Doughty Street Chambers is renowned as ‘a leading set full of barristers who know their craft and are renowned for their unwavering commitment to justice’. James Wood KC, known for his ability to ’ability to exude a subtly in his advocacy’ , is a formidable member of the set, having recently represented two men who were retried for murder in December 2024 after a successful reference from the Criminal Cases Review Commission to the Court of Appeal. The set has notable expertise in terrorism cases: David Bentley KC represented a right-wing extremist, who was sentenced to a hospital order after an assassination attempt on a high-profile immigration solicitor, while turning to the set's juniors, Kate O’Raghallaigh , as a junior alone, is instructed to represent the first defendant on the indictment in a case concerning an attack by now-proscribed organisation Palestine Action on defence contractor Elbit Systems, in which it is alleged that £2.2m of damage was done and security guards were attacked with sledgehammers.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Lawyers

Leading Silks

KCs at the very top of their field, with a long-established record of market-defining cases, and widespread endorsement from clients and peers. All silks appointed in the last two rounds are listed further below.

Kirsty Brimelow KC

‘Kirsty is an excellent advocate and a committed criminal barrister.’

Sarah Elliott KC

‘An absolute star. She is incredibly hard-working.’

Edward Fitzgerald KC

‘Edward is a fantastic barrister and an absolute superstar at the Bar.’

Emma Goodall KC

‘Emma is a class act. Both her written work and oral advocacy are first class.'

David Hislop KC

Katy Thorne KC

Katy is an exceptionally skilled advocate. She fights tooth and nail for her clients.'

Peter Wilcock KC

‘He is a very clever lawyer, a fearsome cross-examiner and a marvellously persuasive advocate.’

Andrew Hall KC

Benjamin Newton KC

‘One of the nicest men in law, this influences his unique and effective advocacy style.'

Steven Powles KC

'Steven's advocacy is assured, persuasive and thoroughly prepared to the highest level. He is very approachable and re-assuring of clients.'

Richard Thomas KC

‘Commanding presence, sharp arguments and strategic thinking.'

Sarah Vine KC

‘Sarah is extremely intelligent and prepares thoroughly. She is a first class advocate and her clients are fortunate to have her leading the team.'

Liam Walker KC

‘Liam is a force to be reckoned with. He takes every available point and fights tenaciously for his client.A fluent advocacy style that is relatable for juries.'

2025 Silks

David Rhodes KC

has it all; an incredible work ethic, comprehensive understanding of the criminal law, respect of his peers and judges, and absolute command of the courtroom.’

2024 Silks

Farrhat Arshad KC

‘Farrhat is translating her impressive expertise in developing technical arguments in her appellate practice into an equally meticulous approach to trial preparation. In trials she is both tactically astute and fearless when needed. She revels in making legal arguments at trial which others don’t spot.’

Leading Juniors

Leading juniors are those with significant experience of key cases, strong market recognition from both peers and clients, and are seen as future candidates for silk.