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.'
  • 'The leading set. Counsel are top of their game. nothing is too much trouble.'
  • 2 BR are a collection of extremely impressive barristers. Judges know that if counsel before them is from 2BR they will be well prepared and highly able.The clerking team is excellent - they liaise with the Courts they regularly service to endeavour to ensure cases are heard when their counsel are available.'
  • 'The set are committed and hard working , proactive and communicative.'
  • '2 Bedford Row  has strong team of talented criminal defence barristers, and we are always confident of an excellent service when instructing them ranging from the senior to the junior end.'

Lawyers

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.

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.

4
Natalie Bird
‘Natalie is always incredibly well-prepared and hardworking. Her written work is exceptional and she is the most eloquent advocate in court.’
4
Rhys Rosser
4
Lucy Sweetland
 
4
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.'

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.

1
Alex Davidson