No5 Barristers’ Chambers remains ‘a powerhouse of a set’ with strength in depth in terms of criminal barristers. Michael Duck KC, ‘equally strong when defending and prosecuting’, has particular expertise in cases involving organised crime  – he recently represented an 18-year-old man co-accused of the torture and murder of a drug addict over £300 of missing money who ultimately received a minimum of 28 years in prison. Michelle Heeley KC, current leader of the Midlands Circuit, regularly prosecutes and defends in the most serious and high-profile of cases – she prosecuted a 26-year-old engineering student convicted of preparing acts of terrorism, namely building and planning to deliver a drone to Islamic State, as well as researching chemical weapons and explosives. John O’Higgins, ’a senior junior of the highest calibre’ noted particularly for his powerful advocacy, handles murder, terrorism, and sexual offences cases. Ian Bridge is well-known for defending in the most challenging and serious road traffic cases, including death by dangerous driving.
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Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Andrew Trotter is an institution. His client care is second to none.'
  • 'Chris Norman is a stand out clerk.'
  • 'The service provided by No5 Chambers is second to none. Andrew Trotter has propelled No5 to such a high standard.'
  • 'No5 is a set of chambers that recruits only the very best in their particular field. The senior clerks are easy to approach and they will almost inevitably always secure your first choice of counsel.'
  • 'No5 Chambers is a strong powerhouse of a set and has a good selection of counsel at most levels in this area.'
  • 'A wonderful set populated by highly talented practitioners.'

Lawyers

2023 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
Philip Rule KC
‘Philip is an incredibly hardworking barrister. His written and oral advocacy is always clear and effective. In particular, his written advocacy never fails to be comprehensive and to take every point which has a reasonable prospect of being argued. Philip is able to distil really complex legal issues to be directly relevant to the facts of an individual case.'

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
Chloe Ashley
‘Chloe is an outstanding junior barrister. She is hard-working, tenacious and has excellent judgement.’
1
Lachlan Stewart