South Eastern Circuit
The 36 Group is increasingly establishing its reputation as a port of call for criminal matters, owing to its ‘superb range of barristers at all levels’. Mary Prior KC is noted as ’a top class advocate and turns her hand to anything with exceptional skill’, and is highly sought after for matters with a strong psychological component, and played a leading role in a case regarding a murder by an undiagnosed schizophrenic. Sally Hobson is ‘very strong on client care and extremely jury friendly either when prosecuting or defending’, and includes manslaughter, murder and thefts among her recent caseload. Diana Wilson is ’a concise and persuasive advocate who is able to cut straight to the heart of the matter’; she appeared in BDN v R, a Court of Appeal case concerning if the offence of expressing support for proscribed organisations (in this case, Hamas), is compliant with Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Work Department
36 Crime
Position
Diana primarily practices in the areas of serious, and organised crime and cases involving complex or novel legal issues. She is particularly noted for her attention to detail when preparing large multi-handed cases and for her calm and focused approach under pressure. She is often instructed in cases involving complex or novel human rights arguments.
Her years working internationally have given her an exceptional ability to handle voluminous and complex cases and advise at an early stage in relation to lengthy investigations.
When defending she is particularly noted for her forensic pursuit of relevant disclosure. She also has a particular interest in cases involving complex technical and/or telephone evidence.
Diana is an experienced advocate who varies her style as the case requires; from being described by one of her opponents as having a calm, measured and fair approach when prosecuting, to being described by one of her instructing solicitors when defending as ‘a bulldog’, to being sensitive and nuanced when advising the most vulnerable of clients or examining young witnesses.
Career
Call: 2001.
Areas of experience:
Serious & Complex Crime
Serious Sexual Offences
Cybercrime
Criminal Judicial Review
Human Rights
International
Homicide
Financial Crime
Languages
Speaks French
Memberships
Fraud Lawyers Association
Women in Criminal Law
Criminal Bar Association
International Bar Association
Education
MA Hons (Law, Cantab), PGD in Law (City University)
Content supplied by The 36 Group
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerks’ room operates with professionalism, efficiency, and a genuine commitment to client care.'
- 'The clerking is wonderful. They are attentive, helpful and pragmatic.'
- 'Clerks are incredibly responsive.'
- 'The clerks are amazing.'
- 'A well established and influential set.'
- 'The set as a whole is outstanding in this area. There is considerable strength-in-depth.'
- 'An excellent set.'
- 'The 36 Group has a superb range of barristers at all levels.'