2BR is praised by clients as an ‘excellent set with an array of talent from Silk to junior juniors’. Jim Sturman KC is turned to by clients for his experience advising high-profile clients in sophisticated homicide, manslaughter and sexual offences cases. Kieran Vaughan KC is in-demand for his expertise in trials with national coverage, including historical homicides, sexual offences and organised crime-related matters, representing former Democratic Unionist Party leader Sir Jeffrey Donaldson, who alongside his wife is charged with sexual offences dating as far back as 1985. Tracy Ayling KC is praised by clients for her ’fantastic attention to detail’ and ‘excellent judgement’, often at the forefront of major multi-handed cases, including joint enterprise in homicides. Charles Langley KC distinguishes himself in serious sexual offences, homicides, torture and kidnapping matters, and was appointed as silk in January 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'2BR are a fantastic set, the quality of all of the barrister I have used has been top class, from all ranges of call, from newly called to KCs. Tom Powell as clerk is organised, responsive and always delivers the right barrister at a fair price. '
'2BR Chambers is an excellent set with an array of talent from Silk to junior juniors.'

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.

Kieran Vaughan KC

Anand Beharrylal KC

'Anand is excellent at dealing with vulnerable witnesses and clients, in particular leading them through difficult and complex evidence. His understanding of expert evidence is second to none as he thoroughly prepares. He has an obvious command of the parameters and limits of opinion evidence.'

Dean George KC

‘Dean has struck the perfect balance between legal knowledge, tactics, and persuasive advocacy. Dean very quickly earns the respect of every court he walks into.'

Samuel Magee KC

Stan Reiz KC

‘Well measured, calm and tactical in his approach to cases. His attention to detail is first class.'

Louise Sweet KC

She gets brilliant results in cases which some would say are unwinnable.'

Jacqueline Carey KC

2025 Silks

Charles Langley KC

‘Charles is the go-to barrister in relation to complex criminal cases. He is highly organised and calm and has an exceptional eye to detail.’

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.

Nick Barraclough

Christopher Martin

‘Chris has an extraordinary eye for detail and no stone is left unturned in his preparation. He's an agile and dynamic advocate with razor sharp instincts.'

Craig Rush

Sean Hammond

Ashley Hendron

‘Ashley is a highly confident and capable barrister who immediately puts clients at ease with his reassuring presence and clear communication. He delivers firm, strategic advice while maintaining an exceptional standard of client care.’

Ashraf Khan

Tomas McGarvey

‘Tomas is a highly charismatic and charming barrister. He is tactically very switched on. He inspires trust in his clients, opponents and court alike. A star of the criminal Bar.’

David Patience

Alastair Smith

‘Hugely talented and able to deal with difficult clients and keep them calm. A fiery advocate on his feet'

Natalie Bird

‘Natalie is always incredibly well-prepared and hardworking. Her written work is exceptional and she is the most eloquent advocate in court.’

Hanna Llewellyn-Waters

Andrew McGee

Rhys Rosser

Alex Stein

Alex is meticulous in his consideration of case papers, enabling him to determine the best case strategies. He distils clear and comprehensive advice, enabling clients to fully appreciate their options. He is truly a fantastic advocate.’

Lucy Sweetland

Sam Thomas

‘His skill and knowledge within criminal law is vast. He is able to provide specialised feedback on criminal matters - understanding the criminal nuances that may affect each case.'

Kevin Toomey

Rising stars

Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.