Sallie Bennett-Jenkins KC
‘Absolutely top of the class when it comes to defending privately funded serious and general crime cases. Masterful client care skills.'
2 Hare Court fields a considerable depth of expertise in both defences and prosecutions at every level of justice, noted among clients as ‘of excellent quality and is a class above the rest’ and praised for its ’outstanding counsel supported by a superb clerking team.’ The set includes a number of key practitioners, including Brendan Kelly KC, highly active in matters pertaining to major sexual offences, and praised as ‘a fantastic advocate.’ Oliver Glasgow KC is described as ’intellectually formidable, balancing multiple complex and high profile cases at a time with ease’, and is frequently turned to by the Ministry of Defence among other prosecuting bodies. The ‘hugely experienced, dedicated and brilliant’ Julia Faure Walker’ is a port of call for high-profile matters that include complex homicides and terrorism cases. Julia Faure Walker is noted as ‘very bright and well-prepared, thoughtful tactician, incisive cross-examiner’, and is retained as sole counsel in a breadth of areas, including drug supply, homicide and sexual offences.
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.
Zubair Ahmad KC
‘Zubair is a highly persuasive advocate. When Zubair speaks, the rest of the court pauses to listen carefully.'
Leon Kazakos KC
‘A go to silk. Star of the London Bar. Excellent with clients.'
Jonathan Laidlaw KC
‘He is highly focused in his advocacy and case presentation commanding the attention of others. His preparation is thorough and meticulous.'
Brian O’Neill KC
'Brian fears no-one and is not afraid to tell it how it is. His preparation is meticulous.'
Gudrun Young KC
‘Brilliant legal brain. Superb advocate. Excellent with clients.’
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.
Harry Bentley
‘Very well organised and a great advocate who installs confidence in his clients.'
Grace Forbes
‘Takes a lead in case preparation and has excellent communication skills with the team.’
Will Martin
‘Will is a compelling advocate, combining an ability to identify the key issues with a persuasive style of communication that appeals to judges and juries alike.'
Hannah Thomas
‘Exceptional legal mind with the presence and authority in a court room beyond her call. Also very personable and approachable.’
Merry van Woodenberg
Madeleine Wolfe
‘Madeline is accurate and precise when preparing for her trials and criminal advocacy. She is brilliant.'
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Scott Ivill
Peter Lownds
‘Peter is first choice defence counsel in London. He communicates well with all involved in cases particularly with clients especially vulnerable and youth clients. An all round class act.'
Harry Laidlaw
Neelam Gomersall
‘Her tactical judgement and the quality of her written work is impressive, as is her consistent calm handling of emotional and unpredictable clients. She is an impressive junior who showed great commitment to the case.’