New Park Court Chambers is a ‘well-regarded set, with strength in depth throughout the criminal team’, handling both high-profile prosecution and defence work. Robert Smith KC prosecuted in the trial of a defendant extradited from Pakistan, who was convicted of masterminding the 2005 robbery that resulted in the murder of PC Sharon Beshenivsky. ’An exceptional barrister’, Nicholas Lumley KC is regarded as ‘the best choice of barrister for vulnerable or technical cases’, and defended a schoolboy charged with the murder of another pupil, an incident that occurred in front of dozens of children and staff at a city school. Adam Birkby successfully prosecuted a woman who was sentenced to three years for failing to disclose her teenage son’s Islamic fundamentalist-inspired suicide bomb plot. The team was bolstered at the senior end following Geraldine Kelly KC’s elevation to silk in March 2025.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Teresa Pugh is always helpful.'
- 'The clerks are personable and quick to respond to urgent requests.'
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.
Nicholas Lumley KC
‘Nicholas is an exceptional advocate who takes the most challenging cases in his stride. His calm, confident manner appeals to judges and juries. His approach to vulnerable clients instils confidence, and he supports them through the court process.’
Robert Smith KC
Paul Greaney KC
‘Paul is a brilliant man with formidable intelligence and an approach to advocacy. He is thorough, engaging, skilled, and efficient. He is humble and personable on a professional level.’
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.
2025 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.
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.
Eleanor Fry
‘Eleanor is a highly accomplished junior. She knows her case inside out and can see points that others have not. Her advocacy is both focused and persuasive.’
Helen Chapman
Chloe Hudson
‘Chloe is incredibly hard-working and efficient and has good insight into the issues.’
Adam Birkby
‘Adam is highly able and extremely diligent.’
Claire Anderson
'Claire is an excellent barrister. She is brilliant with lay clients, and her forthright, honest approach is a real strength. Her approach in court allows her to maintain a very positive yet professional rapport with colleagues and the judiciary. She is focused, immaculately prepared and highly persuasive.'
Matthew Donkin
'Matthew prepares, researches and presents his cases meticulously. He can get to grips with complex evidence and is comfortable advocating before tribunals at the highest level. His cross-examination is robust and thorough. He presents cases fairly and with integrity.'
Lee Fish
Richard Holland
'Richard is extremely thorough and tenacious and pays close attention to detail. His preparation is first-class, and has a strong command of his brief.'
Susannah Proctor
'Susannah is brilliant. As a trial advocate, she has a calming, personable and highly persuasive approach. She is always meticulous in her preparation.'
Jessica Slaughter
'Jessica is very competent, hardworking and well-prepared. Her documents are well-researched, legally sound and timely.'