George Carter-Stephenson KC
‘George is a total master of the detail and cross examines with skill and ease.'
25 Bedford Row is ‘a really impressive chambers featuring a vast array of talent’. The set focuses solely on defence work, and the team is sought after for its strength in representing organisations and individuals in a wide range of highly sensitive and complex fraud matters. Nicola Howard KC‘s ’trial advocacy is impeccable‘, and Simon Pentol KC’s workload includes advising on VAT and investment fraud cases. Among the juniors, Duncan Jones is ‘an outstanding strategist’ and has an excellent reputation for being ‘one of the best juniors at the Bar for criminal fraud work’. James Martin joined the team in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Alfie Lee is a fantastic clerk.'
- 'Alfie Lee leads a fine clerking team.'
- 'Charlie Gardner and Chris Jones are terrific.'
- 'The clerking team at 25 Bedford Row are second to none.'
- 'A solid and reliable set of chambers in criminal defence work.'
- 'It offers an array of talented, reputable, and hard working defence practitioners.'
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.
Nicola Howard KC
‘Nicola's confident, pragmatic style is a favourite of clients and judges alike.’
Simon Pentol KC
‘His commitment to his cases is commendable, as is his fearless representation of his clients.’
Nigel Sangster KC
‘Nigel is a true class act. Juries love him and his advocacy is intelligent and relatable.’
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.
Dermot Keating KC
‘Dermot is an impressive silk. He is a firm and calm tiller on the ship in even the choppiest of waters.'
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.
Duncan Jones
‘Duncan is a total star. A brilliant legal mind with the skills on his feet to match.’
Sonal Dashani
‘Sonal’s tenacity and diligence make her stand out. She commands the attention of judges and juries alike.’
Samantha Riggs
‘Samantha is a thorough and detailed advocate who leaves no stone unturned, and has a very calm manner in court.'
Michael Gomulka
‘Michael is an extremely bright, eloquent individual who exudes confidence in his advocacy.’
Alex Jamieson
‘Alex consistently demonstrates outstanding legal acumen. He is calm, composed and sharp in both cross examination and legal submissions.’
Osman Osman
‘A very engaging and charismatic jury advocate who makes good strategic decisions.’
Ben Summers
'Ben is a calm and commanding advocate with a fine eye for detail.'
Ben Smitten
‘Ben has a ferocious work-rate. Clients love that he never shies away from a fight.’
Matthew Radstone
is hard-working, charming and diligent.'
Colin Wells
‘Colin has excellent attention to detail and is great with clients.’