Nicholas Johnson KC
‘Nicholas is one of the most able and hard working silks on circuit. His preparation and presentation of cases is exemplary, he is excellent with clients, both lay and professional, and highly respected by the judiciary.'
At 7 Harrington Street, the criminal law members are frequently sought after to prosecute and defend in a range of complex and high-profile cases. Nicholas Johnson KC has notable expertise in criminal case involving medical elements; he lead the prosecution of Lucy Letby, a former neonatal nurse who was convicted of the murder and attempted murder of numerous babies while working at the Countess of Chester Hospital, receiving a whole-life tariff. Richard Pratt KC is another key silk in the team who has handled various murder and serious fraud cases, and Nigel Power KC is representing one of the defendants in Operation Tradite, one of the longest running serious drug importation cases in the UK. Andrew Ford KC is highly experienced in serious gang-related cases. Defence practitioner Jonathan Duffy has expertise in handling cases involving charges of murder, rape, and fraud.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Rachel Kehoe is very professional and easy to deal with.'
- 'Members receive a first-rate service, and Rachel Kehoe and Chris Peek are most helpful. John Kilgallon, the senior clerk, is in a class of his own.'
- 'Rachel Kehoe is the most fantastic clerk. She’s so dedicated to her position, works so hard for her set, and deserves recognition. Rachel is always available and willing to help, she will always listen to solicitors needs, and does everything she can to assist. She’s also a wonderful person and her communication skills are second-to-none.'
- 'Outstanding. The two senior clerks, John Kilgallon and Racheal Kehoe, run a tight, highly efficient clerk's room.'
- 'John Kilgallon is the best clerk in England.'
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.
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.
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.
Philip Astbury
Jonathan Duffy
‘Jonathan has the enviable ability to be able to construct any argument on his feet. He is very composed before the judges, he is very intelligent and exceptionally calm, and he has a persuasive manner about him that brings real confidence to the client.'
Alaric Walmsley
'Alaric is a measured yet forthright advocate with great written and oral advocacy skills. He is extremely hard working and dedicated, as well as personable, and he will leave no stone unturned.'
Katy Appleton
'Katy combines a calm determination to win every case with an outstanding work ethic. She is an intelligent lawyer and a fearsome cross-examiner.'
Jamie Baxter
'Jamie boasts meticulous preparation in advance which lends itself to his eloquent and confident performance in court. He has developed a practice well beyond what might normally be expected for someone of his call, and he is a go-to choice of junior in murder 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.