187 Chambers is ‘a great set of chambers that offers a good quality of counsel at all levels’ and advises on the full range of high-profile and large-scale criminal law matters. Richard Christie KC is ’an exceptional advocate who leaves no stone unturned in the pursuit of his client’s interests’ - he successfully represented an extremely mentally disabled child defendant in an appeal against sentence for attempted murder, in one of the first cases relying on expert evidence to categorise a case's harm level in the sentencing guidelines. Matthew Bagnall is often described as ‘an outstanding barrister’ with a brilliant legal mind and knowledge of the law’ and acted for the HMRC in the prosecution of a tobacco smuggling ring which imported over 6.5m cigarettes illegally. Donal Lawler provides ’sound advice and thinks quickly on his feet’ and acted for the defendant charged with a series of robberies and knife-point attacks on commuters in a case involving significant evidential issues related to the mental health of the defendant, joint enterprise and intention. James Onalaja has ‘strong advocacy and analytical skills’ and prosecuted Jelani Jones, a self-representing defendant who was convicted of malicious communications and witness intimidation after sending threats to police officers, solicitors and local business - Onalaja also continued in the case, representing the CPS in an appeal against sentence concerning the sentencing court's discretion to consider time spent on remand awaiting trial for other charges.
Legal 500 Editorial commentary
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Testimonials
Collated independently by Legal 500 research team.
- 'The clerking team is brilliant. In particular, Theresa Tyler and Stephanie Shaylor.'
- 'John Pyne and Theresa Tyler - two of the best out there. They are always available on the end of a phone and with powers to arrange court hearings and counsel are incredible.'
- 'John Pyne is amazing.'
- '187 Chambers is a strong and reliable set of chambers. The clerking team is always available to assist.'
- '187 Chambers have some fantastic barristers. The senior barristers have a wealth of experience and knowledge required for cases and often obtain exceptional results.'
- '187 Chambers have an unenviable reputation, and barristers are second to none. From the KCs to the pupils, they are all highly skilled.'
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.
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.
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.