Lisa (2006)
Member of Chambers JAMIESON, Alex (2007)
Member of Chambers MALHOTRA, Priya (2007)
Member of Chambers WOOD, David (2007)
Member of Chambers DI FRANCESCO, Alex (2008)
Member of Chambers SHAW, Robert (2008)
Member of Chambers KUMAR, Sushil (2009)
Member of Chambers STUART-SMITH, Emma (2009)
Member of Chambers JOHNSON, Abimbola (2011)
Member of Chambers DICKSON, Henry (2012)
Member of Chambers JONES, Duncan (2012)
Member of Chambers LYNCH, Leon (2012)
Member of Chambers COLLIER, Laura (2013)
Member of Chambers FLAVIN, Tom (2013)
Member of Chambers LLOYD-OWEN, Natasha (2013)
Member of Chambers ROWAN, Kerrie-Ann (2015), New York Bar (2013)
Member of Chambers LEWIS, Joy (2014)
Member of Chambers MURPHY, Nick (2015)
Member of Chambers SMITH, Tobias (2016)
Member of Chambers DURRANDS, William (2016)
Member of Chambers GABER, Chantel (2017)
Member of Chambers WASZKEWITZ, Lady-Gene (2018)
Member of Chambers MEZOUGHI, Leila-Zoe (2019)
Fixed Term Tenant RIVETT, Justin (1988)
Fixed Term Tenant WILLS, George (2013)
Fixed Term Tenant SHARMA, Vaneeta (2016)
Fixed Term Tenant EDWARDS, Hannah (2016)

Barrister Profiles

Photo Name Position Profile
Emma Akuwudike photo Emma Akuwudike Emma has extensive experience in a wide range of  criminal offences of… View Profile
Mr Warwick Aleeson photo Mr Warwick Aleeson Warwick Aleeson is a defence specialist with, a wide range of experience… View Profile
Chester Beyts photo Chester Beyts Exclusively criminal defence practice including the most serious offences. Leading in both… View Profile
Sam Blom-Cooper photo Sam Blom-Cooper All areas of criminal defence including Serious Violence, Sex Offences, Dishonesty and… View Profile
Aisling Byrnes photo Aisling Byrnes Highly experienced leading junior counsel with expertise in serious and complex criminal… View Profile
George Carter-Stephenson photo George Carter-Stephenson Highly sought after specialist defence silk with a varied and wide-ranging practice… View Profile
Laura Collier photo Laura Collier Laura’s practice is exclusively in criminal defence work and associated areas; including… View Profile
John Cooper photo John Cooper Specialist in serious criminal law, fraud and regulation. A significant practice in… View Profile
Sonal Dashani photo Sonal Dashani Sonal is regularly instructed in a wide range of criminal defence work.… View Profile
Jeremy Dein photo Jeremy Dein Huge experience in defending the gravest, most serious, complex and high-profile cases.… View Profile
Alex Di Francesco photo Alex Di Francesco   Alex is a leading criminal junior who has defended those accused… View Profile
Henry Dickson photo Henry Dickson Henry practises in all areas of criminal defence and has extensive advocacy… View Profile
Peter Doyle photo Peter Doyle An immensely experienced criminal defence practitioner instructed across a range of offences… View Profile
Will Durrands photo Will Durrands Experience in all areas of criminal law, extradition, regulatory (particularly those involving… View Profile
Hannah Edwards  photo Hannah Edwards  Hannah has been praised for her thorough preparation, attention to detail and… View Profile
Adrian Eissa photo Adrian Eissa Adrian enjoys a diverse practice which consists principally of the following areas:… View Profile
Diana Ellis photo Diana Ellis Hugely  experienced and committed criminal defence barrister with a substantial criminal domestic… View Profile
Tom Flavin photo Tom Flavin Tom’s practice involves work across all areas of criminal defence, in particular… View Profile
Rudi Fortson photo Rudi Fortson Rudi Fortson QC is noted for his work in relation to serious… View Profile
Chantel Gaber photo Chantel Gaber Chantel is a criminal defence specialist and a passionate, committed advocate, with… View Profile
Sebastian Gardiner photo Sebastian Gardiner Practises as both leading junior and junior counsel in all aspects of… View Profile
Lady Gene-Waszkewitz photo Lady Gene-Waszkewitz In April 2021, Lady-Gené became a Member of Chambers following the successful… View Profile
Michael Gomulka photo Michael Gomulka Criminal defence, including murder, manslaughter, organised crime, drug trafficking, sexual violence (including… View Profile
Alistair Granger photo Alistair Granger Alistair defends at the highest levels to include murder, attempted murder, manslaughter,… View Profile
James Gray photo James Gray James Gray is a dedicated criminal advocate known for his commitment to… View Profile
Courtenay Griffiths photo Courtenay Griffiths Courtenay Griffiths QC has been involved in some of the most high-profile… View Profile
Carolina Guiloff photo Carolina Guiloff Criminal Defence specialist, instructed  in serious and organised crime cases, including drugs… View Profile
David Hooper photo David Hooper International Criminal/Humanitarian law before international criminal tribunals. Currently appearing as defence counsel… View Profile
Nicola Howard photo Nicola Howard Counsel instructed on behalf of corporates and individuals to provide specialist strategic… View Profile
Paul Hynes photo Paul Hynes Criminal, financial and regulatory defence and advice. Has a broad practice often… View Profile
Alex Jamieson photo Alex Jamieson Recognised as a leading junior barristers in three separate areas of specialism:… View Profile
Abimbola Johnson photo Abimbola Johnson Winner of the 2018 Diversity Legal Awards Rising Star (Chambers) category and… View Profile
Duncan Jones photo Duncan Jones Duncan Jones specialises in defence advice and advocacy in all areas of… View Profile
Dermot Keating photo Dermot Keating Recognised in ‘The Legal 500’ for a number of years as a… View Profile
Paul Keleher photo Paul Keleher Paul Keleher is regularly instructed in cases of murder and is also… View Profile
Sushil Kumar photo Sushil Kumar Sushil acts as a junior alone or as a led junior, with… View Profile
Paul Lazarus photo Paul Lazarus Paul is a well known and experienced jury trial advocate who practices… View Profile
Joy Lewis photo Joy Lewis Joy practices in all areas of criminal defence work, including violent crime,… View Profile
Natasha Lloyd-Owen photo Natasha Lloyd-Owen Natasha practises in all areas of criminal defence and associated areas of… View Profile
Leon Lynch photo Leon Lynch Leon is a  versatile and a dedicated criminal defence advocate whose client… View Profile
Priya Malhotra photo Priya Malhotra Priya is currently instructed as junior counsel on the Grenfell Tower Inquiry… View Profile
Paul Mendelle photo Paul Mendelle Called to Bar after successful career in city. Building on a mixed… View Profile
Leila-Zoe Mezoughi photo Leila-Zoe Mezoughi Leila’s practice involves work across all areas of criminal defence. She has… View Profile
Jonathan Mitchell photo Jonathan Mitchell Leading work in heavy criminal defence trials. Also advises in civil cases,… View Profile
Nick Murphy photo Nick Murphy Nick is a highly-regarded junior practicing in all areas of criminal defence.… View Profile
Daniel Murray photo Daniel Murray Daniel practises in all areas of Serious Crime. He has acted as… View Profile
Michael Neofytou photo Michael Neofytou Michael is a leading specialist criminal defence advocate  and adviser with over… View Profile
Sheryl Nwosu photo Sheryl Nwosu Sheryl is routinely instructed in  a broad spectrum of complex and serious… View Profile
Beth O'Reilly photo Beth O'Reilly Beth is an established advocate with 20 years’ experience of defending in… View Profile
Osman Osman photo Osman Osman Osman is a highly sought after leading junior. He has developed an… View Profile
Geoffrey Payne photo Geoffrey Payne Geoff Payne specialises in defending heavy fraud cases. He has acted in… View Profile
Simon Pentol photo Simon Pentol Simon has been a much sought-after leader for many years in all… View Profile
Arlette Piercy photo Arlette Piercy Exclusively criminal defence work, trial and appellate, particular emphasis on fraud and… View Profile
Harry Potter photo Harry Potter Leading Junior and junior for the defence in all areas of crime,… View Profile
Laurie-Anne Power photo Laurie-Anne Power Laurie-Anne is an experienced leading junior and junior. She has acted on… View Profile
Tom Price photo Tom Price Tom Price continues to defend in all areas of serious crime. He… View Profile
Matthew Radstone photo Matthew Radstone Matthew is instructed in all areas of crime from the most serious… View Profile
Rebecca Randall photo Rebecca Randall All areas of criminal defence including murder, violence, sexual offences, robbery, dishonesty… View Profile
Samantha Riggs photo Samantha Riggs Established leading junior advising and defending corporate and individual defendants in complex… View Profile
Kerrie Ann Rowan photo Kerrie Ann Rowan Kerrie practises in all areas of criminal defence including murder, violence, robbery,… View Profile
Nathaniel Rudolf photo Nathaniel Rudolf Crime, especially defending in serious fraud matters and high value confiscation as… View Profile
Nigel Sangster photo Nigel Sangster One of the most senior QC’s at the criminal bar and practises… View Profile
Vaneeta Sharma photo Vaneeta Sharma Vaneeta has built a strong criminal practice and regularly appears in Crown,… View Profile
Robert Shaw photo Robert Shaw Robert is a specialist criminal and regulatory barrister with extensive advocacy experience.… View Profile
Jo Sidhu photo Jo Sidhu Widely regarded as a ‘superlative’ leading Counsel in serious criminal cases with… View Profile
Melanie Simpson photo Melanie Simpson Melanie is an extremely successful criminal defence barrister who is sought after… View Profile
Tyrone Smith photo Tyrone Smith Highly sought-after specialist defence silk who consistently defends in very serious, substantial… View Profile
Tobias Smith photo Tobias Smith Tobias is a defence specialist covering all aspects of criminal law in… View Profile
Ben Smitten photo Ben Smitten Ben has 20 years’ experience at the highest level of criminal proceedings… View Profile
Mark Stevens photo Mark Stevens Mark is a highly regarded criminal defence specialist. Mark is approachable ,… View Profile
Monica Stevenson photo Monica Stevenson An experienced barrister instructed in a wide range of serious and complex… View Profile
Emma Stuart Smith photo Emma Stuart Smith Emma’s practice encompasses all areas of criminal defence work, focusing particularly upon… View Profile
Dominic Thomas photo Dominic Thomas Dominic is a very highly regarded defence advocate who will roll up… View Profile
Helen Valley photo Helen Valley A Barrister with over 25 years experience defending serious and complex crime,including… View Profile
Colin Wells photo Colin Wells Fraud and regulatory defence work. Advising and representing individuals and companies on… View Profile
George Wills photo George Wills George’s practice focuses on criminal defence and defending regulatory prosecutions. In respect… View Profile
Lisa Wilson photo Lisa Wilson Lisa is a specialist defence practitioner, instructed in cases covering all aspects… View Profile
David Wood photo David Wood .David specialises in criminal and regulatory law and is recognised as a… View Profile

Staff Figures

Clerks : 8
Administration : 2

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DIVERSITY


25 Bedford Row is committed to respecting and understanding the cultural needs of its diverse client base, and is committed to achieving and promoting equality and diversity in the provision of services, recruitment and access to the Bar in general. Chambers provides its services for the general community and not for any discrete client group which might be interpreted as discriminatory.

Within Chambers, we have established an Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. The aim of this Committee is to promote equality and diversity within Chambers and reduce discrimination and unconscious bias. Over the past year, the Committee has overhauled all equality, diversity and inclusion policies to help ensure the achievement of this aim.

25 Bedford Row was shortlisted as an Outstanding Set for Diversity and Inclusion at the UK Bar Awards 2020. Several of our Barristers mentor young people who aspire to have a career at the Bar, and have been individually recognised for their contribution to equality, diversity and inclusion at the Bar.

Jo Sidhu QC was highly commended for his outstanding contribution to diversity and inclusion at the UK Bar Awards 2020.

Laurie-Anne Power has been the Chair of Women in Criminal Law’s Race Equality Committee since its formation in 2020. The aim of this sub-Committee is to unite women of colour, of all backgrounds and races working within criminal law in order to work together in dismantling clear and obvious structural racism and bias which has held women back from progressing. Laurie-Anne was awarded BSN Lawyer of the Year (Chambers) at the UK Diversity Legal Awards 2019.

Abimbola Johnson, shortlisted as a Future Leader: Diversity & Inclusion at the UK Bar Awards 2020, has recently been appointed the Chair of the Independent Scrutiny and Oversight Board of the police’s race strategy developed by Chief Constables in the wake of the Black Lives Matter movement.

Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, we have been unable to host as many mini-pupillages as we would normally. As an alternative, we have held Insight Days which provide an opportunity for those aspiring to become a Barrister to listen to several of our Members (of various years of call) speak about life at the Criminal Bar, what a typical day is like and tips on the pupillage application process. Participants were able to ask our Members questions about these topics. The feedback for our Insight Days has been positive, e.g. “I particularly enjoyed hearing from those who had begun pupillage recently and were able to offer genuine advice around applications and the persistence, which is so important at the beginning of a legal career.”

25 Bedford Row are a proud member of the Pegasus Access and Support Scheme (PASS) as established by the Inner Temple. We were a participant in this year’s Bar Placement Scheme. Both schemes are designed to improve access to the Bar profession for students from under-represented backgrounds.

We are Disability Confident Committed and an accredited London Living Wage employer.

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