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
Mentions
Profile
Position
Instructed in all types of serious criminal cases, including murder, sexual offences, large scale drug importations, asset forfeiture and confiscation and white-collar fraud. He is increasingly instructed as a leading junior. Regularly chosen to represent the most serious criminals. Instructed in R v Gunn, a case involving the corruption of police officers within the Nottingham Constabulary by a man said by the Crown to be one of the country’s most dangerous criminals. In R v Reed, he successfully defended a family accused of having a shoot out with a rival family through the streets of Coventry. He has appeared as a junior in numerous high-profile gang murders, as well as cases of ‘baby shaking’. He has been involved in a number of large confiscation and forfeiture hearings. Acted as the junior in R v Carmona (the guideline case on recommendations for deportation) which involved significant arguments on European Law and regulations. Recent cases of note include junior in R v AI-Issa, the first ever Film Tax Credit and VAT fraud prosecution; R v Patel, multi-million pound pan-European carbon credit trading fraud; R v McDonald, defendant acquitted of the murder of his ex-partner by strangulation; and R v McLean, large-scale mortgage and money laundering case resulting in the acquittal of the defendant. Significant private client practice in road traffic cases, representing a number of high-profile clients. Direct access barrister. Contact [email protected] via email or on 020 7440 8888. For further information visit www.2bedfordrow.co.uk.
Career
Called 1999; Middle Temple. 2014, called to the Bar of Northern Ireland.
Languages
French.
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association; South Eastern Circuit.
Education
Berkhamstead School; University of Hull (BA Hons History); City University (PGDL); Inns of Court School of Law (BVC).
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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.'
- 'Chambers are very good and communicative. They arrange appropriate cover and ensure that any barrister covering a hearing for instructed counsel is suitably qualified.'
- '2BR is one of our first choice sets for this area of work. The barristers are first-rate, the clerking, billing, management and support all works extremely well. You know your expectations will be met. '