23ES is widely regarded as ‘an excellent set, with a range of advocates who communicate well in the preparation and trial stages of a case’. Eloise Marshall KC possesses ’great clarity and tenacity’ and acted for the defendant in a murder trial involving allegations of a planned killing of a restaurant employee. ‘An exceptional trial advocate who is top of her game’, Kate Lumsdon KC represented a defendant in a violent revenge attack between drug dealers stemming from an unpaid debt. Alan Gardner KC, ’a well prepared and calm advocate with a quiet approach’, successfully prosecuted in a murder trial involving the fatal stabbing of the victim at a party, resulting in a conviction.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary

Testimonials

Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.

  • 'Wayne King is extremely experienced but also friendly and down to earth. He runs a tight ship.'
  • 'Adam Chapman is the first port of call. He is very responsive, reasonable, and helpful.'
  • 'The clerks are excellent. Adam Chapman and Wayne King are two of the best clerks in the game.'
  • 'Wayne King and his team can assist, especially at the very last minute and go the extra mile to find someone.'
  • '23ES has great strength and depth with high-quality advocates across the board.'
  • '23ES has an excellent spread of talented barristers across the full range of criminal work.' 

Lawyers

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.