Brian Altman KC
'Brian is in a league of his own. He combines formidable analytical skills with a sharp tactical ability and first rate jury advocacy.'
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
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.
Jim Sturman KC
‘Jim has exceptional tactical awareness. He is, bar none, the best criminal silk in the country.’
Christine Agnew KC
‘A highly classy advocate with a brilliantly humanising approach. Tenacious and authoritative but never loses sight of the common sense way through a problem.'
Tracy Ayling KC
'Very thorough preparation. Persuasive, well argued advocacy in complex situations.'
Kieran Vaughan KC
Anand Beharrylal KC
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
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.
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.
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
Nick Barraclough
Sean Hammond
Ashley Patrick Hendron
Ashraf Khan
David Patience
Alastair Smith
‘Hugely talented and able to deal with difficult clients and keep them calm. A fiery advocate on his feet'
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.’
Hanna Llewellyn-Waters
Andrew McGee
Rhys Rosser
Lucy Sweetland
Kevin Toomey
Kevin Toomey
Natalie Bird
‘Natalie is always incredibly well-prepared and hardworking. Her written work is exceptional and she is the most eloquent advocate in court.’
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.’
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.