2BR is recognised for its involvement in some high-profile criminal cases, with particular strength in large-scale organised crime, and appellate work. Brian Altman KC acted in the Post Office Horizon litigation, an unprecedented case in scale involving numerous appeals, extensive disclosure, and sustained political and public scrutiny. Jim Sturman KC acted in an unusual attempted murder case arising from a dispute over cryptocurrency, ultimately resolving with a non-custodial outcome. Charles Langley KC successfully challenged forensic evidence in a prosecution concerning CBD imports, leading to the case collapsing. Nick Barraclough acted in a gang-related firearms conspiracy involving high-profile individuals, with issues surrounding gang evidence and drill music. Christine Agnew KC acted in a lengthy multi-handed drugs conspiracy trial involving substantial quantities of Class A drugs and extensive evidential material.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

2 Bedford Row is a strong criminal set with real depth across the range, from Crown Court trials through to the more serious and complex work. The clerking is responsive and commercial, availability is handled sensibly, and I have consistently been offered counsel of the right level for the case at hand. It is a set we return to because the quality is reliable.
A strong set of Chambers that is growing and attracting new members.
They are an excellent set of chambers with a big selection of barristers at all levels.

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.

Brian Altman KC

Brian Altman KC is one of the greats. Relentlessly calm and focused no matter how intense the pressure.

Caroline Carberry KC

Anand Beharrylal KC

Stan Reiz KC

He exudes quiet confidence and credibility. His restrained style is one of his greatest strengths, allowing the force of his arguments to speak for themselves. Unflappable in the most serious murder trials, he projects quiet confidence.

Louise Sweet KC

An exceptional advocate who consistently achieves outstanding results in cases that others might consider unwinnable. She has developed a formidable reputation in complex sexual offense cases, where her meticulous preparation, strategic insight, and persuasive advocacy regularly make the difference. Fearlessly committed to her clients and trusted by instructing solicitors, she combines superb judgment with an unwavering determination to secure the best possible outcome. Known affectionately as ‘the postwoman’, she always delivers, time and again exceeding expectations in the most challenging of cases.

Samuel Magee KC

Jacqueline Carey KC

Brilliant in court and fantastic with clients. She knows her case inside out and where to probe to get results. An unsung hero in my book and always on my list for difficult criminal cases. A first-class barrister renowned for taking on complex and demanding cases. Trusted by solicitors for her strategic judgment and unwavering commitment, she combines polished courtroom advocacy with a relentless determination to advance her clients' interests. Calm under pressure and formidable in argument, she is a dependable presence when the stakes are at their highest.

Charlie Sherrard KC

He is just brilliant, meticulous with the evidence, a brilliant tactician. Amazing client care.

Caherine Farrelly KC

2026 Silks

Hanna Llewellyn-Waters KC

2025 Silks

Charles Langley KC

The real deal, all that you expect and more when instructing Kings Counsel. The ability to master the most complex of cases in quick time. A master of the closing speech, enthralling the most indifferent of juries. Client care is a specialty.

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.

Craig Rush

Christopher Martin

Nick Barraclough

Nick Barraclough is an excellent leading junior; he quickly understands the legal complexities at play and builds an excellent rapport with clients. I am particularly impressed with Nick's ability to liaise with such a wide range of clients. Nick's closing speeches are always persuasive.

David Patience

Ability to assimilate and evaluate large amounts of evidence at short notice delivers cogent and well-crafted arguments. A master of detail.

Sean Hammond

Ashraf Khan

Alastair Smith

AS is a talented advocate who always comes from a position of having mastered the brief. He is especially known for his command of large and complex cases, and rightly so. He is a very hard worker but also a charming advocate.

Ashley Hendron

Ashley is an exceptionally confident barrister who immediately puts clients at ease. He combines robust and pragmatic advice with outstanding client care and consistently inspires confidence in those he represents. He approaches even the most complex and document-heavy cases without hesitation, identifying the key issues at an early stage and developing clear and effective strategies from the outset. In terms of advocacy, Ashley is an outstanding jury advocate who presents with calm authority and composure. He is measured and persuasive in court, yet capable of adopting a more robust approach where required. He is highly regarded by both the judiciary and fellow counsel. His preparation is consistently thorough and meticulous. Ashley has a particular strength in analyzing extensive evidence and distilling complex issues into clear advice, ensuring clients fully understand the case against them and are able to make informed decisions throughout proceedings. Ashley is also exceptionally accessible and responsive. He is always willing to discuss matters and regularly works outside normal hours, demonstrating both his commitment to achieving the best outcomes for clients and his dedication to supporting instructing solicitors.

Tomas McGarvey

Tomas is our first choice of junior for serious crime, and he is instructed on effectively every major case we run. His attention to detail is exceptional. He reads a brief properly, spots the points others miss, and comes back with a clear view rather than a hedge. Preparation is where these cases are won or lost, and his is meticulous, so that by the time he is on his feet, he is fully across the papers and several moves ahead of the Crown. As an advocate, he is measured and persuasive, equally at home dismantling a witness in cross-examination and pitching mitigation to the right register for the tribunal. His negotiation with the prosecution is a particular strength: realistic, commercially minded, and consistently able to secure the right outcome for the client without overplaying a hand. He is also straightforward to deal with, responsive, and trusted by clients. I recommend him without reservation.

Tim Hunter

Tim Hunter is a first-class tactician. Excellent knowledge of up-to-date case law. Brilliant advocate.

Jessica Ward

The relentless pursuit of case objectives and successful outcomes is a given. Consistency and excellence are JW's watchwords.

Lucy Sweetland

Natalie Bird

Miss Bird is an exceptional advocate and incredibly articulate. She has an ability to act for all types of defendants, putting them at ease despite the difficult circumstances they find themselves in, gaining their trust. She is always prepared for all types of cases and always willing to treat everyone fairly.

Andrew McGee

Rhys Rosser

Tenacity, intelligence, and a genuine care for clients.

Alex Stein

AS is really well known for his mastery of complex health and safety cases. He is always well-versed in the law relating to his cases and is well prepared. His cross-examination is detailed, and he understands difficult areas of law.

Kevin Toomey

John Hurlock

He is an extremely strong and confident advocate. He has a very tenacious defense intuition and has a knack for taking and winning excellent technical points to further his defense strategy. Brave and fearless.

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.

Alex Davidson

Alex is an incredibly bright and skillful lawyer and undoubtedly a future star of the bar. He is an engaging and knowledgeable advocate with the ability to take on the most complex and serious matters that belies his relatively junior call. He is able to spot novel arguments and find a way through even the most difficult cases.