Lincoln House Chambers is ‘an excellent set’ with several strong barristers defending and prosecuting various criminal matters. Head of chambers Kate Blackwell KC is ’an outstanding advocate’, who practises exclusively in criminal defence, emphasising cases involving sexual offences charges. Simon Csoka KC is ‘an extremely persuasive advocate who achieves outstanding results’, and represented a Cayman Islands customs officer in a successful appeal against conviction for cocaine importation, her lawyer having made sexual advances towards her in the run-up to trial, and when they were rebuffed, underprepared for trial. Alexander Leach KC, ’a calm and composed advocate with a forensic eye for detail and a commanding presence in the courtroom’, recently prosecuted in a six-handed people trafficking case, centred on the smuggling of highly vulnerable migrants, including very young children, hidden in the rear of refrigerated lorries. In March 2025, Richard English KC was elevated to silk.

Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

'The senior clerks, David Wright and Andy McGuiness run a very well-organised set of chambers and always respond to emails and phone calls.'
'Andy McGuiness and David Wright are both excellent clerks. They are helpful and assist whenever possible.'

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.

Andrew Thomas KC

John Harrison KC

'John’s key strengths lie in his exceptional technical knowledge and ability to develop innovative legal strategies. His advocacy is calm, precise, and devastatingly effective.'

Brenda Campbell KC

'Brenda takes command of any courtroom. She is skilled at explaining complex issues to vulnerable clients in a straightforward and accessible way.'

Mark Ford KC

Abdul Iqbal KC

'Abdul is an exceptionally charming advocate with a wide range. He can be both measured and forceful, as occasion demands. He is a hugely impressive performer who is always completely at ease with his audience, whether judge or jury.'

2025 Silks

Richard English KC

'Richard is a strong advocate who has a keen eye for detail and is meticulous in his preparation.'

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.

Clare Ashcroft

‘Clare is an outstanding advocate. She is calm, compassionate and respectful in all aspects of her work.’

Gerard Doran

'Gerard is extremely experienced and has extensive legal knowledge. He handles the most serious of cases and is excellent in court.'

Rebecca Filletti

‘Rebecca’s energy and commitment to her clients and her case preparation is phenomenal. Her passionate belief in fair and proper process makes her a fearless advocate, and she presents carefully prepared, detailed and well-reasoned submissions to impressive effect.’

Martin Hackett

Richard Dawson

‘Richard is a formidable advocate in court, with oral submissions that are second to none, consistently leading to successful outcomes for his clients.’

Simon Gurney

‘Simon is an exceptional barrister. His written submissions are outstanding, making points concisely and persuasively, and his knowledge of the law is exceptional. He is an extremely persuasive advocate.’

Sarah Magill

‘Sarah is a formidable advocate. She is a real fighter who gives it her all for her clients. She has a remarkable ability to establish trust, offering them the confidence that their case is in the hands of an advocate who will fight relentlessly on their behalf.’

Anna Chestnutt

‘Anna is very organised and brilliant with her paperwork - she is an extremely responsive barrister who can always be relied upon for support throughout a difficult case. She is a very persuasive advocate.’

Brendan O’Leary

'Brendan is highly skilled in handling complex and sensitive matters. He has a fantastic knowledge of the law and can put clients and juries at ease with his personable and approachable manner.'

Marianne Alton

‘Marianne is excellent. She masters the details of the most difficult cases. Her analytical skills are second to none. Her preparation for cross-examination is thorough and devastating.’

Rachel Cooper

‘Rachel's legal arguments and knowledge of the law are her strengths.’

Matthew Howarth

Emma Kehoe

Ian McMeekin

Holly Nelson

'Holly delivers controlled, persuasive, focused advocacy. She can delve into the heart of the key issues in the case and draw the jury with her. She masters tricky points of law with ease and confidence.'

Kimberley Obrusik

‘Kimberley is energetic and always on top of her brief.’

Ellen Shaw

'Ellen provides clear guidance on case preparation and skilled handling of client conferences. When advising a client with additional needs, she has found the most effective ways to break down the issues in a case and present the client with a clear understanding of the issues and their choices.'

Isobel Thomas

Rachel White

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.

Graham Rishton

‘Graham is meticulous in his preparation, ensuring that no stone is left unturned. He is a strong advocate, and his cross-examination of witnesses is thorough.’

Anthony Horsfall

'Anthony is a level-headed barrister who offers robust advice to clients. He is personable and knows how to deliver in court.'