Red Lion Chambers, well-regarded for its strong defence and prosecution work, is home to capable barristers across all levels of experience, including several standout silks. Christopher Paxton KC is ‘a tenacious practitioner who argues his client’s case with conviction’ and is highly sought after for his impressive track record in cases involving homicide and serious sexual offences. Simon Spence KC acted as lead counsel for one of the defendants in a county lines-related murder trial, which centred on an attempted robbery that took place in the deceased’s flat. Andrew Thompson is admired for his ’great case preparation and analysis’ and is currently representing a man accused of murdering his wife by repeatedly stabbing her in the chest before allegedly throwing her from a high-rise building. Jane Oldfield, noted for her ‘indefatigable attention to detail’, served as junior counsel in a case involving the murder of a two-year-old child who had been brutally beaten.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
Mentions
Profile
Position
Chris is cited in both the Legal 500 and Chambers UK directories. He is a highly regarded criminal advocate who both defends and prosecutes. He provides leadership when leading large teams, brings strategic oversight to complex issues and is a highly persuasive advocate. His client care is excellent, and he has an approachable manner, instilling his clients with confidence in even the most challenging situations.
His work covers a broad range of disciplines. He has extensive experience in Murder & Manslaughter, Fraud, Serious & Organised crime, serious Sexual Offences, road transport and regulatory work, and has appeared in a wide range of courts and tribunals. Many of his cases have involved very young and vulnerable witnesses, and he has represented many young and vulnerable clients. He has experience of prosecuting cases for the CPS (including the Complex Case Unit), DVSA, GMC and local authorities.
Chris defends both private individuals and companies and has particular expertise in the road transport and regulatory field; he works throughout the England and Wales both in courts, tribunals and in an advisory capacity. He has also advised in a broad range of cases including IPCC submissions as well as utilising his forensic skills to assist in civil litigation.
Career
Year of call: 1991
Inn: Grays
Year made KC: 2019
Head of Red Lion Chambers' Chelmsford Annexe
CPS Grade 4 (highest grade) and RASSO panel
Memberships
EDSM Retention Panel member
Criminal Bar Association
Essex Bar Mess
South Eastern Circuit
Gray’s Inn
Education
Cardiff University LLB (Hons)
Content supplied by Red Lion Chambers
Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'Red Lion Chambers is well known for its expertise in criminal law and has exceptionally talented advocates.'
- 'Red Lion Chambers is a very good set with extremely able counsel.'
- 'Red Lion Chambers' depth in strength is superb.'