25 Bedford Row is noted as an ‘a versatile chambers offering exceptional counsel across all practice areas’ and is frequently retained by clients for its considerable defence expertise, often in cases involving organised crime and EncroChat evidence. The set fields notable individuals such as George Carter-Stephenson KC, whose ‘mastery of his brief and attention to detail are second to none’ , and the ’highly intelligent and articulate’ Paul Hynes KC , whose recent workloads including representing high-profile Islamist Anjem Choudary, who was sentenced to life imprisonment for controlling the proscribed group al-Muhajiroun. Arlette Piercy, represented one of four defendants in a Modern Slavery Act case, which involved twelve victims, some of whom are alleged to have been trafficked to work at a McDonald’s. Clare Wade KC joined the team in April 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'A versatile chambers offering exceptional counsel across all practice areas.'
'25 Bedford Row remain one of the go to criminal sets, able to deal with the most complex and serious of matters. The culture at the chambers, from what we can see, is supportive and inclusive.'

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.

George Carter-Stephenson KC

‘George remains at the top of his game. He is meticulous in his case preparation where no point or piece of evidence goes unconsidered.'

Jeremy Dein KC

‘Jeremy is clearly one of the best advocates of his generation. He cares deeply about his cases and clients.'

Paul Hynes KC

‘Paul is highly intelligent and articulate individual, without pretension .He is the perfect communicator, pitching his language and tone to his tribunal, whether judge or jury.' \n \n

John Cooper KC

Paul Keleher KC

‘Paul deploys a chess like approach to cases. His hard work and dedication is an inspiration to us all.'

Paul Mendelle KC

‘Paul is a veteran, utterly likeable and is able to remain and look smooth and calm, even in stormy waters.'

Simon Pentol KC

‘Simon is a highly-persuasive and compelling Silk who commands a court room. He is tenacious in his preparation and lively on his feet. A class act.'

Tyrone Smith KC

‘Tyrone is a master tactician.'

Stephen Moses KC

‘He always draws people together and makes brilliant closing speeches.’

Melanie Simpson KC

‘A first-class advocate. Calm, bright, excellent in the law and incisive is her norm.’ \n \n

Clare Wade KC

‘Clare is an exceptional advocate. Her intellect is remarkable.’

Peter Doyle KC

Rudi Fortson KC

Laurie-Anne Power KC

'Laurie-Anne is impressive on her feet and with her witness handling. Sensitive when necessary without losing power.'

2024 Silks

Beth O’Reilly KC

‘Beth consistently achieves excellent results for her clients, combining sharp legal insight with a strategic and pragmatic approach to each case. Her client care is exemplary—whether she is representing a vulnerable defendant or a professional client, she brings empathy, clarity, and reassurance, making even the most challenging situations manageable.’

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.

Aisling Byrnes

‘She is indomitable. Aisling is robust in every aspect of her work particularly advocacy. She has the most commanding presence in court.’

Michael Neofytou

‘Smooth, suave, sophisticated and slick, exuding the confidence, charm and skill of a seasoned silk.'

Arlette Piercy

‘Arlette is a fearless barrister, she is great on the law, brave, gets stuck into issues and clients love her.'

Ben Smitten

‘Ben is a prodigious senior junior with a work ethic like no-one else. His written work is excellent, and his advocacy is considered.’

Emma Akuwudike

‘Emma’s advocacy skills are exceptional. She has a commanding courtroom presence and is highly responsive and quick-thinking under pressure.’

Carolina Guiloff

‘Commanding and authoritative on her feet . A compelling and fearless advocate.'

Daniel Murray

‘Dan has great client care skills. He is a highly skilled advocate and tactician.’ \n

Sheryl Nwosu

‘Sheryl is a first class brief. She is not to be messed with and is a formidable advocate.’

Matthew Radstone

‘Collaborates well within the legal team. Very approachable and intelligent. A barrister who is admired and respected by his peers and clients alike.'

Dominic Thomas

‘Dominic is a mesmerising advocate whose arguments command respect.’ \n

David Wood

‘Very good on law, a powerful and impressive knowledge of and application of the law. A sensible and realistic advocate.'

Lisa Wilson

‘A go-to junior who is hard-working, bright and loved by all on the bench and at the bar. She is an incredibly safe pair of hands who is always presenting her clients case in the most effective way.’

Nicholas Whitehorn

‘Nick is a top level junior destined for silk. He has burning determination to do the best for his clients and always go the extra mile.’

Warwick Aleeson

‘An excellent barrister. Great people and advocacy skills.'

Sam Blom-Cooper

‘Sam is an intellectual lawyer with an extraordinary flair for practical advocacy.’

Michael Gomulka

‘Michael is an intelligent and engaging barrister. His closing speeches are always well-thought-out and entertain, whilst also hitting the key points.’

Jeffrey Israel

‘Jeff is a sophisticated advocate who cross-examines with precision.'

Alex Jamieson

‘Alex is very well respected within the profession. He is very experienced and is also a very skilled and persuasive advocate who has a calm and gentle manner which can be disarming for his opponents.’

Osman Osman

‘Very personable and charming, juries love Osman.’

Monica Stevenson

Sebastian Gardiner

‘Driven by a strong sense of justice means he is well liked by clients as he fights their corner with every tooth and nail.’

James Martin

‘Brilliant case preparation and advocacy.’

Kate Chidgey

‘Kate is one of the most naturally gifted barristers. She has fast become a go-to for many clients, and her advocacy is outstanding.'

Laura Collier

‘Laura is a superb trial advocate and is really excellent in front of the jury.'

Hannah Edwards

‘Hannah is exceptional. Not only does she have a brilliant mind, her advocacy and ability to communicate with everyone sets her apart from others.'

Alex Di Francesco

‘Alex is an extremely effective cross examiner who does not waste his words. He is destined for silk.'

James Gray

‘James’ work is always at a high standard. He is able to maintain his confidence and skills even when under pressure.'

Paul Lazarus

‘Paul is responsive and hardworking. He is always proactive in preparing a client's defence, never letting them down. '

Kerrie Ann Rowan

‘Kerrie is an excellent barrister. Her clarity of thought and her work ethic set her apart from her peers.’

Emma Stuart-Smith

‘Emma is extremely hard working and diligent. Her legal arguments are simply brilliant. She has a calm and caring approach.’

Helen Valley

George Wills

‘George’s stand-out ability is his ability to remain cool, calm and collected even under the most intense pressure.’

Chantel Gaber

‘She is jury-friendly but has gravitas and knowledge well beyond her call. She carefully prepares her cases and this is the foundation to her excellent trial-craft. She knows her case so much better than her opponent, and this allows her to get excellent results.’