Michelle Heeley KC
‘Michelle is an exceptional and responsive barrister. She always responds to queries quickly and comprehensively.’
No5 Barristers’ Chambers continues to be recognised as ‘a very efficient barristers’ chambers’, with its members appearing in a wide array of high-profile and complex criminal cases, including allegations of murder, terrorism, drug conspiracies, and serious sexual offences. Michael Duck KC recently secured convictions in a trial involving the fatal stabbing of a non-league footballer on a nightclub dance floor—two defendants were convicted of murder, while a third was found guilty of affray. Michelle Heeley KC, described as ’excellent with clients and advocacy’, successfully prosecuted a defendant in a case involving the homophobic murder of an elderly gay man; the offender received a life sentence with a minimum term of 25 years. John O’Higgins recently represented a man convicted of manslaughter after being accused of murder in a case involving the brutal assault of a vulnerable individual in his own home. Ian Bridge and Tim Pole remain go-to counsel for serious road traffic matters and are regularly instructed in cases involving fatal collisions and life-altering injuries.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Andrew Trotter can always be relied on to provide a response and keep up to date with the progress of a case or counsel's instructions. He goes above and beyond his duties.'
- 'Micky Powell and Andrew Trotter offer sterling service and are always available to take calls and emails and respond swiftly.'
- 'The clerks are friendly and approachable and very swift to respond. Andrew Trotter leads the set excellently.'
- 'The senior practice director, Andrew Trotter, is as good a criminal clerk who knows his job inside out. He knows the strengths and abilities of his barristers, and he works hard to ensure solicitors are never left disappointed with any aspect of the service delivered by the No5 criminal clerks team.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is an exceptional set, with a wealth of barristers with varying levels of experience in criminal matters.'
- 'No5 Barristers’ Chambers is the best criminal set in the circuit, with good criminal barristers at all levels.'
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.
Adrian Keeling KC
‘Adrian's eye for detail is second to none. He can grasp facts of cases with ease and presents complex legal issues in a clear and straightforward manner.’
Harpreet Sandhu KC
‘Harpreet is very thorough in his preparation and grasp of long, multi-handed complex cases. His advocacy puts the jury at ease, and he makes complex arguments very easy to understand.’
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.
John O’Higgins
‘John is very thorough in preparing cases for trial and is a persuasive advocate in court. His communication style with clients is exceptional and can make clients feel at ease even in the most stressful situation in court.’
Ian Bridge
Tim Pole
‘Tim is a very hard-working barrister who puts every ounce of effort into his cases.’
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.
