Crime

Red Lion Chambers

Red Lion Chambers is noted for its ‘have an incredible depth of counsel’, with members appearing for both the prosecution and the defence across the full spectrum of serious crime. Gillian Jones KC similarly acts in highly sophisticated crime mandates, including those pertaining to organised crime - she represented the first defendant on the indictment in a six-defendant case concerning the murder of a man outside a child's first birthday party - at issue were cell site evidence, as well as the admissibility of drill music lyrics performed by the defendant - Jennifer Dempster KC represented another defendant, who was acquitted at half-time. Paul Evans, distinguished as ‘polished and unflappable’ handles a rapport of cases that includes complex rape cases. Hugh French handles a broad spectrum of homicide and organised crime matters, having been active as lead counsel in the Operation Geology case involving an organised crime gang’s importation of drugs through Portsmouth.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Red Lion are a great chambers, the clerks (Lee Young in particular) are incredibly helpful and accommodating. '
'Red Lion are a top tier set. They have an incredible depth of counsel in fraud and general crime.'
'Leading criminal set in the country.'
'Having worked with many chambers over the years, Red Lion has always been the best - they have a great selection of talented, hard working barristers, all of which I trust to get the job done to the best of their exceptional abilities.'
'RLC is packed full of hardworking, kind, friendly barristers who are excellent advocates and strategists.'
'Good set - that attracts good counsel'

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.

1

Gillian Jones KC

1

Riel Karmy-Jones KC

Riel is gifted, fearless and nothing short of brilliant. Put simply she is a class act. A pleasure to watch with a calming influence and a devastating style.'

2

Jennifer Dempster KC

Jenni is a research fiend. Her analytical skills are second to none.’

2

David Etherington KC

2

Christopher Paxton KC

3

Jeremy Benson KC

'Jeremy is a knowledgeable and well-respected Silk, able to turn his hand to any kind of serious criminal work.'

3

Tom Forster KC

3

Michelle Nelson KC

4

Kate Bex KC

‘A superb barrister at the very top of her game. Her closing speeches are phenomenal, and her work ethic is unmatched at the bar.’

4

Michael Goodwin KC

‘Michael is an extremely able advocate. His preparation and presentation is exceptional.'

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.

1

Ian McLoughlin KC

2024 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.

1

Tom Payne KC

‘Tom has a masterful grasp of the details of a vast case, and has a sound sense of what is important and what is not, which inspires confidence in judges, opponents, and, mostly likely, juries; he picks his battles extremely well, and pursues those aspects which are important with determination whilst not taking up time with points that are less important.’

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.