QEB Hollis Whiteman has 'very impressive strength in depth of counsel in the financial crime area'. Members of the set routinely act for national and international clients in complex fraud and financial crime matters. Sean Larkin KC 'brings charisma, confidence and eloquence in equal measure' and regularly assists companies and individuals, including company directors, with fraud issues. Among the juniors, Jennifer Newcomb is 'a spectacular barrister with an incisive legal brain', and is adept at handling cases involving allegations of VAT fraud, money laundering, abuse of position and conspiracy to defraud. In recent developments at the set, Jonathan Polnay KC and Allison Clare KC joined the team in November 2024 and February 2025 respectively.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Chris Emmings is a star.'
- 'Chris Emmings is approachable and sensible with vast experience.'
- 'Chris Emmings and Faye Stimpson are excellent.'
- 'The clerks provide an outstanding service to their clients.'
- 'QEB Hollis Whiteman remains one of the go-to sets for financial crime.'
- 'A set with many great barristers in criminal fraud.'
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.
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.
Jonathan Polnay KC
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.
Rachna Gokani
‘Her advocacy is focused and smart. She is absolutely not to be underestimated.'
Senghin Kong
Jennifer Newcomb
‘Jennifer is excellent, her advocacy is persuasive and engaging, and her dedication to her work is obvious to all.’
Rising stars
Rising stars at the Bar are defined as barristers between four and eight years’ call who are seen as up-and-coming members of the Bar in their respective practice areas by clients and peers alike. They will already be instructed in high-profile, complex, and high-value contentious and non-contentious matters, working with and opposite more experienced leading counsel.
Tom Phillips
'An eloquent and smooth advocate.'