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
Jane is currently ranked as a leading junior for her expertise in Crime and Regulatory & Professional Disciplinary matters.
She has built a strong all-round criminal practice. As well as accepting instructions from a number of highly respected defence firms, Jane is a CPS Panel Advocate (Grade 4) and has also prosecuted on behalf of various public and private bodies, including the Health and Safety Executive, RSPCA, the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, and local authorities. Her practice embraces the entire range of criminal conduct. She is an extremely experienced jury advocate, and has appeared before the appellate courts on numerous occasions.
She is a persuasive advocate and an adept technical lawyer with the organisational and communication skills necessary for varied and complicated cases.
As a prosecutor, Jane is fair but robust, and works well as part of a team. As a defender she is tenacious and committed, and takes very seriously the trust reposed in her by her clients. Her commitment to detailed case analysis, combined with her intellect and friendly manner, have enabled her to build a successful and diverse practice as a criminal and regulatory barrister. She is expert at witness handling, both in examination-in-chief and cross-examination, and has a style which adapts easily to the various different forums in which she appears.
Career
Year of call: 2004
Inn: Middle Temple
CPS Panel Advocate (Grade 4) (2018)
CPS Panel Advocate (RASSO) (2015)
SFO Counsel Panel List (2013)
GMC List of Counsel (2013)
Health & Safety Executive (HSE), Office of the Rail Regulator (ORR) & Environment Agency Regulatory (List C) (2012)
Pupil Supervisor
Joint Head of Chambers Education and Training Committee
Languages
Spanish (conversational), French (conversational)
Memberships
South Eastern Circuit
ARDL
HSLA
CBA
Education
BVC, City University: Very Competent
GDL (CPE), City University: Commendation
BA (Hons) Modern Languages, Oxford University: 2:1
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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.'