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

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'A leading set full of barristers who know their craft and are renowned for their unwavering commitment to justice'
  • 'Great set with brilliant barristers covering all aspects of crime. They are my most used chambers at present for overall quality and service. '
  • 'Doughty Street Chambers is a leading set full of barristers who know their craft and are renowned for their unwavering commitment to justice. A set that I would instruct again and again.'
  • 'Doughty Street is a highly experienced and extremely respected set of Chambers. '
  • 'One of London's super chambers, the clerks room does great work to keep things moving smoothly.'
  • 'Doughty Street Chambers has a rich history as leaders in the human rights filed. The set's commitment to pro bono legal representation in capital cases marks them out as a special set committed to the rule of law and equality of justice. '

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.

1
Tim Moloney KC
Tim is without doubt one of the top silks in practice in crime today. He is bright, personable and hard-working.'
1
James Wood KC
‘Formidable advocate with great intellect who gets the court's attention. Excellent with both written and oral submissions.'
2
David Bentley KC
 'David is the golden gloved assassin in court. He is charming and very effective.'
3
Kirsty Brimelow KC
‘Kirsty is an excellent advocate and a committed criminal barrister.’
3
Katy Thorne KC
Katy is an exceptionally skilled advocate. She fights tooth and nail for her clients.'
3
Sarah Elliott KC
‘An absolute star. She is incredibly hard-working.’
3
Edward Fitzgerald KC
‘Edward is a fantastic barrister and an absolute superstar at the Bar.’
3
Emma Goodall KC
‘Emma is a class act. Both her written work and oral advocacy are first class.'
3
David Hislop KC
4
Andrew Hall KC
4
Benjamin Newton KC
‘One of the nicest men in law, this influences his unique and effective advocacy style.'
4
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.'
4
Richard Thomas KC
‘Commanding presence, sharp arguments and strategic thinking.'
4
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.'
4
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.'

2024 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.

1
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.’

2025 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.

1
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.’

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.

1
Piers Marquis
‘No nonsense and straightforward in his advocacy. Piers is a star.'
1
Kate O’Raghallaigh
‘Kate consistently demonstrates great judgement. She has an excellent knowledge of the law. Her advocacy  is focused, well presented and well received.'
3
Peta-Louise Bagott
‘Incredibly well organised, to an almost military standard. Excellent written advice and applications.'
4
Philippa Eastwood
‘Philippa’s preparation and drafting is second to none. She's is very calming and brings out the best in clients, especially at the point they need to give evidence.’
4
Rabah Kherbane
4
Annabel Timan
‘Annabel is an exceptional barrister. Her advocacy is clear, persuasive, and well-structured. She is consistently excellent across all areas of her practice.’
4
Daniella Waddoup
Daniella is a careful and thorough barrister who produces extremely persuasive arguments.’