5 Essex Chambers

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

• 'The clerks are always incredibly helpful and go out of their way to help resolve issues. Mark Waller and James Cole are extremely good'
• 'Of all the chambers practicing defendant police law, the service provided by the clerks is without question the best. They are head and shoulders above other sets. The clerks have a real understanding of this area of law and what is required from their members. They make time to get to know those who instruct them and to understand personalities and which counsel would be best suited to the particular solicitor and the case they are working on.'
• 'Mark Waller runs a tight ship, he knows and understands all the police forces and their requirements inside out. He is an exceptional clerk, extremely approachable, very knowledgeable about this area of law and understands his instructing solicitors and their needs. He encapsulates what a senior clerk should be.'
• 'Dan Waple is an excellent clerk. Always a pleasure to talk to and will go the extra mile to ensure that the service from chambers is as good as it can possibly be.'
• 'The clerks are the very best I encounter in the course of my practice. They are always quick to respond and clearly go out of their way to try and help you. I always find Dan Waple, James Cole, Ethan Barnett and Harry Cassar to be particularly helpful, but they are all great.'
• '5 Essex Court chambers remain the leading defendant police law set. Their KC's and senior juniors are leaders in this field.'

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

Jason Beer KC

‘Jason is a powerful orator with a superb legal mind and the ability to persuade the court to do what he wants. The stand-out silk in his fields.’

2

Fiona Barton KC

‘Fiona's legal acumen is matched only by her strategic insight, persuasive advocacy and unwavering professionalism. In court, she is articulate, composed and grounded.’

2

Anne Studd KC

2

Francesca Whitelaw KC

‘Francesca is a composed and persuasive advocate who’s fully across the detail but never loses sight of what really counts.’

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

Charlotte Ventham KC

‘Charlotte is one of the best, if not the best courtroom advocates in police law. Her cross-examination of witnesses is a masterclass, and her in depth knowledge and understanding of police law is second to none. You always want her on your 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.

1

Beatrice Collier

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

1

Georgina Wolfe

2

Robert Cohen

‘Robert’s advocacy is polished, concise and persuasive.’

2

Jonathan Dixey

‘Jonathan has excellent tactical awareness and impeccable judgment. His diligence, calm, and ability to read a tribunal make him a highly persuasive advocate. He has an extensive knowledge of the theory and practice of police law and the experience and ability to handle the most complex and sensitive cases.’

2

Russell Fortt

‘Russell is a formidable barrister, robust in advocacy, unflinching under pressure. He is unfettered by obstacles and steadfast in his purpose to securing the best possible outcome for the client.’

2

John Goss

'John is an exceptional legal analyst and persuasive advocate in this specialist area.'

2

Robert Talalay

Robert's preparation is always impeccable. His confidence in court is second to none. He is a formidable and tactically astute advocate.’

3

Olivia Checa-Dover

Olivia’s advocacy is second to none. She has mastered the art of advocacy; commanding the entire courtroom’s attention with ease and finesse. She persuades even the most staunch of judges. Olivia is unrivalled as an expert in police law.’

3

Amy Clarke

‘Amy is utterly professional and competent. She is always at the top of her game.’

3

Cicely Hayward

‘Cecily represents the best of her trade. She is personal, professional and committed to the proper course of justice.’ 

3

Peter Laverack

‘Peter is extremely capable, both on his feet and on paper.’

3

Aaron Moss

‘Aaron is seriously sharp and very bright; he possesses excellent judgement and foresight. He is unflappable, and his calm and considered approach means he is the go-to choice for matters which are particularly complex or high risk.’

3

Claire Palmer

3

Sarah Taylor

‘Sarah has particular attention to detail, both when reviewing the evidence and advancing her legal arguments.’

3

Mark Thomas

‘Mark brings very thorough case preparation, and he is a calm and incisive advocate.’

3

Andrew Waters

‘Andrew is well-prepared and an excellent advocate.’

3

John-Paul Waite

'John deals with all matters patiently and competently, offering solutions to novel issues that arise.'

3

Jennifer Wright

‘Jennifer has built a broad practice in work for police forces across a range of legal areas. She brings to bear in her advocacy an excellence in legal and factual analysis which is well beyond her years of call.’

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.

1

Conor Monighan

‘Conor is very robust in his advocacy, and that, combined with his vast knowledge of the law and eagerness, often means he gets results where others may not.’