15NBS is praised as an ‘impressive criminal set with a consistently strong and dependable team of barristers’. Unled, Robert Ward represented an eighteen-year-old who received a three-year sentence for involvement in the attempted murder of another eighteen-year-old, who the defendant had previously engaged in sexual activity with, unaware of the victim’s transgender identity. Justin McClintock  – with a leader at trial and unled in an appeal against sentence – represented a woman who was acquitted of murder, but convicted of lesser offences, in a case featuring contested translation of a large volume of message evidence in a Creole language spoken only in the Dutch Caribbean.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • '15NBS is a top set.'
  • 'All counsel at 15 NBS are amazing and always deliver amazing results.'
  • '15NBS has expertise in all areas of criminal law. They are always helpful to accommodate the needs of instructing solicitors' cases.'
  • 'The whole chambers is willing and extremely capable, and have never let us down when cover is required even at short notice, which is a more regular occurrence in these backlogged days.'
  • 'Excellent chambers with strength in depth.'
  • '15 NBS is highly professional and consistently responsive when it comes to counsel availability.'

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.

2
Brian St. Louis KC
‘Brian is a determined and fearless advocate who combines common sense with hard-nosed pragmatism.’
2
Tana Adkin KC
3
Martin Rutherford KC
‘Martin’s advocacy is concise, fair and where appropriate witty. He is able to capture the attention of a jury and wind them in.’

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.

2
Clodaghmuire Callinan
‘Clodaghmuire is head and shoulders above her peers. She is meticulous in her case preparation and is an excellent advocate.'
2
Justin McClintock
‘Justin is very approachable and has a good understanding of different cultures and communities. His communication is excellent.'
2
Robert Ward
‘Rob is extremely able. He has a superb legal brain and is very knowledgeable. He is also a cool, calm and collected advocate.’
3
Patrick Maggs
‘Preparation is impeccable. He is able to demand and analyse disclosure and use resultant material in a most effective way. Very personable and persuasive advocate.’

3
Sarah Read
‘Sarah has a quietly impressive approach to advocacy. She prepares meticulously and cultivates excellent relationships with her clients. A star.'
3
Rupert Hallowes
's judgement is top notch, he is able to combine his impressive legal knowledge and advocacy to great effect. There is seldom a better barrister in court. He should be a silk.'
3
Ruth Zentler-Munro
‘An outstanding advocate. Exceptional in her understanding of the law. Smooth in court and an amazing work ethic.'
4
Stephen Akinsanya
‘Stephen's advocacy skills are very strong. He is a strong jury advocate and can clearly connect well with the jury.'
4
Beth Crocker
‘Beth is intelligent, well-read and knowledgeable in the law, making persuasive arguments and submissions in her cases. She is excellent at making her client feel supported.’
4
Rory Field
‘A junior of exceptional ability and huge experience. A Silk only missing the letters.'
4
Sophie Shotton
‘Sophie is a confident, intelligent, fierce, yet also compassionate, advocate’
4
John Waller
‘John is very thorough in the preparation of his cases and is always keen to engage with client conferences which only serves to build clients trust of him.’
4
Ed Butler
‘He is a persuasive and charming advocate and handles sensitive cases with skill and assurance.'
4
Clare Dowse
‘Clare is exceptionally good with client care. She gets on well with clients and take the time to build of a relationship of trust with them.'