23ES is a leading criminal set with a strong presence in London, regularly instructed in serious cases across England and Wales. Francis FitzGibbon KC defended a woman, who was tried alongside her then-partner, in a high-profile manslaughter case involving the death of their baby following a nationwide manhunt - the high-profile matter saw two trials, following the first jury being unable to reach a verdict on the manslaughter counts. Kate Lumsdon KC defended in a multi-handed conspiracy to murder trial arising from a fatal stabbing at Luton bus station, securing the acquittal of a defendant alleged to have acted as a lookout. Tom Godfrey defended in a high-profile murder trial involving joint enterprise, complex forensic pathology, and contested issues surrounding bad character evidence and adverse inferences, all under significant public scrutiny. Jennifer Knight KC prosecuted a GP who was convicted of unnecessary examinations of the genitalia of male patients, including two teenage boys, under the pretext of legitimate medical procedures.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- An excellent set.
- A well-known and respected set.
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.
Jennifer Knight KC
Rossano Scamardella KC
John Price KC
Cairns Nelson KC
Phenomenal advocate. When he is in court, everyone hangs on his every word: judge, jury, counsel, solicitors, and defendants.
Paul Bogan KC
Paul Bogan has a strikingly unique ability to persuade. His style is relaxed while full of challenge, providing reassurance to those around him in need. In and out of the court, he is a leader while tempering that quality with a very likable charm. Few have this ability. Paul has the ability to assimilate the most complex factual and legal scenarios with unruffled ease. What is more, he gets the results!
Tim Clark KC
Tim Clark KC is one of the finest advocates I have had the privilege of instructing. His legal analysis is exceptional, and his ability to identify and develop complex legal arguments is second to none. He combines outstanding intellect with first-class advocacy, presenting even the most difficult legal issues with remarkable clarity and persuasion. I instructed him in a five-month attempted murder and firearms trial, and his performance throughout was nothing short of exceptional. His written work was meticulous, his strategic thinking was outstanding, and his advocacy in court was truly impressive. I have yet to come across another barrister who possesses the same ability to draft sophisticated legal arguments and then deliver them with such authority and precision before the court. He is, quite simply, one of the very best criminal silks at the Bar.
Alan Gardner KC
Alan is a calm and persuasive advocate. His understated and direct manner earns him the trust of juries and judges. He is a clinical cross-examiner and a formidable opponent.
Charles Miskin KC
Mark Fenhalls KC
Mark is a first-rate silk. He is extremely eloquent, hardworking, and personable. He has the ear of the court and is both respected and liked by judges and juries. His appetite for work is astonishing. I would thoroughly recommend him for cases at the highest level.
Lisa Wilding KC
Lisa is a powerhouse. Always on top of the facts, she brings real steel and resolve, with an unbending focus on getting the case to where it needs to be. Her advocacy is first-class; clear, persuasive, and impeccably delivered. She is also a very quick thinker, meaning she effortlessly responds when the unexpected arrives. As a leader, she is decisive and clear. Put simply, she is a wonderful barrister, and I hold her in very high regard.
Nathan Rasiah KC
Excellent advocate - professional but personable.
James Mulholland KC
James is my KC of choice. He is an expert cross-examiner. His preparation is second to none, and he masters every brief. He delivers speeches with persuasion, flair, and attention to detail. He commands respect from peers and the judiciary alike.
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.
Flora Page KC
'She possesses phenomenal talent and an unequaled determination to achieve the best outcome for those she represents.'
James Bloomer KC
James is cool, calm, and collected, and all the more authoritative for it. He commands instant respect with the tribunal and does not take nonsense from anyone. He finds the key point in a case and then focuses on them to great effect. He is also very good with clients, gaining their trust and confidence quickly.
Lesley Bates KC
Lesley is the kind of barrister you always want on your side. She knows every detail of every case before most have opened the brief.
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.
Tom Godfrey
Tom is an excellent barrister. Diligent in preparation; persuasive with both the judge and jury; judgment is spot on.
Jeremy Rosenberg
Elisabeth Acker
Lizzy is an advocate of immense charm. When cross-examining the main prosecution witness, she was in complete control, easily getting her to agree with the propositions she was making frankly through a combination of charm and intellectual rigor. She took immense care throughout the trial to explain matters to a vulnerable client. She has a great court manner, and any client would be lucky to have her.
Abigail Husbands
Sarah Morris
William Eaglestone
William is intellectually a cut above the rest. He is superb on his feet and has a grasp of the law in which he is peerless.
Alexander Upton
Forward-looking and positive in his advocacy.
Richard Bentwood
A fantastic technical lawyer who puts in the hard yards early. All good barristers have excellent attention to detail, but some excel, and Richard is one of those. He is brave in court, not cowed by antagonistic judges or fearful of making an unpopular but correct argument. He has experience and judgment. An excellent senior junior.
