QEB Hollis Whiteman > London, England > Set Profile

Chambers of Adrian Darbishire KC and Selva Ramasamy KC
QEB Hollis Whiteman
1-2 LAURENCE POUNTNEY HILL
LONDON
EC4R 0EU
England

Email firm Visit website 020 7933 8855 020 7929 3732

London Bar > Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations) Tier 1

A ‘go-to chambers for all criminal work‘, QEB Hollis Whiteman has a particular focus on complex financial crime, such as bribery, corruption and money laundering, with members of the set frequently acting in cases which involve multiple jurisdictions. In addition to various members both prosecuting and defending in a range of SFO work, Adrian Darbishire KC successfully defended an entrepreneur who was acquitted on charges relating to alleged bribery following the sale of his company to JLL.

Leading Silks

Adrian Darbishire KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Adrian's advocacy is absolutely pitch perfect. Judges and juries alike take note when he's on his feet. He is a master of detail and quickly commands the confidence of professional and lay client.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Mark Ellison KC - QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 2

William Boyce KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Sean Larkin KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Bright and good with clients. Hugely experienced, and is also able to bring the perspective of prosecuting to this area.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Paul Raudnitz KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Paul is an exceptional advocate, and his written submissions are faultless. He is a powerful presence in court, demanding the attention of all.’

Ranked: Tier 3

Crispin Aylett KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Selva Ramasamy KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘He is clearly a very able and intelligent barrister who commands real confidence with clients.’

Ranked: Tier 3

2023 Silks

Ben Fitzgerald KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Intelligent, calm, authoritative and effective. Strategic, thoughtful and easy to work with. A great lawyer with real gravitas – fully deserving of his silk appointment.’

Leading Juniors

Rachna Gokani –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘A superstar white collar fraud junior: Insightful, committed, hard-working, a deep strategic thinker and a delight to work with. Can't praise her enough.’

Ranked: Tier 1

Mark Aldred – QEB Hollis Whitman

Ranked: Tier 2

Jason Mansell –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Jason is superb. He has all the best attributes of a barrister and is client-friendly. He is the go-to barrister for regulatory investigation work which crosses into the criminal sphere.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Tom Doble –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Tom is simply fantastic at getting on top of and handling voluminous and immensely complex material.’

Ranked: Tier 2

Polly Dyer – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Polly's work rate is second to none. She gives very clear and practical advice. She is also a great advocate and is well respected by judges.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Testimonials

‘Sam Window is very helpful and efficient.’

‘David O’Sullivan as a star of the clerks room. He is unflappable, approachable and gets things done. He is exactly the clerk you need in a crisis, and he is a thoroughly nice guy.’

‘Chris Emmings leads a very good clerking team very well.’

‘Chris Emmings and Faye Stimpson are notable; Very nice and helpful.’

‘QEB are one of my go-to chambers for all criminal work.’

‘Strong set with lots of leaders in their fields.’

‘QEB is the top criminal chambers at the moment. Every member from pupils to KCs is highly intelligent, experienced and has the gravitas to instil confidence in clients and solicitors alike. ‘

‘I am always impressed by their strength in depth, at both junior and senior levels.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Crime Tier 1

QEB Hollis Whiteman is widely regarded as one of the leading crime sets in London, regularly involved in heavyweight cases. Edward Brown KC was recently instructed for the prosecution in a case concerning three police officers charged with distributing grossly offensive messages to other officers in a WhatsApp group, one of whose members was Wayne Couzens, who was convicted of the rape and murder of Sarah Everard. Eleanor Laws KC, ‘the doyen of sexual offences law‘, and Orla Daly represented former Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy (who, after the trial, signed for Lorient), who was acquitted on rape charges over two trials. Appearing in the Isle of Man under a temporary advocates licence, Crispin Aylett KC represented a man who was retried for the 2013 murder of his wife’s lover.

Rising stars

Kyan Pucks – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Kyan is extremely bright, incredibly dedicated and professional. She leaves no stone left unturned but also has the ability to see the wider picture. She is also an excellent advocate.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Leading Silks

Eleanor Laws KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Eleanor is at the top of the tree when it comes to sexual offences work. She is a warrior and takes no prisoners. On her feet she is excellent - persuasive, calm, picks up on aspects of the evidence and uses this skillfully in cross-examination. Her closing speeches are excellent.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Zoe Johnson KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Zoe is simply a class act. She has outstanding judgement and is tactically very shrewd. Her written work is always of the very highest standard and her personable manner inspires confidence in clients. Her advocacy and cross-examination is disarming and extremely effective. She is at the very top end of the criminal Bar.’

Ranked: Tier 2

David Jeremy KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘David is a supremely confident advocate, with a great legal brain and an excellent command of his brief. He commands the courtroom in every way. He is a strong character who is fearless in the defence of his clients.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Crispin Aylett KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 2

Tom Kark KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Tom is calm and measured in his approach to oral advocacy. He has an attractive style that makes it a pleasure to listen to his submissions. He is also a very good lawyer and can be relied on to identify a good point quickly.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Philip Evans KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Philip is a bright, competitive and analytical barrister, equally at home prosecuting or defending. He is tactically very astute, seeing the bigger picture in complicated and multi-handed cases, and his advocacy is calm and persuasive and his cross-examination forensic. He is a silk out of the top drawer.'

Ranked: Tier 3

David Spens KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Ali Bajwa KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘There is no one quite like Ali. His work ethic is legendary but it is the ease with which he approaches even the most complex cases that really stands out. He has a phenomenal legal brain allied with an effusive charm that works with clients and juries alike. He is the star of London without doubt.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Sean Larkin KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Sean is a fantastic advocate who brings charisma, confidence and eloquence in equal measure. He works very hard behind the scenes to ensure that he is always completely in control of events in court, and in doing so inspires complete confidence in the team he leads and his client. No matter how difficult the case or the issue he rises to it.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Alexandra Felix KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Alexandra is a brilliant advocate. She is fearless, persuasive and a pleasure to work with.’

Ranked: Tier 4

Peter Finnigan KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

2022 Silks

Julian Evans KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Julian Evans KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

2023 Silks

Ben Fitzgerald KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Ben is a first-rate member of the Bar. His level of preparation and involvement in a case is beyond that of most barristers and he is calm and unwavering in the face of a difficult client, opposition or tribunal. In court Ben’s advocacy echoes the above which leads to a very strong and robust advocate.’

2024 Silks

Jocelyn Ledward KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Jocelyn is tough but always fair, incredibly clever and has a personality that ensures difficult negotiations and discussions remain collegiate. She is a first class and charming advocate as well as brilliant on paper.'

Leading Juniors

Orla Daly – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Orla is an exceptional junior, right at the top of her game. She is an elegant advocate and her written work is also good.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Philip McGhee – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Phil is exceptionally smart, extremely well-organised, insightful and vigilant. He has a strength in court that matches his talents. He is confident without being overconfident, careful and thoughtful with his submissions, unafraid to press when needed but never on a bad point. A silk in waiting.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Susannah Stevens – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Susannah is brilliant. She's a real fighter and stands up to difficult opponents and judges. Her preparation is phenomenal, such that she is able to out-expert prosecution experts even in particularly technical areas of science. Her advocacy is measured but impactful.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Philip Stott – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 2

Adam King – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Adam is a highly proactive and creative force in any defence team he is part of. His advocacy is excellent and clients love his calmly authoritative style.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Tom Broomfield – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Tom always demonstrates superb preparation in his cases. He always attends court with an exceptional knowledge of the case which fills anyone who instructs him with confidence. In court he is a smooth advocate, picking the right tone for each witness. When mitigating he speaks with purpose and authority.'

Ranked: Tier 3

Kerry Broome – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Kerry is a quick thinker with an outstanding strategic mind. She is a robust advocate who will take the points that really matter. Her dedication to clients is incomparable.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Polly Dyer – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Rachna Gokani – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Karen Robinson – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Karen is a brilliant senior junior. She is very hard working, down to earth, tenacious and has great strategic skills.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Fallon Alexis – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

‘Chris Emmings and Faye Stimpson are a very dynamic duo and work well together. David O’Sullivan is excellent, very accommodating and responsive. Sam Window and James Booth are also very good.’

‘Chris Emmings is an excellent clerk who understands the commerciality of practice. The whole team is very professional and the service provided never falls short of the highest standards that one could expect from one of the very best criminal chambers in the country.’

‘Sam Window manages to make the unachievable, achievable.’

‘QEB Hollis Whiteman remains one of the top crime sets in London.’

‘QEB is known for the consistently high calibre of their members and clerking team. Despite many of their members being in high demand, they bend over backwards to accommodate our requests and preferences, which is appreciated. Their seminars and other events are always of a very good quality.’

‘QEB are obviously a top set, with real strength in depth.’

‘The set has top to bottom quality. There are simply no barristers within the chambers who are not of the highest standard. The chambers has a culture of excellence and ensures that the training of its members is at its forefront. The external training is also always excellent.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Fraud: crime Tier 1

QEB Hollis Whiteman is one of the leading financial crime sets in London, particularly known for its prosecution work and widely praised for its ‘real strength in depth’. Sean Larkin KC is a standout silk recently instructed by the SFO to prosecute a former biodiesel trader for fraud and money laundering offences allegedly committed while he was an employee of Greenergy (which is not a defendant). Polly Dyer , ‘a great advocate’, has recently represented a retired army colonel who was acquitted on fraud charges, after having been accused of failing to disclose information about his family arrangements while claiming continuity of education allowance payments - the case was heard through the civilian justice system rather than a court-martial.

Leading Silks

Sean Larkin KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Sean is a fantastic advocate with charisma, confidence and eloquence in equal measure. He works very hard behind the scenes to ensure that he is always completely in control of events in court, and in doing so inspires complete confidence in the team he leads and his client. No matter how difficult the case or the issue he rises to it.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Paul Raudnitz KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Paul has a good insight into the prosecutor's mind which he deploys effectively when defending. He has a good command of his cases and a lovely manner with clients.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Ali Bajwa KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

2023 Silks

Ben FitzGerald KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Leading Juniors

Rachna Gokani – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Polly Dyer – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Polly is a powerhouse in fraud matters with a great capacity to absorb complex evidence which she then presents in a relatable way to jurors.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

‘Chris Emmings leads a very good team very well.’

‘Sam Window is exceptionally helpful.’

‘The clerks at QEB are very good and Chris Emmings in particular is very helpful.’

‘QEB Hollis Whiteman is the apex set for fraud cases.’

‘QEB is an excellent set, particularly for prosecution work.’

‘QEB is the top criminal chambers at the moment; every member, from pupil to KC, is highly intelligent, experienced and has the gravitas to instill confidence in clients and solicitors alike.’

‘QEB has a very strong and resourceful clerks team, with the clerks always on hand to advise and assist. Everything is done to a high level and also professionally.’

Work highlights

London Bar > Professional disciplinary and regulatory law Tier 2

The members at QEB Hollis Whiteman are regularly instructed in a wide range of disciplinary and regulatory matters, with notable expertise in advising clients from white-collar professions and the healthcare sector. Tom Kark KC is sought after for his established strength in advising on proceedings involving medical professionals. Zoe Johnson KC defended a respiratory and intensive care consultant against allegations of signing third party prescriptions for high value medicines, targeted at patients living outside the permitted jurisdiction; the consultant's fitness to practice was found not to be impaired.Turning to the juniors, Lydia Barnfather successfully defended an optometrist against a charge of alleged inappropriate conduct towards a female patient.

Leading Silks

Tom Kark KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 2

Selva Ramasamy KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 2

Zoe Johnson KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Sean Larkin KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Paul Raudnitz KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Alexandra Felix KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Alexandra is a robust advocate who diligently fights her client’s corner, and quickly gains their confidence. A well-prepared silk who holds the attention of the court or tribunal.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors

Lydia Barnfather –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Lydia is a very talented advocate, who is highly respected in the regulatory field. She is thorough and systematic in her approach.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Rebecca Harris –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘She is extremely intelligent, thorough and articulate. Her questioning and submissions are always fair and realistic, rather than abrasive or aggressive.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Tom Orpin-Massey – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'He has the great ability to digest complex information quickly, and provides advice in a comprehensible manner. A calm and persuasive manner advocate.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Fraser Coxhill - QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Tom Coke-Smyth –QEB Hollis Whiteman 'A meticulous junior, his advocacy is well thought out and delivered extremely effectively. He gets to grips with difficult issues quickly and comprehensively.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Natasha Tahta –QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Natasha is a highly effective advocate. She has a thorough approach to cases and is great at reading the tribunal.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Philip McGhee –QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Philip is a go-to junior for complex and high-profile cases, particularly those involving vulnerable witnesses.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Testimonials

‘Chris Emmings and Faye Stimpson are both great.‘

‘Chris Emmings knows the market inside out; David O’Sullivan is a joy to work with; and Faye Stimpson is arguably the most popular clerk in London.‘

‘A highly regarded chambers that is known for its excellence in legal representation.‘

‘The chambers is known for its exceptional standards and reputation.‘

‘Great clerking at all levels – responsive, friendly and creative.‘

‘A professional set with fantastic clerks.‘

‘The clerks’ room is really knowledgeable and easy to work with.‘

‘Stellar set, with a range of barristers for any issue.‘

London Bar > Inquests and inquiries Tier 3

‘Outstanding set‘ QEB Hollis Whiteman houses an ‘impressive range of advocates‘ with longstanding experience in appearing in high-profile inquiries. Nicholas Griffin KC is representing the former GP of Steve Dymond, the Jeremy Kyle Show participant who took his own life after filming an episode of the tabloid talk show. Anne Whyte KC is sought after for her expertise in handling Article 2 inquests. At the junior end of chambers, Susannah Stevens specialises in complex and high-profile cases often on behalf of medical professional and pertaining to contentious medical evidence, while Thomas Coke-Smyth represented the family of a young man with learning difficulties who committed suicide a short time after being released from police custody.

Leading Silks

Nicholas Griffin KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘His incisiveness, combined with empathy, experience and sensitivity to court dynamics, make him an exceptional choice for any inquest or public inquiry. His style of advocacy is understated, lands perfectly, and has exactly the desired effect.'

Ranked: Tier 2

Anne Whyte KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

Selva Ramasamy KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Tom Kark KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 4

Leading Juniors

Susannah Stevens – QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Susannah is a measured, resolute and urbane barrister.'

Ranked: Tier 4

Charlotte Godber– QEB Hollis Whiteman ‘Charlotte is a thoughtful and persuasive advocate and an excellent strategic thinker. An outstanding talent.’

Ranked: Tier 5

Thomas Coke-Smyth – QEB Hollis Whiteman 'He has an exceptional manner in court.'

Ranked: Tier 5

Testimonials

‘They are really good. Sam Window is great – very friendly to all levels of staff, highly responsive and helpful in dealing with requests at short notice. Full marks.’

‘A leading set in all its practice areas.’

‘QEB Hollis Whiteman is an outstanding set.’

‘A very good set with an impressive range of advocates.’

‘Brilliant clerks – they are very responsive and collaborative.’

London Bar > Health and safety

Leading Silks

Adrian Darbishire KC –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 2

London Bar > Sport

Leading Silks

Philip Evans KC – QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

London Bar > Financial services regulation

Leading Juniors

Jason Mansell –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 1

Kathryn Hughes –QEB Hollis Whiteman

Ranked: Tier 3

London Bar > Police law (forces and constables)

Leading Juniors

Susannah Stevens –QEB Hollis Whiteman 'Susannah is incredibly knowledgeable in this area and a great strategic thinker. She is across every last detail in often complex cases, giving clear and robust advice. She is a great advocate and excellent with clients.'

Ranked: Tier 1

Name	Position	Profile
Mark Aldred	Mark Aldred specialises in criminal and regulatory work. In the criminal field,…	View Profile
Fallon Alexis	Fallon’s experience of complex financial crime includes serious fraud, bribery and corruption,…	View Profile
Ari Alibhai	Ari specialises in private prosecution in criminal intellectual property infringement. He successfully…	View Profile
Crispin Aylett	Crispin Aylett is a practitioner with a wealth of experience in all…	View Profile
Mr Ali Bajwa	An exceptionally talented advocate, highly ranked, Ali Bajwa KC is held in…	View Profile
Lydia Barnfather	Lydia is an exceptionally experienced practitioner specialising to a high level in…	View Profile
William Boyce	ln business crime, fraud, general crime and arbitration, William Boyce QC is…	View Profile
Kerry Broome	Kerry Broome’s expertise spans all areas of criminal law, both defending and…	View Profile
Tom Broomfield	Tom is instructed to prosecute and defend in complex and serious matters…	View Profile
Edward Brown	Edward Brown QC has an outstanding practice in general and corporate criminal…	View Profile
Katherine Buckle	Katherine practises in domestic and international crime, specialising in business crime, extradition…	View Profile
Thomas Coke-Smyth	Crime: Tom’s criminal practice encompasses the full range of offences and he…	View Profile
Nick Corsellis	Nicholas Corsellis is a highly respected leading counsel whose abilities have allowed…	View Profile
Fraser Coxhill	Fraser Coxhill provides expert advocacy and advice in a wide range of…	View Profile
Ms Orla Daly	Orla Daly specialises in complex and high-profile cases, prosecuting and defending a…	View Profile
Caoimhe Daly	Caoimhe Daly’s principal area of practice is general crime. She also has…	View Profile
Adrian Darbishire	Adrian Darbishire’s defence practice focuses on workplace crime in many forms, but…	View Profile
Tom Doble	Tom specialises in fraud, financial and business crime. He has considerable experience…	View Profile
Polly Dyer	Polly Dyer provides specialist advice and advocacy in criminal proceedings, with an…	View Profile
Mark Ellison	Early career largely defending in fraud including: Guinness, North Sea oil and…	View Profile
Eloise Emanuel	Eloise’s practice, both public and privately instructed, encompasses the full range of…	View Profile
Philip Evans	Philip specialises in serious general and corporate crime, regulation and sports law.…	View Profile
Julian Evans KC	Julian Evans specialises in criminal practice, prosecuting and defending. He also prosecutes…	View Profile
Alexandra Felix	Alexandra Felix undertakes a combination of prosecution and defence work in fraud…	View Profile
Peter Finnigan	Peter Finnigan defends and prosecutes in a wide range of criminal cases…	View Profile
Ben Fitzgerald KC	Ben FitzGerald prosecutes and defends in cases of serious crime, fraud and…	View Profile
Rachna Gokani	Rachna acts for the defence and prosecution in cases of serious and…	View Profile
Nicholas Griffin	Practice Areas Inquests, inquiries, the conduct of investigations and reviews, together with…	View Profile
David Groome	David acts for leading corporations in the music, film, sport and broadcast…	View Profile
Rebecca Harris	Rebecca is a leading junior regularly instructed in high-profile and complex cases…	View Profile
David Jeremy	David Jeremy is a criminal barrister; and not a politician, diplomat or…	View Profile
Zoe Johnson	Zoe Johnson defends and prosecutes the most serious and high profile crime.…	View Profile
Tom Kark	In the field of disciplinary law Tom Kark QC has focused for…	View Profile
Tom Kark	In the field of disciplinary law Tom Kark QC has focused for…	View Profile
Lucy Kennedy	Lucy Kennedy’s practice incorporates many complex, evidentially high-volume cases. She has repeatedly…	View Profile
Adam King	Adam King has focussed his practice on serious and complex jury trials.…	View Profile
Peter Kyte	Peter Kyte has been a leading criminal barrister since 1996. His cases…	View Profile
Sean Larkin	Sean Larkin QC provides specialist advice and advocacy at all stages of…	View Profile
Eleanor Laws	Eleanor Laws QC defends in cases involving young and vulnerable witnesses, in…	View Profile
Jocelyn Ledward KC	Jocelyn Ledward has built up a substantial mixed practice of fraud and…	View Profile
Katherine Lloyd	Katherine acts on behalf of both the prosecution and defence in the…	View Profile
Arabella MacDonald	Arabella specialises in all aspects of crime and fraud, appearing for both…	View Profile
Benn Maguire	Benn Maguire has a continuing reputation as a formidable advocate. He is…	View Profile
Jason Mansell	Jason provides strategic advice and representation to firms and individuals facing investigation…	View Profile
Philip Mcghee	Philip McGhee prosecutes and defends, alone and as a led junior, general…	View Profile
Tom Orpin-Massey	Tom joined QEB Hollis Whiteman in February 2015. He now accepts instructions…	View Profile
Selva Ramasamy	Selva is a specialist in cases involving professionals charged in criminal, regulatory…	View Profile
Paul Raudnitz	An extremely well regarded Silk practising in crime, fraud and regulatory law.…	View Profile
Karen Robinson	Karen Robinson’s expertise spans all areas of criminal law, and she is…	View Profile
Roger Smart	Roger Smart’s practice encompasses all areas of criminal law. He specialises in…	View Profile
David Spens	David Spens QC has a formidable reputation for securing acquittals against the…	View Profile
Susannah Stevens	Susannah Stevens has an extensive criminal practice and is instructed to defend…	View Profile
Philip Stott	Philip Stott is an experienced and talented advocate in the criminal courts,…	View Profile
Linda Strudwick	Linda specialises in serious crime as a leading junior, prosecuting and defending…	View Profile
Natasha Tahta	After 15 years of a highly successful criminal practice involving a wide…	View Profile
Paul Wakerley	Paul Wakerley has a strong reputation within criminal law. He specialises in…	View Profile
Joanna Warwick	Joanna Warwick’s principal area of practice is general crime. She has wide-ranging…	View Profile

Equality and Diversity

QEB Hollis Whiteman is strongly committed to promoting and advancing equality and diversity in all aspects of Chambers’ life. We recognise the need for barristers to be representative of the society we serve and are actively seeking to contribute to this aim, in full knowledge that the Bar has some work to do. As a Chambers and as individuals, we do not discriminate or tolerate any form of discrimination against anybody based on any protected characteristic. Chambers is committed to the fair allocation of work.

Chambers has a dedicated Equality & Diversity Committee (EDC), consisting of an Equality & Diversity Officer and ten further Members of Chambers, which regularly meets to consider and implement policies designed to further equality and diversity. The EDC runs seminars and training sessions, and publishes an ad-hoc newsletter, on a range of equality and diversity issues, with the aim of raising awareness, eliminating discrimination, and providing support to our members.

Recruitment and work

When recruiting new tenants, pupils or staff, we look for quality and welcome applications from as wide a talent pool as possible. We do not discriminate based on any protected characteristics and have worked with the Bar Standards Board to ensure our applications at all levels not only meet but surpass the fair recruitment standards expected. All members and staff involved in recruitment have undertaken Fair Recruitment training. We are mindful of the financial difficulties faced by many at the start of their careers and therefore offer a generous pupillage grant and guaranteed earnings in pupils’ second-six. We strongly believe that financial difficulties should never be a bar to entering this profession.

Chambers Social responsibility

Both as individuals and as a collective, we are engaged in several social and charitable initiatives and are striving to play our part in ensuring equal opportunity and diversity at the Bar. We are using the momentum generated by recent tragic events to further reflect on our duties as a Chambers, and to intensify our actions to create an equal, fair, diverse and just environment for all.

Social Justice and Equal Opportunity

We are involved in mentorship programmes, as well as links to local secondary schools in London and other charitable organisations; to improve the flow of information about life at the Bar and provide support in getting to the Bar. We are also involved in the Middle Temple Pegasus Access Scheme.

We are proud to be a member of the 10,000 Black Interns programme, which offers paid work experience across a wide range of sectors each year. We are the first criminal set of Chambers to be involved and are in the process of encouraging our colleagues to participate in this exciting new initiative.

Assess to Justice and Pro Bono

Access to justice and pro bono work is at the heart of the General Crime practice group at QEB Hollis Whiteman. Our barristers are involved in a wide range of pro bono work, including involvement the Lawn Tennis Association, Sports Resolutions, Innocence Project, the Criminal Cases Review Commission, Reprieve, numerous Inquests, investigations by JUSTICE, the Football Association, and many more.

Wider social responsibility

Our barristers are individually engaged in and committed to a large variety of social initiatives. Members of Chambers are also trustees for a range of organisations such as Curriculum for Cohesion, Anti-Slavery International, Angels and Elephants and Martial Arts Charitable Trust.

A number of our members have long-standing commitments with secondary schools to give talks about sex and consent, and knife crime and gang violence, are school governors, and are involved in organisations such as “Growing Against Violence”. We are also involved in grass roots charities such as CRISIS, an initiative to distribute films received by FACT to homeless shelters, Waves for Change and Plan International.