5 Essex Chambers is ‘a great set for inquests’, however the team is also equally strong in acting as counsel in high-profile public inquiries. Jason Beer KC‘s workload includes acting for Counter Terrorism Policing South East in the inquiry into the death of Dawn Sturgess, who died from novichok poisoning in July 2018, as well as appearing in the ongoing Covid-19 and Thirlwall Inquiries. Fiona Barton KC is ’an accomplished tactician‘ and ’incredibly client friendly‘. Among the juniors, Georgina Wolfe is ’a real expert who wears her superb intellect lightly‘. John Goss is acting for the Royal Military Police in the Independent Inquiry relating to Afghanistan. In a boost to chambers, Bilal Rawat KC took silk in March 2025, and Saara Idelbi left the set in August 2025.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'Mark Waller is proactive.'
'They are all incredibly responsive - if you need something urgently you get it.'

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.

Fiona Barton KC

Fiona's reputation precedes her. Her legal acumen is matched only by her strategic insight, persuasive advocacy and unwavering professionalism.'

Jason Beer KC

2025 Silks

Bilal Rawat KC

‘Bilal is passionate, intelligent and an excellent team leader. He is extremely hard working, strategic, smart and brings energy to any team.’

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.

Alison Hewitt

‘Alison is absolutely superb.'

Emma Price

‘Emma is a first rate barrister in every respect. Her advocacy skills are excellent.’

Georgina Wolfe

'She is able to handle the most demanding cases in this area. She sees through a case quickly and communicates strengths and weakness with equal measures of tact and clarity.'

Jonathan Dixey

‘Jonathan has excellent tactical awareness and impeccable judgement.’

Aaron Moss

‘Aaron's broad experience means he is able to quickly identify and assess the key issues and sort the wheat from the chaff.’

Claire Palmer

‘She is tenacious - she knows the point she wishes to elicit from a witness and does so masterfully yet gracefully.’

Beatrice Collier

‘Beatrice is a hard-working and highly knowledgeable barrister with excellent advocacy skills.’

Cicely Hayward

‘She works exceptionally well as part of a team, bringing a personable approach and a sharp awareness of the key issues.'

Barnabas Branston

‘He is a calm presence in court, and brings a measured, reassuring approach to navigating inquest proceedings.’

Amy Clarke

‘Amy is an absolute star. She has an engaging style of advocacy.’

Robert Cohen

His advocacy is polished, concise and persuasive.’

Robert Harland

John Goss

He is extremely knowledgeable, thorough and forensic. In making his submissions, he has the gravitas and authority of a silk.’

Mark Thomas

Mark is a very thorough, calm and incisive advocate.'

Alex Ustych

‘Alex’s advice is pragmatic and straightforward.'

Peter Taheri

‘A calm and eloquent advocate, who is also very knowledgeable .’

Catriona Hodge

Catriona provides very detailed and clear advice. She is incredibly charming and pleasant to work with.'

Jonathan Landau

‘Very knowledgeable about inquest law. Well prepared and thoughtful.’

Alice Meredith

Alice is first rate - highly intelligent with an eye for detail and charming 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.