Doughty Street Chambers is 'a reliable, dependable set, full of bright and driven barristers', with a solid track record in handling large-scale, often cross-border, fraud cases. Richard Thomas KC garners praise for being 'a pre-eminent fraud barrister', and Benjamin Newton KC brings extensive experience in advising on complex money laundering and conspiracy to defraud matters. Philippa Eastwood is well versed in representing corporates and individuals in cases involving alleged money laundering. In a boost to the senior end of chambers, Peter Caldwell KC took silk in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Profile
Work Department
Position
Philippa is an established criminal defence advocate, regularly instructed in complex and significant cases. She is listed in both the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for her expertise. In representing those accused in diverse cases from murder to drug conspiracies and cheating the public revenue, she has built a reputation for meticulous case preparation, strategic thinking, and determined and incisive defending.
Philippa has particular expertise in financial crime and in Proceeds of Crime Act 2002 cases, including the restraint, recovery, forfeiture or confiscation of assets. She has conducted substantial and high-profile cases of fraud, money laundering and bribery and is ranked in the Legal 500 and Chambers & Partners for her specialism in fraud. She has gained recognition for her strength in marshalling and managing voluminous material, exacting case preparation, and intelligent and pithy advocacy. She has experience in representing both individual and corporate defendants. She is a sought-after advocate in POCA Appellate work and has acted as independent counsel for the SFO, considering material for the determination of Legal Professional Privilege.
Career
Year of Call: 2003
Languages
French.
Memberships
Criminal Bar Association
South Eastern Circuit
Bar Human Rights Committee
Fraud Lawyers' Association
The League for Penal Reform
Liberty
Education
Atlantic College (international Baccalaureate); Oxford University (BA, philosophy politics and economics, first class); King’s College London (LLM, environmental law and human rights, distinction).
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Matt Butchard is a really excellent clerk.'
- 'Chloe Cousins is very efficient.'
- 'Chloe Cousins' strategic insight and responsiveness has proven invaluable.'
- 'The clerks' room operates with exemplary efficiency and professionalism. The senior clerks demonstrate an exceptional understanding of the particular demands of fraud cases.'
- 'Doughty Street maintains an enviable reputation in fraud work, with a depth of expertise that ensures appropriate counsel is available for matters of all complexities.'
- 'A standout set in this field.'
- 'A very strong set with real breadth and depth.'
- 'Doughty Street Chambers is a phenomenal set.'